Looking after your mental health with no free time?

[APMama]

Just wondering if anyone has any advice or suggestions...

My mental health is wavering as a result of having no me time. I have an 18 month old daughter who has been with me 24/7 since she was born pretty much, other than the 2 days a week I have been back at work (in a job I hate) for the last 6 months where shes at the childminder.

We have no family anywhere near so have literally never had any childcare from anyone - friends don't have kids and never seem overly keen on helping out which I completely understand.

I'm 8 months pregnant with number 2 and so I don't even have time in the evenings for myself because I'm so knackered I just go straight to bed and weekends we try to have family time so no alone time there either or I wouldn't see my husband all week!

Not trying to have a pity party, just wondering if anyone has any suggestions of things I can do (preferably that don't cost me anything as we are skint!) to look after my mental health a bit more now, seeing as I will have two dependent on me very soon and so presumably will only get worse.

Thanks ladies xxx

Does your husband never take the baby alone? I really think he needs to before you have two and also for the sake of his 1:1 relationships with both of them. Even just an hour a week with each. Then you can have a walk with an audio book or a relaxing yoga class or whatever you like.

I meditate for 5 minutes before bed every night, and that helps me relax. You can download free apps, which is how I started.

Could you build in some day in the day for a walk outside, even if its accompanied by your DD (in pushchair). That way you get fresh air and exercise. It's not 'me time' specifically but should help mentally a little.

My situation isn't quite as bad as my children are older now, but I work full time and am doing a degree and find it difficult to make 'me time' but if I have exercise, even a small amount, most days and meditate my general outlook is much more positive.

Congratulations on number 2!

I was a single mum with 2 little ones and no support, and could never really understand this kind of issue from mums who had husbands. Why not, out of the whole weekend, get your husband to take the toddler to the park / picnic for a couple of hours, while you go out to meet up with a friend.

Could your DH not take DD to the park or swimming for an hour or so on Saturdays Sunday mornings while you go. For a walk to clear your head. You could arrange to meet up at a cafe afterwards and you still have. The full day together as a family to do something nice.

Save a fiver a week for a few weeks then go get a facial somewhere where they have a relaxation room and sit there for 2 hours.
Your fella can take the child for the day