Before I became a mom, treating myself to a haircut was just that—a haircut. Now, however, it’s termed “me time.” Sure, I still visit the hairdresser, but the experience has morphed into something that’s supposed to feel indulgent. Let me be clear: sitting in a salon chair for 45 minutes, gazing at my own tired face while someone else styles my hair is not what I call a pampering experience.
And let’s talk about baths. No matter how many scented candles or bubbles I toss in, a bath remains simply a way to clean myself while sitting down. Meanwhile, my kids are out there making all sorts of delightful chaos while Dad is on duty. So much for relaxing.
Now, sipping coffee and flipping through magazines? That’s not “me time” either. It’s just a morning routine—getting caffeinated and keeping tabs on the latest celebrity gossip, all while I wonder why I’m even interested in Kim Kardashian’s latest escapade. And closing the bathroom door for a moment of peace? Forget it; I’m just taking care of business, not retreating to a spa.
Frankly, the concept of “me time” feels like a joke. It’s time to stop glamorizing basic self-care. I mean, I’m not in some exotic yoga retreat; I’m just trying to survive the day! Recent studies suggest that new moms average a mere 17 minutes of “me time” daily. But honestly, after a long day, the last person I want to spend time with is myself. My life can be pretty mundane; I don’t need a moment to reflect on that.
In our younger, carefree days, all time is “me time.” Life revolves around choices—some great, some regrettable (like the time I had to escape out of a bathroom window after a cringeworthy date). But those days are behind us once we take on the role of a parent. Now, it’s our kids who make the questionable decisions while we focus on their speech skills and dodging chicken pox.
In the UK, we love our reality shows like Made in Chelsea and The Only Way Is Essex, which feature young singles making hilariously poor life choices. Think of American shows like The Real World or The Hills. The stars of these shows often talk about needing “me time” to reflect on their dramas and perceived slights, which usually culminates in throwing drinks at one another. I can’t help but chuckle at how unprepared they would be for parenthood, where disrespect and chaos are the norms. I’ve tried tossing a glass of wine at my kids, but it just ends up being a waste of a good pinot noir.
So, as a mom, I’d rather toss “me time” into the recycling bin along with my kids’ artwork. You can keep your elusive “me time” because I’ve got enough on my plate without romanticizing basic self-maintenance.
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In summary, the idea of “me time” for mothers often feels more like a myth than a reality. Between the chaos of parenting and the demands of daily life, the concept of indulging in personal leisure becomes a distant dream. Instead, it’s about making the best of our time and embracing the journey of motherhood.