The oldest four girls and I in a fashion show last week!
A sweet momma sent me a note the other day. She and I had babies the same week…amazingly – her baby was bigger than my 9.5 pounder! So she has really been walking the same line I have for the past few weeks. She sounds a lot like I did about 14 years ago-her three wee ones are all under 4.
I SO remember those days.
Her challenge was feeling as though at the end of the day, she had nothing left to give her husband. She knew her marriage had to remain the priority relationship, but how to really practice that with a new three week old and two toddlers…is another matter all together.
Moms, let me share with you the secret to keeping everything in balance…the secret to being full of energy even after an early morning run, a full day of toddlerhood, and a husband who comes home late and still needs attention.
You must, you MUST get some time off your feet each day, preferably at least a 45-minute nap (minimum 15 minutes of silence with eyes closed). A nap can easily save your sanity, your marriage, and your happy home.
Believe me, it’s true.
Well, a nap, and a good hot shower.
And good smelling soap.
And a full make up drawer…ok, there- you now have all my secrets!
Seriously, as a mom, a resting time off your feet, a quiet time away from the endless questions of a four year old, endless demands of an 18 month old, and even the endless schoolwork of a 16 year old, can make all the difference between a happy mommy and an overloaded mother.
Without a quiet rest (quick, but reliable one) in the daytime, five o’clock in the afternoon can become the “witching hour”…that crazy time of day when dinner needs to be made, kids come home with demands of sports and schoolwork, baby is fussy, and hubby will be walking in at any minute and you look and feel as though you have been run over my a mack truck.
Not a good combo.
Instead, we can order our day in such a way that we have a quiet down time, with no phones or other interruptions, and get some rest. If we have young children, we can coordinate their naptimes in such a way that we are guaranteed a break.
What does a nap do? It refreshes you physically. Renews you mentally. Gives you that few moments of peace and relaxation. Allows you a break. You wake up, brush your teeth, reapply your mascara, and face the second half of the day reinvigorated. Ready to help with homework or “minister” to your husband. Without the nap, by nine o’clock we feel like we are gonna drop dead.
Oh yeah…a nap is the key folks.
Go ahead…give it a try this week. A quick siesta is the key to a better day, a happier momma, and a refreshed spirit.
lyettereback says
April, thanks for the suggestion….will write on that next week. 😉
Cheryl says
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and your secrets! Love this and love you! xoxo
Lyette Reback says
Thank you Cheryl! xoxo
Kellyburi says
Yes! Nap time has always been a high priority here! It’s my refresh and regroup time that definitely helps me tackle the late afternoons/ evenings with a renewed spirit. I am thankful for nap time and I know Paul is too! 😉
Lyette Reback says
Sometimes it is something as simple as giving ourselves permission to take a break and taking the time to recharge that is revolutionary! Glad you get a rest Kelly!
Abby says
Thank you for letting me (another new mom of 3 under 4) know that my nap time should be a priority. I know that if you, with your experience, say it’s ok, then it’s really ok!
Lyette Reback says
It’s really ok! You need a nap to recharge, especially with that many little ones! You can’t be a good mama if you are exhausted and running on fumes. A nap, no matter if it’s only 20 minutes, can be the thing that gets you through the second half of the day!