Motherhood is exhausting. Whether it’s toddlers or teens, it simply doesn’t slow down. In order to have the patience I need for my family, I must make time for myself. It’s not selfish, it’s called refreshment, and it’s what Jesus modeled when he took some time away.

Here are a few things that I enjoy doing for “me” time:

When things get busy, keeping in shape tends to fall to the bottom of the priority list, but a little exercise always has its benefits. You feel better, you think more clearly, and experience less guilt from sweet indulgences. It’s rather simple. Every other day, I run for one minute and then follow it up by walking for four. Repeating this four times is a great twenty-minute routine.

I’ve never been able to take a nap without becoming grumpier, but there are days that I just need to lay my head back for a moment and rest. Fifteen minutes of laying my head back and resting, without falling asleep, does the trick. I am always surprised at how fifteen minutes can give me hours of extra energy.

How many times have you seen the elderly couple sitting at a restaurant with nothing to talk about? This scene reminds me to take the time to continue nurturing relationships. When my children were very young, my daily conversations included Pretty, Pretty Princess games and Star Wars light saber battles. I had very little to “discuss” with other adults, so I determined to read at least one chapter a day of a book that could enhance the conversation. Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not reading romance novels, but books and articles that cause me to exercise and challenge my thoughts and ideas.

Your “me” time might look very different from mine. But whatever you do, don’t forget to take some time to re-energize and find your source of refreshment!