3 Clever Ideas for Parents to Enjoy Some Alone Time

It's not uncommon for parents to look for some space or alone time away from their spouse or kids to recharge and indulge in some me-time. Even just 10 minutes of enjoying a cup of coffee in one corner of the house is good for a parent's well-being.

When mom or dad allow themselves some alone time, whether it's five minutes or two hours, it provides a chance to recharge and refocus their energy for the day. However, for households with busy schedules, here are some clever ideas for parents to enjoy some alone time:

1. Always schedule your alone time.

It can be challenging to juggle different schedules in a family with more than two kids, so consciously making a schedule for some alone time might be necessary. According to Entrepreneur, putting self-care schedules on your calendar will allow you to commit to the plan until it becomes second nature.

If it's hard in the beginning, perhaps schedule just 10 minutes of alone time, which can already do wonders to your mind and body. Take this short time to explore the outdoors or do breathing exercises in your room. Then, gradually increase the time you spend for yourself as you become more comfortable taking breaks from the kids or your spouse.

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2. Wake up earlier and use that time in the morning for yourself.

Some parents like to wake up when it's still dark outside and use this as their alone time. They lounge in their backyard, meditate, pray, or just sit in the living room to gather their thoughts and take in the cool and quiet around them. Some enjoy a good breakfast by themselves without the interruption or the hysteria that usually happens once the baby or toddler wakes up.

Parents who wake up earlier than the rest of the family can get a head start on being productive. They may also benefit more from maintaining a healthy weight. According to a study in Science Daily, it's easier for morning larks to have a well-balanced diet than night owls, who tend to pick more sugar-filled foods.

3. Stay in your car longer after errands.

If you're out on errands, don't rush home to get the kids if you have someone else looking after them. Instead, take some extra time in the parking lot and listen to your favorite music, read through a chapter of a new book, or watch an episode of an interesting TV show on your mobile gadget.

You might also try to take the longer route on your way home from the supermarket or pass by a drive-thru for a quick bite or drink. Mom Lori Gottman confessed via Huffington Post that she goes on drives to keep her sanity. On the other hand, Mom Theresa Carroll also said that she spends her alone time driving around town to enjoy the scenery, especially if the weather is nice.

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