Can I make a confession? I absolutely loved the mummy break I had two weekends ago. I know it sounds totally unheard of for most mums, but I think we all deserve it from time to time.
As mums, we tend to put the needs of our families above ourselves. It’s like the need to keep giving of ourselves to the family is a measure of how good a mum we are. We cook, clean, teach, discipline, wash, and for some of us, we also hold a day job. As a result, we often end up being tired and exhausted all the time that motherhood literally zaps away our joy and patience leaving us more sour than lemons.
Source: someecards.com
Don’t get me wrong. I love being a mother and it’s one of the most fulfilling roles for me. But on days when I get too overwhelmed, I wish I can get a break from all my responsibilities and just have time to focus on myself.
So, I did just that and applied for mummy leave.
I applied for leave and started my long weekends at a spa on a Friday where I had a rejuvenating massage and facial that left me totally blissed out. And boy did I needed that as my last visit for facial was more than a year ago!
On Saturday night, Sophie was at her grandparents place and I ended up on the couch watching k drama with a bowl of sorbet on my left and a bowl of chips on my right. Not the kinda sight that you want your kids to see. And honestly it felt good not having to share any of MY food. Not even with Alexis.
And it didn’t stop there because I went on a date with Alexis and we discovered a new cafe, not too far away from our place that serves pretty awesome food.
I really think I should do this more often. After all, a well rested and rejuvenated mummy is definitely a happier mummy.
Do link up every Monday with my Motivational Mondays post. Don’t forget to grab my badge and include it in your post after you have linked up and leave me a comment too. I will be hosting Motivational Monday every week and I hope that you can join me every Monday. Have a great week ahead!
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Tagged: mothers, mummy's guilt
I think it’s important to keep ourselves happy, so that we can be at our best to take care of others too 🙂 hope you get more mummy breaks often!
Ai @ Sakura Haruka
I hope so too! Seemed like you enjoy yours with hubby watching the Phantom 🙂
I keep wanting to take a mummy break too, but it’s tough because I still latch him on directly for milk, and I also nurse him to sleep. Sigh. We have been talking about letting my parents babysit him for a few hours on a weekend, so maybe we’ll do that soon! A facial sounds so good to me right now…
Actually I was very paranoid when Sophie was younger and when I was breastfeeding her. I only started to let her stay over at my mum’s and in laws when I stopped breastfeeding at about 18 months, so I totally get what you mean. Take baby steps. Maybe start with just one or two hours then a night. Initially, I felt so guilty for leaving Sophie with her grandparents but I realised it’s not such a bad thing for us all 🙂
I take breaks all the time and don’t feel guilty about it at all. A woman who takes time out for her own well-being is a better mom than one who slogs all day, every day and resents her children for it. 🙂
I’ll say a big loud Amen to that!
i love my me-time and i make sure i get it! now, if only i can squeeze some couple time in here and there with my husband. hehe.
my husband believes that a sane woman makes a better wife and mother than one who’s always around but on the verge of becoming insane. hahaha! so whenever i say, “i’m heading out” he welcomes it. but of cos, i give him some time off here and there too. haha!
Mabel, hubby and I take turns to have our time out too since we recognise that it keeps us happier and sane like you mention. Thankfully, we have our parents to take care of Sophie from time to time even though we live with them so that we can steal some couple time.
i get little time-outs when i do my manicure/pedicure, which is at least once a month. but to apply for full-day leave from mommy duties sound really good! let me see when can i do that. 😉
I hope you get your chance soon. It’s so important for us mums who work.
I tend to feel guilty when taking me-time on weekends or after office hours since it means the usual caregivers have to do OT, almost. So these days I take a bit of leave here and there, half-days usually. A little goes a long way, I’ve realised!
So true Lyn. It’s not very often that we do it, so when we have the chance don’t feel guilty and make the best of it 🙂
Heh I’m one of the lucky ones that still make time for facials/manicures.. we all need our me time!!!
Lucky you Madeline!
I say it all the time. I need a break now from that crying baby in the cot who’s sleepy but won’t sleep!
I always dread that too…If only they have a power down switch for naps and bed time…
😉 Lucky you!!! No one helps us with the kids if we take a break…..
Irene, wait till they are older and pack them off for a camp while you and hubby go for a trip!
I think mummies who can afford to take breaks should! It is always refreshing to take a break from the usual and the mundane. Unfortunately is is much harder, or even impossible for some who have no caregivers to fall back on. I’m working on getting myself a 3-hour break some time soon! To be all alone! Fingers crossed 🙂
Yes that’s why I’m really blessed to have such doting parents who love spending time with Sophie. Perhaps can try going friends to babysit and return the favour. After all the kids always love extra company to play.