If you have young children, what are some small things you do just for you?

[waitamillisecond]

That bring you joy. I have a near 2 year old and I’m pregnant. Husband works long hours and I’m a SAHM. Feel I’ve done nothing for myself these past couple of years and I’m looking for some quick simple things I can do just for myself to bring some joy into my life?

No young children but little things I do:

Read
Go for a walk somewhere local but nice, e.g. park
Nice long relaxing bath
Sort out something that has been annoying me for a long time, e.g. messy drawer
Look through a recipe book and find something special to cook
Have a browse of local charity shops for bargains
Use a face mask or hair treatment

My kids are 7, 4 and 4 months.

Woodland walk with a podcast, but lately just walking through the neighbourhood at 9pm for half an hour

Watercolours - I’m very creative and crafty and this is quickest, most portable and least messy thing I’ve found. Have only managed once or twice in the last 4 months but prior to that it was every day

Pilates; but apparently not during the summer holidays!

That’s probably it at the moment 😄

I do love decluttering/decorating and I suppose that is only for me really as not sure the rest care either way. It gives me a boost but it’s not exactly restorative.

I joined a choir mainly because they had a creche....but the creche meant, that whatever hours DH was working, or whether he was in the Country or not, I still had something that was just for me. They took them from 12 months (just the next room) and the babies just stayed with their mums.

I have a son with high needs autism but I do loads for myself!

I have a lovely skincare routine each night.

I do nice baths.

I do yoga.

I have massages and treatments

I go to relaxation events

Otherwise I would be an absolute mess

Soak in a hot bath, with candles and bath scent.

Run, early morning in the cool and quiet

Cook seafood risotto

Hide in the greenhouse when it all got too raucous 😊

I have a 10 month old and a 2.75 year old.

For me it's going to get my nails done or a walk or trip to the shops by myself.

Having some time alone is the most important without someone needing something from me

Listening to podcasts
Eating nourishing meals
Buying small treats for myself
Being strict with routine/naps to maximise time to myself each day
Organising regular nights out with friends
Leaving kids with DH for blocks of time

I find that, while I never painted my nails before having children (in fact I was a terrible nail biter), painting my nails these days makes me so happy and it's nice to have something to admire about myself during the day 😊

Get as early night as possible (guilty as charged tonight browsing MN)

I buy really nice smelling shower gel and Perfume.
I love a nice smell!

My DD is 22 months and the nice things I do are going to work where I often work alone doing quite a nice job and I watch a bit of TV on my laptop while doing chores on my days off while DD is napping. No time for anything else, my DD always wants me near too so I can't relax in the house while she's with her dad as screaming is inevitable. She also only sleeps 9 hours max at night so I don't really get an evening to myself, just an hour to tidy up, sort washing and make lunch for the next day. I do feel like my own basic needs aren't being met though which has resulted in me buying 2 new coats online this month when I should be saving. Both were half price though and I definitely deserve them!

I have an almost 2 year old and am pregnant, too 🙋‍♀️

I do Pilates classes online at home, sometimes with the toddler joining in, sometimes during nap time

I read

I swim

I tend the garden

Binge watch trashy TV in the evening

Make my own kimchi, pickle mini cucumbers and jalapenos, make marmalade

I occasionally send the husband in to the toddler waking at night so I can starfish - does that count?

I have a three year old and work full time.

Get up early and have a cup of tea in peace before everyone else wakes up.

Negotiate an hour or two 'off' at the weekend to do my own thing while DP parents, then do the same for him.

Have a night away in a hotel on my own one or twice a year. Honestly the most restorative thing I can do for myself.