by Prue Henschke | Oct 13, 2019 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
This afternoon actually! I’ve learned since bringing our triplets home from the NICU that me time is super important for me to be able to be the best mom I can be, to be able to be hands on, and present with the kids. I have absolutely no me time when the kids are awake and keeping me busy. Luckily I have 4 kids that are all really great bed time sleepers and nappers so this gives me time in both the evening and afternoon for some me time. In the afternoon I limit myself to 1 hour of cleaning up and then I spend the other hour - 2 hours watching a tv show or taking a nap myself! In the evening my husband is home from work so we enjoy having dessert together and watching something on TV or just catching up.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
Going for a walk! This is something that I do for myself, that the kids also enjoy, so it is a win-win. Besides that, laying in bed eating allllll the junk food and watching my favorite TV shows or wasting time online.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
Like I said, my kids are great sleepers so I would say I am one of the few that lucked out with being able to schedule me time for myself. For mom’s that don’t have great sleepers I can only imagine that it would be much more difficult. I think as mom’s we just need to do what we need to do to clear our heads and do something that re-energizes us to be present with our kids. We’re human and theres only so much baby talk, toddler attitude, and preteen sass that we can handle without taking a minute to ourselves. If you and your children enjoy car rides - go for a car ride, if everyone enjoys walks - go for a walk. If you have to include them, then find something where it benefits both of you! Hey, if its letting your kid watch an hour of TV so that you can sit beside him/her cuddle and close your eyes for 5 minutes, do it! Each child/parent is so different and has different needs and I firmly believe in just doing what works for you, no judgement!
by Prue Henschke | Oct 6, 2019 | Two minutes with interview series
When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I was fortunate enough to have Me Time this morning. I do circuit training with a girlfriend on Wednesday & Friday mornings and I was able to go as my daughter had a sleep over last night.
In the school holidays, it is a bit more of a juggle to have some Me Time. Knowing this, I have booked myself into a Feminine Vitality Workshop at my yoga studio on Saturday. The perfect way to get some balance after two weeks of holiday activities.
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
I have been learning ways to look after myself for many years. I see a Spiritual Healer regularly to chat with, have my chakras cleansed and be grounded. I also have sessions with a Family/Life coach who has been amazing. Lesley sent me a journal with specific questions that she wanted me to answer every night, basically practicing gratitude and celebrating my wins. This has become a great habit. My not negotiable is a Yin Yoga class I do on Thursday mornings. When I was going through my breakdown, Yin was basically the only form of exercise I could do. I cannot sing its praises enough. I also try and do another yoga class during the week. As mentioned above, I do circuit training twice a week. With the weather improving, I am going to walk early in the mornings before my husband goes to work. It sets me up well for the day. I have also recently started having a bath when I can. It is not always easy to have one on my own as my daughter wants to jump in, I compromise and let her in half way through.
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
You can have Me Time in many different ways. I was also a single mum for a long time, so I understand that time is not always your friend.
Sometimes you have to compromise to look after yourself.
Get up 10 minutes earlier and have a coffee in peace before the kids wake up.
Learn to meditate - there are great apps you can use.
Journal before you go to sleep - 2 or 3 lines of gratitude is all it takes.
Go and stand with your barefeet on the grass and take some deep breaths - it will ground you.
On a bigger scale, book yourself into a weekend retreat. If you are lucky enough to have the funds and the help, book in for a week. I went on a retreat earlier in the year and I loved it. I am still in contact with most of the ladies who I met and also practice some of the techniques taught.
Going through what I did, I cannot stress enough how important it is to put yourself first, look after your mental & physical health.
