The word “working mom” or “working dad” is redundant. Our job is considered the hardest job in the world.
Essentially, working from home is interesting and can alleviate other problems such as commuting (no more petrol and toll expenses), money, among other things. However, it could also intensify mental, emotional, and physical stress.
My partner and I have to deal with a lot of issues at home like our personal differences; cope with our children’s personalities, and most especially, our working environment.
This is my house office peg, by the way.
As a result, you feel overwhelmed with everything and will surely take a toll on yourself, marriage, family, and friends.
Pretty accurate.
What is me-time or alone time?
‘Me-time” is an informal noun that defines someone’s personal time-off from the mundane tasks. Such are the parents who work from home or even for those who have a complacent work life. Still, spending time for yourself is elusive.
Here are some of the common things an individual does when having alone time or catching up with friends:
Going to a nail shop or salon
Walking your favorite pet
Spending an hour or two catching up with friends over a cup of coffee (or tea)
One important reason why I love doing Yoga is the flexibility for me to rethink and reassess life. It prevents me from going postal! 🙂
So, here are the 5 reasons why “me-time” is beneficial for you, your partner/spouse, and your children.
5. You will create a more peaceful environment.
If you are always cooped up at home, the tendency is to be cranky, irritated, and more anxious. According to a family psychologist, when a parent is loaded with work and responsibilities, there’s a huge tendency to blow up. Meaning, s/he might end up yelling and nagging. As oppose to a parent who gets to take a break from complacency, s/he can go be whole again.
Dating yourself or catching up with friends will give you clarity and serenity.
Therefore, I encourage you to take a break from the mundane tasks to develop a more serene environment. You will definitely need this, especially if the nature of your work requires focus and creativity.
4. You will become more sociable.
With how technology changed the way we communicate and mingle, the physical connection isn’t there anymore. So, give yourself a treat by rekindling with things you love. Perhaps, that could be reading at a library, dining at your favorite food place with your friends, and more. Once you allow yourself to have “me” time once in a while, you will notice you are more open-minded, approachable, and more patient.
Personally, walking your dog is the best way to have me-time. (Photo credit: petcha.com)
3. Your children will learn to value your time.
I met a couple in Australia several years ago and their children back then were about 3 and 4 years of age. They both work from home (both photographers) and no helper ever since. Although, when they need to travel for work, they leave the children to grandparents. Since their job requires intense focus and creativity, they would often fight and get mad at the kids for being loud. A Psychologist advised them of having time off from each other. After being in the program for two years, the kids became more behaved. They’ve learned to value their parents time by respecting the me-time schedule. The mom goes out every Thursday and the dad’s every Friday night. Even though, there were times they couldn’t go out.
If all else fails, create a “we” time so you can enjoy each other’s company.
2. You are more focused.
Following what I said on number 3, the number 2 reason is for you. It’s more of a personal gain. It is medically proven that if you are stressed with work or family, the bad things manifest in the worst way – you are irritable, anxious, and you simply cannot focus. As a result, your work suffers and are unable to properly interact with your spouse and children.
1. It will keep you sane.
Need I say more? Keeping your sanity is crucial. Now that you are a parent, it is vital to take care of the people around you. So, for you to do that, take care of yourself first. Keep your sanity intact by giving yourself some space from the ordinary. Get out of your comfort zone and discover new things that will make you happy.
Ultimately, please don’t feel guilty when you need to go out alone or even with your friends. It’s not being selfish, so long as you know the consequences of being irresponsible.
Recap
Me-time or alone time is a vital concept for everyone, especially to couples who work from home. Realistically speaking, home is not conducive for working. As the saying goes, “don’t bring your work home.” But, what if “work” is home? So, turn it into a harmonious working environment by dating yourself.
Remember, you cannot love and appreciate what’s around you, without loving and appreciating yourself first.
Don’t get me twisted, we are still practicing what we preach. For us, it’s a slow learning process. Lots of trials and tribulations. But, if it was easy, everybody would do it.
Ultimately, any quiet moment is already a getaway. It’s just a matter of understanding and accepting your situation.
How about you, what do you do to keep your sanity intact? Keep us in the loop!
Millie is currently working as the Features Editor for WhenInManila.com. She loves to collaborate, organize workshops, photography, cook, and eat. When she’s not busy, she reads and travels with the family to discover beautiful places. She also believes that it is only when you get out of your comfort zone that you will truly realize who you are.
5 Reasons Why “Me” Time is Essential to Work at Home Parents
The word “working mom” or “working dad” is redundant. Our job is considered the hardest job in the world.
Essentially, working from home is interesting and can alleviate other problems such as commuting (no more petrol and toll expenses), money, among other things. However, it could also intensify mental, emotional, and physical stress.
My partner and I have to deal with a lot of issues at home like our personal differences; cope with our children’s personalities, and most especially, our working environment.
This is my house office peg, by the way.
As a result, you feel overwhelmed with everything and will surely take a toll on yourself, marriage, family, and friends.
Pretty accurate.
What is me-time or alone time?
‘Me-time” is an informal noun that defines someone’s personal time-off from the mundane tasks. Such are the parents who work from home or even for those who have a complacent work life. Still, spending time for yourself is elusive.
Here are some of the common things an individual does when having alone time or catching up with friends:
One important reason why I love doing Yoga is the flexibility for me to rethink and reassess life. It prevents me from going postal! 🙂
So, here are the 5 reasons why “me-time” is beneficial for you, your partner/spouse, and your children.
5. You will create a more peaceful environment.
If you are always cooped up at home, the tendency is to be cranky, irritated, and more anxious. According to a family psychologist, when a parent is loaded with work and responsibilities, there’s a huge tendency to blow up. Meaning, s/he might end up yelling and nagging. As oppose to a parent who gets to take a break from complacency, s/he can go be whole again.
Dating yourself or catching up with friends will give you clarity and serenity.
Therefore, I encourage you to take a break from the mundane tasks to develop a more serene environment. You will definitely need this, especially if the nature of your work requires focus and creativity.
4. You will become more sociable.
With how technology changed the way we communicate and mingle, the physical connection isn’t there anymore. So, give yourself a treat by rekindling with things you love. Perhaps, that could be reading at a library, dining at your favorite food place with your friends, and more. Once you allow yourself to have “me” time once in a while, you will notice you are more open-minded, approachable, and more patient.
Personally, walking your dog is the best way to have me-time. (Photo credit: petcha.com)
3. Your children will learn to value your time.
I met a couple in Australia several years ago and their children back then were about 3 and 4 years of age. They both work from home (both photographers) and no helper ever since. Although, when they need to travel for work, they leave the children to grandparents. Since their job requires intense focus and creativity, they would often fight and get mad at the kids for being loud. A Psychologist advised them of having time off from each other. After being in the program for two years, the kids became more behaved. They’ve learned to value their parents time by respecting the me-time schedule. The mom goes out every Thursday and the dad’s every Friday night. Even though, there were times they couldn’t go out.
If all else fails, create a “we” time so you can enjoy each other’s company.
2. You are more focused.
Following what I said on number 3, the number 2 reason is for you. It’s more of a personal gain. It is medically proven that if you are stressed with work or family, the bad things manifest in the worst way – you are irritable, anxious, and you simply cannot focus. As a result, your work suffers and are unable to properly interact with your spouse and children.
1. It will keep you sane.
Need I say more? Keeping your sanity is crucial. Now that you are a parent, it is vital to take care of the people around you. So, for you to do that, take care of yourself first. Keep your sanity intact by giving yourself some space from the ordinary. Get out of your comfort zone and discover new things that will make you happy.
Ultimately, please don’t feel guilty when you need to go out alone or even with your friends. It’s not being selfish, so long as you know the consequences of being irresponsible.
Recap
Me-time or alone time is a vital concept for everyone, especially to couples who work from home. Realistically speaking, home is not conducive for working. As the saying goes, “don’t bring your work home.” But, what if “work” is home? So, turn it into a harmonious working environment by dating yourself.
Remember, you cannot love and appreciate what’s around you, without loving and appreciating yourself first.
Don’t get me twisted, we are still practicing what we preach. For us, it’s a slow learning process. Lots of trials and tribulations. But, if it was easy, everybody would do it.
Ultimately, any quiet moment is already a getaway. It’s just a matter of understanding and accepting your situation.
How about you, what do you do to keep your sanity intact? Keep us in the loop!
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About The Author
Millie is currently working as the Features Editor for WhenInManila.com. She loves to collaborate, organize workshops, photography, cook, and eat. When she’s not busy, she reads and travels with the family to discover beautiful places. She also believes that it is only when you get out of your comfort zone that you will truly realize who you are.