How Gas Prices Are Changing “Me Time”
July 9, 2008 by Karen Weideman
Filed under self-help
The following is a guest post.
As a stay-at-home mom of three boys ages three and under, it is VITAL that I get some time to myself. It helps me establish my identity outside of being a wife and mom and it makes me a better spouse and parent.
In the early months of my new stay-at-home mom status, my “Me-time” was spent bargain hunting and garage sale shopping in town by myself. (In case you haven’t noticed, I’m a nerd who enjoys getting good deals!)
But now going to town is an $8 expenditure. My days of “bumming around town” are now much more limited. I am combining trips more than ever, and that often means I have to do my bargain hunting with my entire family in tow.
The situation has forced me to redefine how I spend “Me-time.”
My Me-time is more often spent around my neighborhood now.
Sometimes my hubby lets me carve out a moment for me to scrapbook or do some card making while he watches the kids. I take walks by myself to clear my head. I spend time reading out on my deck. I write on my blog. I visit my parents or sometimes we go to town together (they’re good people that way!). I spend time doing yard work. I work on projects around the house (like organizing things or cleaning). I plan future bargain hunting trips and hunt for deals online.
In a way, I’m kind of glad that gas prices are up because it is challenging me to be more creative in all areas of my life. I’m rediscovering old hobbies and enjoying being at home more than I ever have before.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that “Me-time” doesn’t have to mean I’m in a store.
Christina is a stay-at-home of 3 boys, ages 3 and under. You can find her at Northern Cheapskate writing about living on less and making it work with one income.
NO kidding. One of our two cars was in the shop for over 2 months- plus the price of gas and I tell you – locking myself in my room is good “Me Time.” did you know you can do Yoga online?
“me” time now consists of locking myself in our bedroom and settling in with a good book. I usually can count on about an hour every couple of days.
There are also times that I just go for a walk by myself.
Yoga online? Maybe I should check into that. The right side of my back has been really bothering me lately. The past few days I’ve been doing a lot of stretching exercises to help loosen it up. The yoga would probably help out.