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Encouraging Heroes. You can be one too.

Taking care of yourself is important, but you have to make time in your life for it. Most moms have given up trying to make space in their schedules for doing the things they love, whatever that may be.

You may find yourself looking for more time to get everything done, shirking your needs to make others happy. Only overworking oneself can lead to chronic stress, which according to Elizabeth Scott, a wellness coach and award-winning blogger, “is the damaging type of stress that we often hear about when we hear about the harmful effects of stress.”

When it comes to staying healthy for your family, you need to think about your mental health too. It’s time to force hours into your schedule to do the things that make you happy. As a busy mom, you deserve some free time. Employ some of these strategies and you’ll find that having some free time actually leads to greater productivity and an overall happy feeling.

Apply Method to the Madness
Moms who are chronically disorganized have the most difficulties when attempting to free up time. It’s difficult to want to soak in a tub for a half hour, when the bathroom is cluttered with children’s playthings, a clogged toilet, and the tub hasn’t been cleaned in over a week.

Don’t fret, you’re not alone. Many moms work so hard that household organization sometimes falls behind. Sometimes it’s the opposite and a house is so clean you can eat off the floor, but mom is way behind at work. Whatever madness you’re tackling, it’s time to get it organized.

Farm Out Responsibilities
Who says you have to do it all? If you add getting organized to the already full list of things you have to do, you’re never going to find a moment for yourself. It’s time to start assigning tasks to the kids and your partner. If you’re version of me time is shopping, then you’ll need at least two hours of free time every week.

Don’t be afraid to ask your kids and partner to pitch in during this time, as you head straight for the door, with your credit card in hand. You can find the best credit card balance transfer offers listed at personal finance site NerdWallet. You’ll have a low interest rate, ensuring you can use your card guilt free.

Just Say No
Often times, moms don’t say “no” enough. It’s time to teach yourself this excellent vocabulary word, because it’s your secret to more me-time. If you want to take an hour for online shopping with your rewards card, because you’ve just stumbled upon an amazing new wallet, but your kids are nagging you for a trip to the park, just say, “no.” Let your kids know that for this hour, you’re working on you.

You don’t have to be mean when you say “no.” Just be firm. If your family whines or begs, don’t give in. This is a healthy lesson for them. You’re a person, with needs, and you deserve their respect.

You shouldn’t worry about disappointing others, to the point it makes you neglect yourself. Of all the tips in this list, saying no is the one mom most often overlooks. Unless a demand is absolutely necessary, it’s time to be firm, say no, and just do you for a while. Making time for yourself is going to make you a happier, more organized you and your family will love the new you just as much.

Earnest Parenting: help for moms who want more peace and less stress.

Image courtesy of Mel // Left of Centre via Creative Commons license, some rights reserved.