Finding “Me Time”: How Busy Mums Can Reclaim Their Lives

Being a mum is one of life’s greatest joys, but let’s be honest – it’s also utterly exhausting. Between packed lunches, school runs, endless washing cycles, and keeping tiny humans alive, it feels like there’s barely time to breathe, let alone do something just for you.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Countless mums find themselves completely depleted, wondering when they became invisible in their own lives. The good news? You don’t have to accept this as your forever reality. With a few strategic moves and a mindset shift, you can start carving out precious “me time” without the guilt.

Start Small: Micro-Moments Matter

You don’t need a full spa weekend to reset (though that would be lovely!). Begin with tiny pockets of time that feel achievable. Wake up ten minutes earlier for a quiet cup of tea. Take the scenic route home from school drop-off. Lock the bathroom door and actually enjoy your shower without interruptions.

These micro-moments might seem insignificant, but they’re your first steps towards reclaiming your identity beyond “Mummy.” They remind you that you’re still a person with needs, wants, and the right to a moment’s peace.

The Art of Strategic Scheduling

Look at your week with fresh eyes. Where can you shuffle things around? Perhaps Tuesday afternoons work better for grocery shopping than Saturdays. Maybe meal prep on Sunday evening frees up Wednesday for something more enjoyable.

Consider swapping childcare duties with other mums – you watch their children one afternoon, they return the favour another day. This creates built-in free time without the expense of hired help. Local mum groups, whether online or in person, are goldmines for finding like-minded parents willing to support each other.

Invest in Your Wardrobe (Yes, Really!)

Here’s something many mums don’t expect to hear: updating your wardrobe isn’t vanity – it’s strategy. When you feel good in what you’re wearing, you’re more likely to say yes to social opportunities and actually want to leave the house.

You don’t need a complete overhaul. Start with a few versatile dresses that make you feel confident and comfortable. A well-fitted midi dress can take you from coffee with friends to dinner with your partner. A wrap dress works for playground duty and impromptu lunches. Choose pieces that don’t require ironing or complicated styling – life’s too short for high-maintenance clothing when you’re already maintaining everyone else.

When you catch your reflection and think “I look good,” it changes how you move through the world. You’re more likely to accept that invitation for drinks, suggest meeting a friend for brunch, or plan a date night with your partner.

Plan Your Escape Routes

Once you’re mentally ready to venture out, what actually sounds appealing? Consider both solo adventures and social outings:

Solo Ideas:

• Browse a bookshop with an actual coffee that stays hot
• Take a fitness class that makes you feel strong
• Visit a gallery or museum at your own pace
• Treat yourself to a proper haircut and blow-dry

Friend Dates:

• Afternoon tea somewhere with proper china
• Wine tasting or gin masterclasses
• Shopping trips without time pressures
• Spa days or beauty treatments together

Couple Time:

• Early evening meals before the babysitter costs skyrocket
• Comedy shows or live music
• Cooking classes to learn something new together
• Weekend breakfast dates while the kids are at activities

Managing the Guilt

Let’s address the elephant in the room: mum guilt. That nagging voice telling you that good mothers don’t need time away from their children, that self-care is selfish, that everyone else manages just fine.

This voice lies.

Taking time for yourself isn’t abandoning your family – it’s modelling healthy behaviour. Your children need to see that adults have interests, friendships, and lives beyond parenting. You’re showing them that self-respect and self-care are normal, necessary parts of life.

Make It Sustainable

The key to lasting change is building systems that don’t require superhuman effort to maintain. Start with one small change per week. Maybe it’s scheduling a monthly coffee date with a friend, or committing to one evening activity per fortnight.

Track what works and what doesn’t. If early morning gym sessions leave you exhausted, try lunchtime walks instead. If elaborate spa days feel too indulgent, book regular haircuts that include head massages.

Your Life, Reclaimed

Remember, you were a whole person before you became a mum, and you still are now. Your interests, friendships, and personal goals didn’t disappear; they just got buried under nappies and nursery rhymes.

Making time for yourself isn’t about being a perfect mum who has it all figured out. It’s about being a real person who happens to be raising children while still maintaining some sense of self.

Start this week. Book something – anything – that’s just for you. Ignore the voice that says you don’t deserve it or don’t have time. You do, and you are worth it.