As a mum, creating some time to be alone is necessary for our daily routines and yet you rarely have that. And for some, you might end up having alone time abruptly and then wonder what to do with all that time.
It’s common for most mums to feel like they have to be on nurturing and caregiving mode all the time. This is mostly due to societal expectations, the mental load of mothering, and sometimes, the maternal guilt that comes with wanting to rest or expressing the frustration of exhaustion. But just like everyone you take care of, you also need care Mama, and one of the ways to get this is having some me-time to relax and recharge.
Whether you’re looking to rest, get creative, pamper yourself, learn, or get social, these activities and ideas for all mums that we’ve shared below will make sure you’re not scrambling to plan things when those golden moments present themselves.
When You Want to Rest and Recharge
These activities and ideas are about giving your mind and body a break from the demands of motherhood so you can slow down, switch off, and restore your energy.
- Binge – watch a new TV show or catch up on one of your favourite flicks. With kids, it’s hard to have a movie marathon because they’re a distraction at times. Make some time for that new series or movie you’ve been looking forward to watch.
- Read a book: Not a magazine, a book. Turning the pages of a book as you follow characters and events can be so calming. You will find yourself immersed in another world, and it helps to disappear at times.
- Go for a hike or a walk in nature: Outdoor time should be included in your alone time. In those moments, your brain is present and focused on the terrain, path, nature or your new surrounding and not on the responsibilities of life. Nature by itself is very calming. If you’re in Nairobi, places like Karura Forest, Arboretum, and Oloolua Nature trails are great for nature walks.
- Take a Nap: Hours of uninterrupted sleep that your body has been feeling robbed off. You can ask your partner or even grandma to look after your baby for a few hours so you can recharge.
- Schedule a quiet walk in the morning or evening: For this, you don’t have to venture far to find nature. A walk around your neighborhood is enough. Quiet morning or evening walks can be so serene and peaceful and offer amazing introspection into one’s life and soul.
- Practice yoga frequently: Yoga can be great not only for stress relief but also to keep you fit and for stretching time when you’ve been working or nurturing all day.
- Attend a Retreat: A reset retreat is great for when life or work-life balance has gotten so overwhelming.
When You Want to Pamper Yourself
These ideas and activities are centered around practicing self care to treat yourself, look after your body, and simply enjoy being cared for. Take a break from nurturing and looking after your family with these simple activities:
8. Treat yourself to a mani-pedi at home or in a salon of your choice. When you look good, you feel good. Schedule an appointment or have your manicurist come to you. Most salons have a home option to cater for mamas like you.
9. Have a spa date with your mum: At this point, you have realized that your mum is a hero and an immense part of your support village. Schedule some time and treat her too. She deserves it!
10. Go for a facial: Having a facial is a great way to end your alone time and snap back to routine as a new person. Again, you can do this at the spa or ask them to send someone at your home if that’s more convenient.
11. Take a long relaxing bath: Long baths are so soothing. Add baths with aromatic salts, a glass of wine, and a relaxed atmosphere with candles if you want, to your me time and you’ll be rejuvenated.
When You Want to Get Creative
Instead of constantly consuming, these creativity ideas are opportunities to create something as well. They allow you to make, create, express yourself, or work with your hands which can be quite fulfilling for your mental health as a mum.
12. Create a playlist- There is nothing as soothing as listening to your favourite playlist when having some me time. Take this time to create several playlists for different times such as a laundry playlists, a chilling playlist, a soothing playlist etc
13. Take some R&R time and start writing the book you’ve been planning to write or finish a creative project that you’ve been meaning to get to.
14. Knit and sew: Knitting can be so therapeutic since it calls for concentration, it’s a great way to practice mindfulness and keep your hands and mind occupied.
15. Plant a garden or tend to the one that you already have: Plant flowers, herbs, and maintain a beautiful garden. Consider incorporating your favourite herbs so you can save yourself from having to buy them time and again.
16. Redecorate and rearrange your space. This always has a way of making life and spaces seem new, giving that fresh look.
17. Write at your favourite coffee shop: Nairobi and other towns in Kenya are not short of coffee shops. If you are a writer, writing at a coffee shop can be such a treat! Finish your lagging writing projects during this time and leave having done some 2 or 3 hours of deep work.
When You Want to Learn and Grow
As a mum, you can also use your free time to explore an interest or develop a new skill. These activities and ideas are driven by curiosity, a need for learning, self-development, or discovering something new.
18. Research your Zodiac sign: Does how you act reflect your Zodiac sign? How about entertaining yourself with the results you find. You can find different astrology platforms with this kind of fun information online.
19. Keep up with your favourite blogs or vlogs: This is an excellent way of spending your alone time if you love reading and following up on the latest trends or content creators.
20. Learn how to play an instrument or a new language: You can learn how to play the guitar, piano, saxophone or learn a new language to stretch your brain while discovering a new skill.
21. Watch Youtube tutorials: Keep up with the latest makeup trends, recipes and all other interests during your me-time.
When You Want to Connect and Have Fun
These activities are about getting out, enjoying yourself, experiencing something different, and spending some quality time with other people.
22. Have a girls night out: Be wild, have fun, go for a spa date, sing karaoke and just have fun with your girlfriends. You deserve it you awesome mama.
23. Go for wine tasting: This is a great time to go wine tasting and possibly discover your hidden taste in wines while polishing up on your knowledge on wine. It’s a great way to spend time with someone from your community as well.
24. Go for brunch: Nairobi and other towns in Kenya has so many great brunch places to offer. Dress up, call a friend, and get out of the house for some fun and food.
25. Go thrifting: You know those items you’ve been meaning to buy but haven’t? Look for thrift stores around you and aim to look great for less! You can also tag along a friend or family member for company and support.
When You Want to Reset Your Life & Space
When you want to step back from your normal routine, reflect, organize your life, and create a sense of renewal, these activities and ideas will come in handy.
26. Spring cleaning: Clean all the surfaces, closets, nooks and crannies in the house. You may not realize it but being a bit cleaner and organized clears your thinking and leaves you feeling more organized mentally.
27. Budget and review your finances: Spend some time with your finances maybe? This is a good time to catch up with your finances, spending habits, and see if anything needs to change.
28. Journal: Feeling a bit overwhelmed lately? Write in your journal. Journaling has a way of bringing us to terms with what we are going through and the underlying causes and effects.
29. Map out your vision board: Planning your year or future is a great way to spend this time. Simply log in to Pinterest for all the inspiration and visuals you need and get working on the board.
30. Get in touch with your higher power: We all know how immensely great a good relationship with the Higher Power we believe in feels. So take this time to do so whether in worship, prayer, or studying your Holy book.
These ideas are a great start for any busy mum or a mum who is feeling weary and needs some time alone.