How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum

We all know the importance of self care, and taking time out just for you. But with the ridiculously busy world we live in, work, children or other commitments, finding that time can be next to impossible

We need to learn to be smart about our time, use each day wisely, and take a breather now and then when you feel you are pushing yourself too hard. I like to plan my days out, and my evenings so I don't waste any time and can just get on with my day straight away. (Obviously I am flexible because of my little ones, but it's a rough plan!) You don't have to be as crazy as me, but having a rough idea of your day/week is a great way to ensure you make the best of every day!

So here are my tips for finding time for yourself!

Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
If you stay up too late (I'm not one to judge, trust me!) you need to try and adjust your bedtime. If you are more of a night owl, you could try making your bedtime an hour earlier. Get ready for bed, take your make up off, make a hot drink and hop in to bed then. Take that extra hour you've got to make some time for you, read a book, write in your journals, do whatever it is you like to do to wind down. Then by the time your normal bedtime rolls around you'll be all relaxed and ready for sleep. Plus you will have had quality time for yourself too!

If you are good at going to bed at an appropriate time, I applaud you! But if, because you go to bed earlier, you feel you haven't done anything for yourself - why not try waking up a bit earlier? Although I haven't tried it myself, I am not a morning person - you could give the 5am club a go perhaps. Or even just waking up a bit earlier than your little ones can make all the difference. Even half an hour earlier means you could grab a hot drink and watch morning tv in peace, plan your day, or even just sit in silence and enjoy your breakfast!

How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum

Save An Evening Or Two For You
If you tend to just crash on the sofa after the little ones have finally fallen asleep, that's ok! But why not try to save a couple of evenings a week to do something you enjoy. Whether it's a craft hobby, reading or even just enjoying the bubbliest bath in the world. Take those set evenings each week and do something just for you!

Exercise!
Until recently, I didn't really believe in the power of going out and getting some exercise! I started running a few times a week for the past few months and it's made a huge difference to my overall wellbeing. It's made me happier, it's made me more confident - I totally get it now! If you have really little ones who luckily still nap - why not take half an hour of that to try a workout on Youtube or an exercise DVD? Or if your children are older and at school, just grab half an hour during the day to get outside and go for a run, or even just a walk! 

For the first few days, if you're not used to exercising much like I was, it'll literally feel like you are punishing yourself, as opposed to treating yourself to some time off! But once you get into the swing of it, you'll learn to love it. I tend to go for a quick run on the days that my husband is home and can look after our youngest. Just popping my headphones in, finding that perfect feel-good playlist and going for it, it's an amazing feeling!

Book Something Now
If you are the type of person who's like 'Yes, I do this - I'll write it down on the calendar and make sure I do this for myself, then somehow it just doesn't happen', then this one is for you. Book something for you, today. Whether it's plans with a friend, a hair appointment or even a live event - book it today and you can't just not do it!

Send Your Little Ones To Bed Earlier
If you are still struggling with making any time for you, do not feel guilty about sending your little ones to bed a little earlier once in a while. If they tend to settle themselves, that makes this easier for you as you can just move their normal bedtime routine slightly earlier, even just half an hour earlier. If I've had a particularly difficult day, I will send my three to bed that little bit earlier, and they are none the wiser. Whether it's one day a week (why not try Sundays?) or even just once a month, that's a lovely little slither of time you can have just for you - you deserve it.

How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum

Get Outside Help
There is absolutely no harm in asking for help now and then. Everyone needs help and no one can be in 'mum mode' every single second of your life, you need time to switch off! Whether it's booking a babysitter so you can go out one evening, asking friends to watch your kids for an hour or so, and doing the same in return for them on another day or even hire a cleaner if that's where you are struggling. We. All. Struggle. So ask for help!

Accept That Not Everything Is Urgent
Looking after your little ones is top priority, looking after you is top priority - that's it. Washing up building up in the sink? That is not urgent. If you're desperate to sit down and just switch off for a while, the hoovering can wait! If you're trying to decide between having a much needed relaxing day at home in your comfies or taking your little one to soft play - the answer is already there. You need it and you deserve it.

However you can manage to make time for you, never ever, ever, feel guilty for needing that time for yourself. You are so incredibly busy and it's so important to look after yourself and make yourself a priority!


How To Make Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum



How To Find Time For Yourself As A Busy Mum


If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 




If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 



What's In The Box - April 2023


Whimsical Mama Box is an amazing way to treat yourself to some well-deserved self-care and wellness! Each month, you'll receive a surprise box filled with handpicked goodies specifically tailored to your needs. We all need a little extra self love and care, and this could be the perfect way to do just that - while also discovering new products that you may not have known about before. Filled with specifically chosen products by mums, for mums.


Let's have a look at the Whimsical Mama Box from April!

What's In The Box - April 2023

Your Are Your Best Friend by Anisa Makhoul
A delightful and uplifting book that reminds us of the importance of self love and self care. With absolutely gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt messages, this book is a gentle reminder to put yourself first and treat yourself as you would you best friend. 

'Take Care Of Yourself' keyring from Punky Pins
I loved this keyring for so long, I knew I had to include it in a box! This gorgeous keyring is a small yet powerful reminder to look after you! It's really good quality, made from sturdy materials to serve as a constant reminder and source of inspiration! 

Daffodil and Vanilla wax melt bar from Whitcliffe Aromas
A fragrant delight that creates a warm, fresh, inviting aroma in any space. The combination of vanilla and daffodil is gorgeous, so floral and sweet. I love the idea of a wax melt bar, allowing you to just break off a chunk as and when you need it. 

Raspberry Bliss body butter from Skin Century
This luxourious body butter combines the richness of shea and mango butter, with the delightful fruity freshness of raspberries. Leaving your skin feel soft and supple. Plus, it's really great for all skin types, even sensitive - and it's packed with vitamins A B C & E! A really gorgeous pampering product.

'Self Love Club' window suncatcher from Mindful Little Studios
SUCH a cute window catcher sticker that radiates positivity and self acceptance, not to mention - raaaainbows! It beautifully captures and reflects sunlight, creating beautiful rainbows in your room. A gentle reminder of how amazing you are, while spreading sunshine and rainbows in your home!

Himalayan bath salts from Conscious Spirits
These divine bath salts will make you feel like an absolute goddess each time you take a bath. With a beautiful concoction of Himalayan bath salts, Ylang Ylang essential oil, coconut oil and dried rose petals.


What's In The Box - April 2023


If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 



Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure

Be honest, do you feel guilty when indulging on a delicious chocolatey treat? Perhaps you were being strict with yourself and you had a "slip up" or maybe you accidentally scoffed far more than you had intended to?

I'm here to say there is absolutely no reason you should feel guilty about treating yourself to this 'forbidden food'. According to studies, 1 in 5 people in the UK feel guilty after eating chocolate and guess what, most of those people are women. This difficult relationship with chocolate can be harmful in many ways, both mental and physical. 

We all deserve to eat things we enjoy, and we all deserve to treat ourselves without instantly feeling regret or shame over our decisions. Maintaining a balanced diet is just that, balanced. Everything in moderation, not too strict and definitely not cutting out your favourite foods!

Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure

What you need to know:
* Chocolate can improve your mood, promote positive feelings and generally makes you feel good! Why do you think so many people turn to chocolate if they're having a bit of a rubbish day?

* And for the same reasons, chocolate is a great 'comfort food'. Dark chocolate in particular helps induce a calming and soothing effect in the body.

* What you really need to know is, no matter of the health benefits, if you love chocolate - then goddamn eat some! You deserve it!

Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure

The health benefits
Although dark chocolate is more beneficial than other types of chocolates (due to the high cocoa content, and less sugar!) Don't let that put you off scoffing a bar now and then when you fancy it. 

Chocolate can improve memory, reduce fatigue, increase organisational skills, reduce PMS and ease cramps, reduce anxiety, improve mental maths skills, increase blood flow, increase heart and brain function and so much more! Chocolate is amazing!

Chocolate should not be your guilty pleasure, there's nothing to feel guilty about! If chocolate is your happy food, then grab a bar and brighten your day. 

Do you love chocolate as much as me?




If you have enjoyed reading this post, and found it interesting or helpful, you can say thank you and support Whimsical Mama by buying me a coffeeI'd really appreciate it! 



Why Chocolate Shouldn't Be Your Guilty Pleasure