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 Lake County 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. Some of my favorite lunch spots include: The Brick & Barrel Public House in downtown Leesburg; Tiki West Raw Bar & Grill in downtown Tavares; One Flight Up in downtown Mount Dora and Tony's Pizza & Subs in Eustis!
2. Find your "people"
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. One of my favorite local mom groups is Golden Triangle Mothers of Preschoolers who meet twice per month at First Presbyterian Church of Eustis. They provide childcare while moms get time to reconnect, enjoy breakfast and hot coffee and discuss helpful family and parenting topics.
3. Schedule a spa day
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a spa day at Bella Toscana Spa in Tavares. Your newly energized self will thank you and they frequently run monthly specials on luxury treatments.
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. Visit Lake County Parks & Recreation for a list of many gorgeous local parks and trails.
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. Check out classes like those offered at Evolve Yoga & Fitness or Lake County Museum of Art.
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. Most of our local towns offer a free outdoor movie night like Leesburg's Food Truck & Flick Night each month!
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." Some of my favorite authors are Kristin Hannah and Pat Conroy.
8. Check the North Lake County Macaroni Kid calendar
There are so many fun family-friendly events Lake County, 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.
