Wake up. Hit Snooze. Wake up again (for real this time). Get kids and baby ready for school/daycare. Send kids off with hubby. Get ready for work. Work. Pick up baby from daycare. Come home. Make or pick up dinner (depending on kids’ extracurricular activities). Get kids ready for bed. Prepare for the next day. Attempt to watch TV or take a minute to myself which turns into me falling asleep most nights.
Being a working mom with three kids, I’ve learned to make sure to take my lunch hour almost every day. For years, I would work through my lunch hours typing away at a keyboard until one day I realized I needed that time for me. Sometimes, it’s the only “me” hour (or 20 minutes or two hours depending on the day) that I get. I don’t always do the same thing during that hour, but here’s an glimpse into what this special piece of time may look like.
Eating Lunch with Friends
Sometimes I use my lunch hour to catch up with former coworkers downtown or enjoy a lunch with friends. Spotted Salamander is one of my favorite places to go. Their food is AMAZING and the menu always has eclectic, tasty items to try out. Occasionally, I’ll use the hour as a lunch date and meet my husband out for a nice meal with no kids.
Eating Lunch by Myself
Lately, I enjoy my own company and will sit down and eat a meal by myself. I used to be one of those people who didn’t like to dine alone, but I got over that pretty quickly and now love some time alone (one where I don’t have to wrangle a baby, order for anyone else, or take anyone to the bathroom). Sometimes, I’ll even go somewhere quiet to get a coffee and read a book in silence.
Pampering
And I’m not talking about diapers. Once in a while, I will indulge and use my hour to go get a pedicure and relax in the massage chair. I will sit and catch up on social media, read a magazine, or just close my eyes and enjoy the moment. Trust me, this is not an every week thing for me, but definitely one of my favorites.
Working Out
I’m lucky to work in a place that has a gym on the first floor with weights, exercise equipment and classes. There are even lockers and showers. Considering I’m not an early riser and I don’t have time to exercise after work, lunch is the only time I to get a workout in. Plus, exercise also helps with stress. After a good workout, yoga session, or run around the parking lot, my stress level has decreased and I can go back to work with a clear mind.
Running Errands
Once I make it home from work and get settled, I don’t want to leave the house again. So, sometimes (a lot of the time) my lunch hour is crucial for me to run errands. Whether it’s to grab a birthday present for kid’s upcoming party, shopping for me, or going to pick up something my family needs, this is my power hour to get it all done. Or, I’ll sometimes take a nice trip to Target with my Starbucks and leisurely peruse the store. Another favorite place I like to do this is the book store.
Sleeping
I’ll admit it. I have used my lunch hour to catch up on sleep in my car at work! Sleeping is usually what I do on my weekend “lunch hours” too. I’ll put the baby down for a nap on Saturdays or Sundays, and instead of tackling my to-do list, I’ll nap when the baby naps because sometimes mommies need naps too!
Whatever I end up doing, I make sure to take a mental break from my work day. Even if it’s for just for a short while so I can take care of myself first.
