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 eight ideas on how moms like us can find that important time for themselves in and around Mount Airy:
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. Recently, I met a friend at Old North State Winery in Downtown Mount Airy. The meal was delicious and we had uninterrupted adult conversation. It was wonderful and definitely recharged my batteries.
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.
3. Schedule a spa day or get a skin care consultation
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a spa day at Salon 222 in Mount Airy. Your newly energized self will thank you. If you're into make-up, maybe it's time for a refresh? I recently scheduled an appointment to learn about skin care and the perfect makeup products for my skin type and color. As a boy mom, I needed some girly time and it was a confidence booster. It was fun to play in makeup and learn what to use to enhance my features. Contact Mary Ruth Love at Mary Kay for your personal appointment or book a party for the girls.
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 at Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park. I love getting solo time outdoors, but sometimes that isn't possible. The Upper Cascades Falls and Rock Garden Trail at Hanging Rock is stroller friendly, just in case you need to bring the littles along.
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. Hammer & Stain Yadkin Valley offers several workshops to get creative. His Promises Art Studio in King offers adult classes too. Have you checked out the workout classes at Reeves Community Center? They offer child care while you're getting fit.
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. Chase and Charli By the River is right next to the Greenway, which is perfect for an after dinner stroll. 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. Check the Mount Airy Macaroni Kid calendar
There are so many fun family-friendly events in and around Mount Airy, NC, many of which are also perfect to attend alone, with a friend, or with your partner. Take a few minutes out of your busy life and charge your emotional battery by doing something you enjoy — even if you don't take the kids!
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.
