Two minutes with … Chloe Samwell-Smith, mama to Liv, aged 13 years, Milla, aged 11 years and Charlie, aged 6 years

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

We have just had our annual family summer holiday in Greece, so I managed to bank quite a few mornings of ‘me time’ as the children went to bed late and got up really late! I would wake up early and head to the beach for a stroll most mornings and then I’d sit on my hammam towel and stare at the expanse of ocean ahead of me. I grew up in South Africa, so the sea was a strong presence in my childhood and I think that is when the basic elements of our personality are put together. Who we are and where we belong to. The sea is part of my identity and it is where I feel that deep sense of calm. A bit like that feeling you get in the presence of one of your oldest, closest friends. I live in London, so I am dreaming of a coastal retirement one day.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

I am a huge fan of massage and try to have an at home massage (Urban Massage) once a month. I love a luxurious soak in the bath a couple of times a week and I love my pilates classes. I always leave feeling a little more connected, both in body and in mind.

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

My advice would be don’t feel guilty about making time for yourself. I think that is the bit we struggle with the most as mums. It’s okay to schedule in time for yourself and it IS possible. Sometimes that means putting the washing to one side or shutting down your laptop, but it is really important to focus on yourself for a bit. It could be as simple as painting your nails or curling up with your favourite glossy publication, but it is so important to take time out for you and no-one else. Admittedly finding ‘me-time’ gets easier as the children get older, but I think having small children is when you need it most, so don’t be afraid to ask for help in order to achieve it.

Two minutes with … Snigdha Parijat, mama to Ella, aged 1 year

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

Got my hair done last week which was really nice. 🙂

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

A visit to the hairdresser, followed by a facial and then dinner with friends 🙂

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

I think it is important to know what selfcare is for an individual, it may just be a bit of meditation, or reading a book, or going for a walk and it an be easily slotted in our daily routine by planning well in advance.

Two minutes with … Kelly McKnight, mama to Jason, aged 7 years, Kaila, aged 6 years and Jameson, aged 3 years

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

Last time I spent some “Me-Time” or as I like to refer to it “Self-Care” was last week. I randomly decided I needed to enjoy a bath with essential oils. Usually I shower but last week I decided I needed some self-care. The funny thing is I didn’t realize until recently that self-care didn’t have to be something expensive or hard to attain. It didn’t have to be a hair appointment or vacation, it could simply mean a bath, a walk alone or even a dinner out by yourself. Changing my mind frame to include small acts of “me-time” has been key to a healthy lifestyle.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

Definitely a good book, a bath or even when I’m feeling the need for sisterhood and good date with girlfriends.

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

Definitely just incorporating smaller “me-time” acts like baths, walks or even locking the door when using the bathroom. Lots of us as mothers feel we need to ALWAYS be “Superwoman” and this mind frame is so harmful! Learning to incorporate small acts is key and asking or should I say demanding this is necessary and the only way to make sure your cup is refilled. Like the flight attendants say before takeoff, “make sure you put on your mask before doing anyone else”, this simply means you cannot continue to give and give without also giving back to yourself.

Two minutes with … Raegan Moya-Jones, mama to Anais, aged 15 years, Lourdes, aged 13 years, Arin, aged 11 years and Amelie Rose, aged 8 years

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

Two days ago, we have a home in Bellport NY where I spend a lot of time with my girls over the summer. Two days ago I got a babysitter to come in for a few hours and I went for a long walk along Ho Hum beach on Fire Island.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

When you live in a home with four daughters, a husband and two dogs just being alone in a shower for 10 minutes equates to self care. When I can steal more time I love being near the ocean, I find it incredibly good for the soul, so whenever I can, I head in that direction, ideally it also involves a glass of wine. Sadly not that easy to accomplish when you live in NYC. Getting lost in a good book, a massage and finding time for exercise, although I don’t do it nearly enough, are all high on my list. My ultimate indulgence is spending time at Miraval in Arizona, it is a special place that fills you up when you spend time there.

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

I am most definitely not the poster child for “me-time” as I too struggle to find it. I know that I am a better, mum, wife and business person on the rare occasion that I do carve out time for myself, so I should make it more of a priority. I do have girlfriends who are very good at making time for themselves and they are constantly encouraging me to do the same. The biggest advice they give me is to make time on a Sunday night to plan out my week ahead and ensure that I schedule time for myself. Haven’t managed to do that yet, but I am sure it will be effective when I eventually get around to it.

Two minutes with … Kristy Withers, mama to Oscar, aged 10 years and Polly, aged 6 years

When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?

My ‘me-time’ is each Thursday night when I go and have my hair washed and blow dried. I have super thick and curly hair and I struggle to manage it on my own so my weekly blow dry means I just give it a quick brush and maybe a little straighten each morning and I am off.

What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?

My way of practicing self care is to eat healthy and get my exercising in. If I have both of those things under control, my stress levels are so much lower and I can take on the world!

What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?

I really don’t know that I am in a position to be giving advice on this because I really don’t practice what I preach. I like many women put my family and business before myself. It isn’t until I hit a wall that I go back to prioritising myself again. Does anyone have some tips for me? As mentioned the one thing I do for myself each week is my hair. Everyone in the office and at home know its a priority so it just happens.