Being a Mom means you work 24/7, 365 days a year. Whether you are working outside or inside the home your job never stops. Maybe you saw that super cute video World’s Toughest Job and a little tear swelled up in your eye because it resonated so deeply within. Being a mother is one of the greatest gifts on earth BUT….one of the draw backs is not having very much you-time. Here are a few tricks that I use to get that much needed break.

1. Send Your Spouse Out for a Night of Fun…..

Now you are probably thinking “this woman has lost her mind”… But hear me out! By sending your spouse out for a guys night out or late night happy hour you can actually accomplish a couple of things. Usually you can scrap cooking and give the kids sandwiches or cereal for dinner, they will probably love it and you just saved your self a ton of time in the kitchen. You can use that saved time to take your kids to the park or somewhere fun and wear them down so they will be nice a ready for bed. After bedtime…. Voila you have free reign over the remote control. You can watch Hope Floats or Love Jones for the 1ooth time. You can read a book, take a bath or give yourself a much deserved manicure. You might even have time to fold that load of laundry that has been sitting in the basket for the last few days.

2. Mark Your Calendar

This seems a little strange too, but putting self care time in your calendar helps to ensure that you will really take time out, and nothing feels better than crossing something off your to-do list. Having a set date will allow you to secure a sitter or give your husband the heads up he needs to prepare for a fun filled night with the kiddos solus. He will probably be happy to oblige since he had such a fun time at the guys night out that you so generously offered him. You might not have any actual plans for your scheduled date, but not to worry if all your friends are busy you can always catch the latest movie, try on clothes at your favorite retail store, or find a corner in a bookstore and start the book that has been on your reading list for 6 months. Last but not least….

3. Use Your Vacation

Moms really only have two vacation days a year… Mother’s Day and The Birthday. At first ditching your family on Mother’s Day and The Birthday may seem a little harsh, because typically these days are meant to be spent with loved ones. However the only sure fire way that you will really get to relax on either of these days is to DISAPPEAR. If you are with your family at all on Mother’s Day or The Birthday you will end up cooking, cleaning, wiping a butt or kissing a booboo. Those are all lovely but they are not the making of a day that was meant for your honor. So Make Your Own Plans!  Enjoy a day at the spa or spend night or weekend at a hotel. I can almost guarantee you that at least one (realistically like 5) of your mommy friends will be thrilled to share the cost with you. Sometimes the best gift you can give your family is a refreshed and rejuvenated version of yourself. Remember self love is an essential part of loving anyone else, so get away and enjoy yourself!