5 tips to make the most of nap time
The baby has finally gone to sleep but rather than feeling relaxed you feel the pressure of making the most of nap time.
So you start wondering, “shall I put the washing away? Tidy up after lunch? I could do a quick workout? Or maybe I’ll just sit with a cup of tea?” Then before you know it, half an hour has passed, you’ve procrastinated and you haven’t done any of the above!
Sound familiar? I’ve been there way too many times! Whatever you want to do with nap time is absolutely fine and completely up to you. Do a yoga class, tidy the house or just enjoy sitting with a cup of coffee watching your favourite TV show. All can sooth your soul in their own way.
So if you want to make the most of nap time from now on and spend the time intentionally, then here are a few tips that have helped me:
Connect to your breath
Taking just a couple of minutes to connect to your breath will clear your mind, calm down your nervous system and give you a moment to relax. It can then help you be clearer on what you really feel like doing with your time.
Sit comfortably, close your eyes and just bring attention to the breath, gradually slowing and deepening the breath with each inhale and exhale.
Have a go-to list of tasks you like to do in your spare time
This really helps with baby brain and stops you spending 15 minutes trying to remember what it is you said you’d do today.
I use the notes app on my phone and have a list of things I like to do when I have spare time. You could also write it in a journal if you prefer.
I update it weekly so any tasks I want to get done can be added and then when I get that free time I’m good to go. You can even split it into a ‘to-do list’ and an ‘enjoyment list’ so you can pick whichever you’re in the mood for at the time.
Let go of any guilt about having time for yourself
It’s okay to prioritise yourself. In fact it’s more than okay, its necessary for your well-being! So priorities your decisions, your choices and choose what will make you feel best. Don’t do what someone else suggests you do or what you feel obliged to do. And do not feel an ounce of guilt for doing exactly what YOU want to do.
Leave the jobs until later if you can
As busy mums we know there are ALWAYS more jobs to do. We never really complete the to-do list. So for this short period of time just leave the jobs that you can! The dishes can be done later, the tidying, the washing, the cooking! Leave it all if you can and just allow yourself to have this time to cater to your own well-being and enjoy it!
Don’t try to do it all!
This is a big one for me. I often feel like I can be superwoman with the one hour I get and set my expectations way too high, resulting in feeling like I’ve not done what I set out to. So be realistic! You can’t do it all so choose what serves you in that moment and don’t worry about the rest!
