How To Take A ME Day

Whether they are career moms, stay-at-home moms, or a work-from-home moms, one thing that I always hear fellow moms say is, "I never take time to do things for myself". 

Many of us get lost in living our lives to please others. We put our families first, and only take care of ourselves when all else is done. I am guilty of this, and I attribute some of my burning out to not taking the time to care for myself.

Today I was fortunate to have a free day off work. While I usually take my days off to run errands, clean the house, and spend some quality time with my kids, I decided that it was finally time to take this day to focus on ME.

For those of you who have yet to take a ME Day, here are some tips I've come up with to help you to enjoy this day to the fullest:

Step 1: Don't let yourself feel guilty. Drop your little ones off at daycare, or with friends or family, and don't feel bad about not using up your free day to spend time with them. They will have fun, and they will appreciate the revitalized mom that will return to pick them up at the end of the day.

Step 2: Do something that makes you feel good about yourself. I started my day with a Barre class, because it's a new hobby that makes me feel like I'm doing something good for myself - for my health, for my body, and for my self confidence.

Ready to say goodbye to my jiggly bits

Step 3: Go out for a meal by yourself. The thought of sitting alone in a restaurant has always intimidated me, especially since I've become accustomed to spending mealtimes cutting up meat, pouring drinks, wiping faces, and nagging for others to "take another bite". If you haven't dined alone before, I caution: you will love it, and you may want to do it again (and again... and again).

Dos Diablos and a caesar salad at Burgoo - if you live in or around Vancouver, you have to try this

Step 4: Take time to soak it in. It's easy to feel like rushing through the day, excited about all the things you want to do, but it's also important to sit back and soak it all in. I took a little stroll around Lonsdale Quay, and took a moment to enjoy this fabulous view of my beloved city:

Not the nicest summer day, but it wasn't raining so I'll take it

Step 5: Pamper yourself. With a full belly and a sore body, I headed to the spa for a 75-minute all-about-ME massage. I don't usually indulge in such a treat, but hey, I deserved it! You don't have to get a massage, but doing something that allows you to relax is definitely a MUST for a successful ME Day.

Enjoying some tea and snacks before my massage

Step 5: Treat yourself. While I really wanted to go shopping and splurge on some new shoes, I was feeling weak-kneed and drowsy, so I settled for a little sweet treat.

My very first time at Pinkberry - and it won't be my last

My ME Day ended quickly, but I felt relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed, ready for my busy evening with the family. I went from burned out, to pumped up, and it was totally worth it.

Home sweet home with my lovely kidlets

Have you had the chance to take a ME Day? What did you do?