We all know for Staying At Home Parents (I use this because Mom's not the only parent, in some families, the dad is the one staying home), we need some time off from our typical day because it can get crazy. I mean, "Staying At Home" is our office, so those that get to go out of the house to the office and get a break daily but for us…hardly.

So here are ways that I have done and loved it:

1. Talk with your partner/spouse and arrange your schedules so that you can have time for yourself. It should be effortless because your spouse/partner knows how you are, and I am pretty sure tired and very annoyed SAHP that has no break will blow up, and it would not be pretty…so make it work, parents/partners/spouses

2. Make time daily or a few times a week to get on a call with a friend, sibling, or cousin who is not a Debbie downer and have a good ole laugh or update call. I'm grateful for my family (culturally, i.e. siblings, mom and dad's siblings' kids, etc.). I live far away from most of them, but I can hop on a call or drive to the closest one; it is always such a fun time, and not only am I happy but everyone around me…ME time a success.

3. Ask a friend or relative to babysit while you have time for yourself, and you can reciprocate the favor. Whether you're far away from your family, there are communities that we're involved in due to our kids' sports, school and church etc…ask someone you trust, or again just your partner would do (back to #1 if no one else is around). An hour or two would do the trick, so hopefully, you do have someone that you can count on for these favors :)

4. Plan out a big movie or marathon night/time to prepare popcorn/candy etc…Once the little ones settle down, slide out and read a book or eat a whole pint of ice cream while watching your show quietly. In my family, no one likes to watch shows or marathons quietly there's singing and dancing and screaming at the TV hence why I would share this as ME time. Don't tell me yours is so quiet…if you do then GOOD FOR YOU!

5. My favorite ME time is going grocery shopping by myself…. I usually ask my husband to grab this and that on his way back, but once a week, I would get up, ask how long he has to be in the house, then head out. I grab most of the essential groceries for whatever dishes I'm thinking of cooking, then get ME some snacks and whatever yummy dessert or drink I prefer depending on my mood. I get home and sit in the driveway, have a party in my mouth time, or I'll talk to someone or read up on some news…whatever it is…that time in the car by myself always makes all the difference for that day or week. Photo below is what I did today as my ME time...I loved it and was happy to come write this up!

Sooo those are my five ways to get some ME time (one of the above always work depending on what situation I'm in)…what did you think of that…what are yours? I hope you do take care of yourself and know how important ME time is...