Thanks for this post! I just read the rest of your article, and two things I can implement TONIGHT are:
1. Pre-sleep routine. I've had trouble getting to bed before 11pm, even thought I'm exhausted with taking care of my toddler all day, taking care of the house and working part-time. He goes to sleep at 8pm, so my only time to really be able to get anything productive done is after he's asleep...and when I get going it's difficult to stop at 9:30pm, to settle into sleep, and be in bed by 10pm....no matter how many times I tell myself I MUST do this!
Consequently, I have had an awful upper and lower respiratory infection for 4 months (on and off), that never fully goes away, because I really am not taking care of myself. My mother-in-law finally said "Enough!" and is babysitting my son today so I can rest. What did I do instead of rest? Four loads of laundry, paid bills and other finances, organized some family outings, made doctor appointments, hung pictures, washed dishes, worked part-time...
Honestly, I'm not sure how to relax and not do anything; I really have to think about it. So, tonight...I am going to read a book (a non-mom, non-work-related book!) before bed...I'm looking forward to it!
2. Scheduled Breaks. I love, love this idea! I have my mom and my mother-in-law who would love nothing more than to spend some quality time with their grandson. When they do see him, I am off getting groceries done or some other errand/chore. What a great idea to schedule a few, two-hour breaks throughout my week, so I can look forward to them. I have been extra irritable, cranky and I know it is from not having enough alone time/quiet time.
Thanks for the great tips! It's funny that I have a relaxing, 30-minute bedtime routine for my toddler, and never thought of the benefits of having one for myself! :-)
Comment Reply
Thanks for this post! I just read the rest of your article, and two things I can implement TONIGHT are:
1. Pre-sleep routine. I've had trouble getting to bed before 11pm, even thought I'm exhausted with taking care of my toddler all day, taking care of the house and working part-time. He goes to sleep at 8pm, so my only time to really be able to get anything productive done is after he's asleep...and when I get going it's difficult to stop at 9:30pm, to settle into sleep, and be in bed by 10pm....no matter how many times I tell myself I MUST do this!
Consequently, I have had an awful upper and lower respiratory infection for 4 months (on and off), that never fully goes away, because I really am not taking care of myself. My mother-in-law finally said "Enough!" and is babysitting my son today so I can rest. What did I do instead of rest? Four loads of laundry, paid bills and other finances, organized some family outings, made doctor appointments, hung pictures, washed dishes, worked part-time...
Honestly, I'm not sure how to relax and not do anything; I really have to think about it. So, tonight...I am going to read a book (a non-mom, non-work-related book!) before bed...I'm looking forward to it!
2. Scheduled Breaks. I love, love this idea! I have my mom and my mother-in-law who would love nothing more than to spend some quality time with their grandson. When they do see him, I am off getting groceries done or some other errand/chore. What a great idea to schedule a few, two-hour breaks throughout my week, so I can look forward to them. I have been extra irritable, cranky and I know it is from not having enough alone time/quiet time.
Thanks for the great tips! It's funny that I have a relaxing, 30-minute bedtime routine for my toddler, and never thought of the benefits of having one for myself! :-)
July 22, 2008 - 2:46pmThis Comment
Reply