One thing I have been thinking about lately is the concept of free time. As a working Mom of a toddler, I would argue there is never truly free time. 

There is ALWAYS something to be doing. Sometimes I get overwhelmed by even the thought of how to spend any 30 minutes of unscheduled time. 

If this is something that you are feeling or experiencing, here are a few tips I have been doing for myself that I wanted to share. 

1. Carve out intentional free time. 

Schedule free time into your calendar and make it happen for yourself.  I have recently started to set calendar reminders on my phone and computer, and something about having the official blocked out time on my calendar makes me more likely to take the time. Also, it helps for planning purposes and structuring out your day!

2. Change your mindset of what free time is. 

Free time by definition makes us feel like it can only happen when you have nothing else to do, when your entire to-do list has been checked off. News flash: this is probably never going to happen, there is always going to be something to do, especially for us moms. Change your mindset, free time is when you allow yourself to carve out time to do something you enjoy or for self-care (we could all use a little more of that). 

3. Ask for help and create boundaries.

I ask my husband to be available to watch my son and help me to carve out time for myself or free time. He is always willing to give me time, and I do the same for him. 

Creating boundaries is important. You must create a boundary with yourself and with your inner circle if you want to carve out free time. Don’t over commit yourself, and don’t book yourself with too many plans.  

I hope these simple principles help you the way they have helped me. Self-care and allowing time for yourself is SO important. You are not selfish by doing this, you will be a better Mother, wife, friend, and more productive at work if you allow time for yourself.