As parents, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs. I don't know about you, but I've found all that "need" eventually makes me burn out if I don't make the effort to take care of myself too.
It's certainly a lot harder to fill your little one's emotional needs if your own emotional bank account is on empty.
So it's time to focus more on us! Here are nine ideas on how moms like us can find that important time for themselves in the Pensacola area:
1. Enjoy lunch with a friend
Whether you stay at home or work outside the home, lunch is a great time to meet a friend. It helps break up the day and gives you renewed energy to face the rest of your day. Our current favorites? The Pointe in Gulf Breeze or Red Fish Blue Fish on Pensacola Beach.
2. Find Your People
Join a local parenting group on Facebook, get together with other parents from your child's school, or find a local club or organization that matches your interests. LEAPS is a great place to start for new parents!
3. Schedule a spa day
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a spa day. We love the Aqua Spa at Beach Club Resort. Your newly energized self will thank you.
4. Spend time outdoors
In 1845, Henry David Thoreau wrote "Walden" while secluded in the woods of Massachusetts. More than 50 years later, many scientists agree that Thoreau's meditation on life and nature is spot on. Give nature a try; you won't regret it. Some of my favorite trails for a beautiful meditative walk are the Bay Bluffs Preserve and the UWF Trails.
5. Try a new hobby or activity
It's easy to get bogged down with all of life's "busyness." Take a little time away and explore an activity or hobby you've always wanted to try. From individual hobbies like photography or quilting to group activities like paint nights, running, or cycling groups, there's something for everyone. 98 Treasures has some amazing adult craft classes.
6. Plan a romantic date night
Enlist the help of grandparents or exchange date night babysitting with a friend. Have dinner at your favorite restaurant, enjoy a movie or theater performance, or take a walk outdoors at sunset. We love drinks at The Oar House. Where you go doesn't matter, but having your partner along will make the night special.
7. Savor the solitude
Spending time alone is good for the soul. Read a book after the kids are in bed or at school, take a walk in your neighborhood alone, or go for a drive to nowhere special. Don't feel like you always have to be doing something "productive."
8. Follow Macaroni Kid Pensacola on Instagram and Facebook
There are so many fun family-friendly events in Pensacola! Follow along with us to stay on top of everything happening in and around Pensacola.
9. Outsource the fun!
We'd like to thank Just Imagine Designs for sponsoring this list! Just Imagine Designs is locally owned and operated and provides body painting services for birthday and social events. Growing up, for owner and artist Rachel Coley, art was always a passion. She held great admiration for those who had figured out the best avenue to use their gifts. She feels so fortunate to have made her own talents into a blossoming career. She has been helping bring clients JOY and smiles to their special events. The ease and convenience of her services, as well as her full commitment to high quality services, perfectionism, and professionalism sets her apart.
Taking care of yourself is so important, and not something to be overlooked. I've found that taking care of myself helps make me happier and healthier -- which, in turn, makes me a better mom at the end of the day.
