You know, like reading a book leisurely, doing my favourite hobbies, taking a swim (without the kids!), going to the hairdressers or beauty salon, or even going out with my husband.

I’m not saying this in some ‘look at me, I’m so selfless’ kind of way.

I’m saying it truthfully, somewhat regretfully.

I KNOW that I need to do more things for ‘me’ but life kind of gets in the way. The busy, day-in, day-out, there-are-only-so-many-hours-in-the-day balancing act that we all do.

Not only is life with kids busy, once you add a child with complex needs you take it up another notch…

I am a carer. I nurture and care for my four beautiful girls, I look after my husband and our household, and my background is nursing (which essentially is a ‘caring profession’).

I do LOVE CARING. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

But caring can be exhausting.

So recently when I was feeling a little overwhelmed and stressed, I had a long introspective look at myself. I asked myself “how can I be a good mum, a good wife, a good nurse, if I don’t take care of myself first?”

I am finding my way at purposefully taking time for ME. With my girls at school now a good chunk of the morning and afternoon, I have a lot more time on my hands and am determined to do all those things for myself that I’ve been putting off for years. Just doing things I enjoy and that will make me emotionally and mentally happier and healthier.

I’m also juggling a back to practice course and hoping to find a part-time nursing job that will get me out of the house and mingling with people, doing something I love. I’m doing this for ME.

It’s SO important to take time for yourself! We all desperately NEED time to de-stress and do things for ourselves that bring joy, relaxation and fulfilment.

My top suggestions for, ‘ME’, time:

– have a SPA day, or mani/pedicure

– get a massage

– trip to the hairdressers

– spend an hour reading a book in peace

– spend time doing your favourite hobby

– go on a shopping trip (for new clothes, make-up etc. NO kid/food items!)

– go for a walk somewhere beautiful to think and destress (and grab a coffee!)

Not only will we feel better, but we will be better equipped to look after our children and families