When was the last time you went an entire hour without listening?

• Listening for arguing.
• Listening for the end of a story so you know when to insert the “Wow”.
• Listening for snoring (always a delight to hear).
• Listening harder because you don’t hear any sound, and that’s even more suspicious.

And we wonder why we need a break!

So why don’t we just take a break? It’s…complicated.

Why do we think we don’t need breaks? What do we believe about being a Mom that is keeping us from taking care of ourselves, too? 

1. We believe we don’t need breaks

We should be able to do all of it, all of the time. Right? Wrong! You need a break to remember who you are and to love yourself. Just a moment to not feel invisible and to make choices about you and only you.

Tip: Get inspired by doing something you love that you haven’t done in a while. 

2. It’s not what’s best for our kids

Believe me. Giving yourself a break from “Mommy life” is exactly what’s best for your kids. They need a Mom who’s playful and inspired. Would you hire a babysitter that was energetic and happy or one who looked like they missed their morning coffee and was perpetually grumpy?

Tip: Find some other Mom friends and watch each other’s kids. 

3. We feel guilty

Your love never runs out. Unfortunately, though, your energy does, and that needs to be replenished. You are not letting everyone down if you step away for an hour. Not a vacation or a date night, just some “no-thinking” time. You need a break because you’re a good Mom.

Tip: Spend some time alone or some alone time with your spouse.

4. We think we don’t need a break…yet

Even if you feel like you have a little more to give, it’s better to stay ahead of the game than behind. Research shows that anticipation of a vacation can bring just as much joy as the vacation itself.

Tip: Schedule a break and look forward to it. 

5. We don’t have time

Everyone has the same amount of time in a day. You can’t just find time for a break; you have to make it.

Tip: Say no to more stuff so you can say yes to some downtime.

Go off and enjoy some well-deserved down time!