How do you recharge your batteries when you are with kids all the time?

[AMAZINWOMAN]

Any tips would be really welcome.

Although I do a great job with my kids, holding down two jobs and studying just sometimes I need to remember that i'm a human being not a human doing. My budget won't stretch to a holiday this year so I need some cheap and easy tips to recharge my batteries.

What do you all do?

I have no car either so that does narrow my options.

How old are your DC? Do you get any time off when you're not working? Any family or friends who are willing to babysit? If so, don't be afraid to ask for help and support and take it. Sometimes it's hard to do that when you've got into a pattern of being ultra efficient and capable, but you should. No one can be superwoman all the time.

I sympathise with you because in the 5 years I've been a LP, I've only had 2 lie-ins. I don't have family but I do have friends, but I have used them so much to help out with childcare for work that I only ask for babysitting for myself on rare occasions. However, I have an 'open-door' policy in my house, which means I regularly have people drop in for a cuppa or wine and a chat, which is nice - talking to friends keeps you sane.

If I've been overdoing it for a few nights I will make a point of going to bed as soon as I've put the DC to bed. However, as mine are young, this is quite easy. It might be a bit harder if they're a bit older.

Other free things you can do at home are really simple things like having a long, hot soak in the bath with a good book or candles, lying on the sofa with your eyes shut listening to music, and strangely enough, exercise (which improves your stamina and ability to cope with being pushed to your limits).

Good luck.

I don't really.

I get to the gym once a week or so but no chance to socialise (except on MN) or relax.

Can you tell how pissed off and miserable I am .

I forgot to say they are teenagers. Although they go out it is rarely together so I always seem to have one, or both of them around.

They seem to leave a trail of destruction and smell wherever they go. When they were younger I used to look forward to having me time, but I struggle with that as they get older.

My bedroom is freezing cold and has no TV reception so I can't even escape here! The kitchen has no heating either so no escape here either. I do think a different house would make a difference so I am working on that.

I do like baths though, with a glass of wine. I do exercise (DVD at home as gym too dear) but I have to wrestle the kids off the TV to do it lol. They do move but not without moaning.

I think I miss my own space so am kind of looking forward to when they leave home.

whre is your computer/laptop? take it to your bedroom to play dvds and/or i player...

i sometimes go out with a large group of friends, taking DD with me. they all make such a fuss of her that i don't really see much of her for the whole meal!

what about taking up running/joggng? with a friend if you need some morale support but just half an hour 3 times a week will make you feel fantastic and you'll sleep brilliantly too. A half hour with a facemask on, dozing on the bed also is great!