This past year has been really busy for me and my husband in many different ways. We now have two children and our baby is turning into a very active toddler. The preschooler/toddler combination along with my husband’s sometimes 12 hour days, has left my head spinning in so many different directions it’s hard to keep the endurance at times. As a SAHM for now three years, I have been through busy times before. After a while I do seem to land on my feet and grow a bit stronger from all life throws my way, but still, how do you recharge amidst the waves?
This time of year is really busy for my husband so recently I’ve been alone full-time with my daughters. Though we both realize we are in a storm of busy-ness at the moment, it doesn’t make the days any shorter or less exhausting for both of us. The past few weeks I’ve found my energy reserves really low and generally am just feeling worn out. Instead of focusing on what is not great at present, I am trying to recharge the best I can and hang in there until we get to calmer waters.
1. trying to workout more...naptimes and jogging with the girls in the double jogger. As it begins to cool down I am getting back to jogging in the mornings and pilates videos to keep my energy up.
2. cutting myself some slack. on meals, activities and general perfectionism, I’ve learned to let got of some of my inner perfectionist and realize that sometimes good enough is good.
3. getting out of town on the weekends for simple trips to nearby spots, even day trips for a change of scenery and time for reflection. This summer I’ve tried to plan as many small, inexpensive trips as we can just to break up the rigor of our current schedule.
4. watching silly comedy and all things HGTV. I like to throw on Friends, Knocked Up or HGTV and just not think, unwind and sometimes even laugh.
5. blogging, etsying or photo editing (generally rocking out on my computer). I like to steal a few nights a week to just be alone and pursue hobbies. My husband and I are both introverts so we understand our need to recharge with some alone time now and then.
6. reading. I like to read uplifting books and reflective books. I just got done with One Thousand Gifts and now I’m on to Love Does. I find inspiration in reading different perspectives of life.
7. cooking. I find a lot of peace in preparing nice family meals so I try to get the kids involved and go the extra mile with harder recipes a few times a week.
8. praying. Praying is a good meditative practice for me and helps me focus my days and keep positive.
9. having fun with the girls. This is a no-brainer but I try to take them to special events or put together special get-togethers with friends and family which keeps us all happy and looking forward to something during the week.
10. tackling a new project. I like to pick something, usually a home DIY or craft. Sometimes I choose one that is kid friendly or I’ll just start working on some area of our house I’ve been meaning to get to.
How do you recharge amidst the really busy times?
guest
I’ve been there on the long days, but right now I only have my one year old boy, so you’re kind of my hero. I have definitely struggled with getting time to recharge since becoming a mom. Especially since I feel like I see my husband so little, I feel guilty taking time for myself when he is home. But we just had a discussion recently about how I need to take an hour or so to myself in the evenings. I’m also trying to get out for a walk every day with my son and my dog. They love it and I love listening to podcasts during that time. I just read Love Does. Have you read anything by Shauna Niequist? I love her book Bittersweet!
blogger / clementine / 998 posts
you. are. supermom. seriously. i already know all too well that being a sahm is the most exhausting, sanity-draining job you can have and there is zero downtime in your own house – but to have a spouse that works 12 hour shifts is so hard. my husband is currently working 60 hour or so work weeks and still responding to emails before he goes to bed and it feels all the more isolating and lonely.
blogger / pomegranate / 3491 posts
I too have a hubby with long hours, and while I only have one kid, between him and pregnancy exhaustion, I totally relate re: the need to recharge. Honestly, me and the TV bond quite a bit these days and I have been reading a lot. I don’t have energy for much more. Love your post.
blogger / apricot / 367 posts
Love this list. I’m in the same boat lately with hubby working long hours. Rather than complain, I’m going to do my best to try out of some of these things — especially working on #1 and #2 right now with yoga and telling myself as often as possible “done is better than perfect”
blogger / kiwi / 675 posts
@Mrs. Chipmunk: thank you friend you are so kind. I am trying to keep up the positive vibes but the days are really loooonngg sometimes
@Mrs. Confetti: Being pregnant is very draining too, I remember the days being pregnant with S and chasing G–so draining it was my first big slow down. It’s crazy how the body naturally prepares you for slowing down for the new baby. Im so excited for you guys, it is a lot with the hubs gone all the time though.
blogger / eggplant / 11551 posts
We would be good friends IRL because I like to do all those things to recharge too, but instead of pilates I do yoga!!
DH and I are both introverts too and need lots of “me” (as in me, without DH, haha) time.
blogger / clementine / 998 posts
I forgot to mention Mrs. Twine gave me this amazing advice that I think can help with long days:
“I know that one thing that has been useful to me (and I heard it in an NPR podcast, so; go, NPR!) is just how I frame things mentally. If I use my thoughts and internal language to frame different daily things as breaks, or as fun, or as anything else positive, I *feel* better about my day. Even if I’m not getting any extra free time, or any extra breaks. There was a study done showing that when hotel maids were asked to think of their daily work as, “exercise,” they actually had drastically improved health outcomes!”
GOLD / grapefruit / 4555 posts
It’s only been within the past few months, really, that I’ve been taking more time for myself, to make myself a better parent and spouse. My short list includes:
-after nap and bedtime ‘me’ time to read, write, and watch something
– cutting myself some (but not a lot!) of slack when it comes to the chores; i.e. doing things in waves instead all at once
– making plans out with others; even if it means bringing the kids, just having someone else who isn’t around all the time helps
– and most recently, preschool; that time away is beneficial to all of us
What an awesome list and reminder though! Thanks!
blogger / pear / 1563 posts
@Mrs. Chipmunk: I really like what you wrote about changing our mind about how we think about our days!
I’m having a hard time now since I’m working from home a fair amount and Little P hasn’t started school yet, so I’m finding it hard to find time to relax when all his “sleeping hours” are taken with work. I’m hoping to get a better balance when he starts PreK next week! All of these are GREAT ways to unwind and recharge!
blogger / kiwi / 675 posts
@Amber E: I haven’t, I’ll have to check out Bittersweet, I’m looking for a new book, thanks!