As parents, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs. I don't know about you, but I've found all that "need" eventually makes me burn out if I don't make the effort to take care of myself too.
It's certainly a lot harder to fill your little one's emotional needs if your own emotional bank account is on empty.
So now that school is back in session and life is returning (thankfully!) to routine, I'm planning on focusing more on me. Here are eight ideas on how you can find that important time for yourself in {Town} too:
1. Enjoy lunch with a friend
Whether you stay at home or work outside the home, lunch is a great time to meet a friend. It helps break up the day and gives you renewed energy to face the rest of your day. I've included some of my favorite lunch places to meet up with friends....
- Famous Toastery (Davidson, Huntersville, Mooresville, and Downtown Mooresville) is great for grabbing brunch after dropping the kiddos off at school. The food is delicious and the Downtown Mooresville location has a little nook that's perfect for 5 or so ladies to gather in and relax!
- La Patisserie (Mooresville) is my favorite spot when I'm wanting to splurge...seriously, the French Toast is AMAZING...they make it with a fresh croissant and real whip cream!
- The Egg Cafe (Davidson and Huntersville) is a great spot with delicious food at a great price! Try the Homemade Egg's Benedicts...there's a reason they're known for the classic breakfast dish!
- North Harbor Club (Davidson) is my favorite spot for those special brunches for friends' birthdays, baby showers, etc. Now that the weather is cooling down it's so nice to sit on the patio and enjoy the fact that we live near Lake Norman!
2. Find your "people"
Check out our Lake Norman Mom Groups Guide, join a local parenting group on Facebook, get together with other parents from your child's school, or find a local club or organization that matches your interests. Some of my favorite ways to meet local moms are...
- Moms Mentoring at The Cove Church in Mooresville is free for moms of preschoolers and run by Linda Ream. Linda is a wealth of information when it comes to learning how to parent with Christian values. Childcare is provided and it meets the first Wednesday of every month from 9:30am-11:30am.
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) has several meet-ups around the Lake Norman area and is full of friendly moms eager to connect. I've been a part of the MOPS group at Penninsula Baptist Church in Mooresville, and now I'll be at the newest MOPS group that just started at First Presbyterian Church in Mooresville. Check out the MOPS site for a location and time that works for you.
3. Schedule a spa day
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a spa day. Your newly energized self will thank you. (We're currently working on a Spa Guide for the Lake Norman area...stay tuned!)
4. Spend time outdoors
In 1845, Henry David Thoreau wrote "Walden" while secluded in the woods of Massachusetts. More than 50 years later, many scientists agree that Thoreau's meditation on life and nature is spot on. Give nature a try; you won't regret it. Some of my favorite trails for a beautiful meditative walk are Jetton Park in Cornelius, Roosevelt Wilson Park in Davidson, and Bellingham Park in Mooresville. Do you have a perfect spot? Share in the comments below!
5. Try a new hobby or activity
It's easy to get bogged down with all of life's "busyness." Take a little time away and explore an activity or hobby you've always wanted to try. From individual hobbies like photography or quilting to group activities like paint nights, running, or cycling groups, there's something for everyone. (We're currently working on an activity guide for the Lake Norman area...stay tuned!)
6. Plan a romantic date night
Enlist the help of grandparents or exchange date night babysitting with a friend. Have dinner at your favorite restaurant, enjoy a movie or theater performance, or take a walk outdoors at sunset. Where you go doesn't matter, but having your partner along will make the night special. Don't have a babysitter? Drop-in childcare like Busy Bees in Mooresville has parent's night out every Friday and Saturday!
7. Savor the solitude
Spending time alone is good for the soul. Read a book after the kids are in bed or at school, take a walk in your neighborhood alone, or go for a drive to nowhere special. Don't feel like you always have to be doing something "productive."
8. Check the Lake Norman Macaroni Kid calendar
There are so many fun family-friendly events happening around Lake Norman, many of which are also perfect to attend alone, with a friend, or with your partner. Take a few minutes out of your busy life and charge your emotional battery by doing something you enjoy -- even if you don't take the kids!
Taking care of yourself is so important, and not something to be overlooked. I've found that taking care of myself helps make me happier and healthier -- which, in turn, makes me a better mom at the end of the day.
Don't Miss Out On An Event-- Subscribe to the FREE Lake Norman Macaroni Kid newsletter to learn more about other awesome local events. Click on our local Events Calendar for an easy way to find fun events for your family!
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