5 Ways to Get a Little ME Time

I have been compensated as part of a social campaign for Stouffer’s with The Motherhood. The opinions are completely my own.

Unless I am traveling, I typically spend 8 to 10 hours a day at my desk in my home office. Working from home is so much different from working in an office or any other kind of working-for-someone-else job...while there are benefits (I can make my own schedule and often work while I am traveling), I don't think a lot of us realize just how overwhelming and stressful running your own home-based business can be.

I am 100% responsible for The Rebel Chick. I have virtual assistants and the occasional guest writer, but the success or failure of this website falls directly onto my shoulders. Don't get me wrong - I wouldn't have it any other way. But...sometimes I get tired of this view. By "Sometimes," I mean practically every day.

Running this site is one of the most fulfilling things I've ever done, second only to being a mom to Angeline and wife to Chris.

Unfortunately, those long hours in my office chair leave very little energy at the end of the day to really enjoy my time with my family. I usually come out of the office after Chris gets home from work and I am so mentally exhausted that I am not completely present...that's not fair to my family for me to be so distracted and it's certainly not fair to ME to be so wiped out at the end of the day - every day.

With that in mind, I've been really focusing on making more time for myself. Making more time for a little break throughout the day, for a little self-reflection, a little joy, a little ME time. A happier ME makes a better worker, a better (and more patient) mom and wife, during the hectic holiday season and beyond!

5 Ways to Get a Little ME Time

Pamper yourself. Do something that you never do. What is that for you? A trip to the salon for a much overdue haircut and style? Go ahead and pay a little extra and have them wash your hair too! I normally paint my own nails, but once every few months, I go to the salon and get a manicure and pedicure as a special treat. There's nothing quite like having someone rub your feet!

Go outside. Sitting behind a computer all day long, then spending evenings and weekends slaving over a hot stove, cleaning, doing laundry, running around after the kids (or in my case, the dogs and cats), it's enough to suck the joy right out of you. At least once a week, take a REAL break and go outside. Sit on the back patio while you sip a cup of coffee, or take a short walk around the block. Just get outside and breath in the fresh air, let the sun shine on your skin! I love going to this little park on the water near my home. I may not make it to the beach very often, but I make sure to visit my favorite park a few times a month to unwind and relax!

Play a Game. I know, this might seem more like something you would tell your kids to do when they need some downtime. But a little catchy music, fun animation and a few moments of thoughtless pleasure does the soul good. I promise! Oh wait, my Tetris is calling me...

Play with the Dogs. Or Pet a Cat. Did you know that people with pets live longer? I swear it's true, I read it on the Internet. Everyone knows that if it's on the Internet, it's totally a fact. Walk the dogs around the block, or give one of your furry friends a good brushing. Snuggle up with your cat for a good purr session - loving up on our furry family members soothe the soul and bonus: they get some attention!

Take a REAL Lunch Break. That's right, I mean a REAL lunch break. Not sitting at your desk, shoveling food into your mouth while you respond to emails, not eating while you're standing over the kitchen sink in between a load of doing dishes, not grabbing a protein bar on your way into the laundry room. Sit down and enjoy your meal, even if you're in a rush and it's just a small one.

Stouffer's thinks you should take a real lunch break too, and that's why they've created their new Stouffer's Mac Cups. They know how busy we parents are, and whether it's your own little mini meal during a crazy day, or a quick and easy after school snack for the kids, they want us to enjoy a nice, flavorful meal even when we don't have a lot of time!

Three different mini meal options in different flavor combinations that include classic mac and cheese, white cheddar and bacon mac and cheese and cheeseburger mac.

Stouffer’s Mac Cups make a fantastic mini meal, perfect for those insane times around the holidays when we are all so busy that we barely have a chance to sit down for lunch or after school, let alone make a full meal.

Instead of skipping lunch, grab one of these new Stouffer's Mac Cups and take a moment for yourself. A little ME time in the form of a mini meal moment!

This is the same Stouffer’s mac & cheese that you know and love, it's just in a convenient cup. Each variety of Stouffer's Mac Cups are made with real cheddar cheese that has been aged six months. Yum, right?! Each cup has at least ten grams of protein and the sauce is 100% real cheese - and they're all 250 calories or less!

Stouffer’s Mac Cups come in three delicious flavors: Cheeseburger, White Cheddar & Bacon and Classic, and they come in little two packs. You'll find them in the freezer aisle near the full sized Stouffer's entrees. Visit stouffers.com to find a store near you.

I know you know where those are. We all eat that delicious Stouffer's Mac and Cheese on crazy weekday nights!

Get Social With Stouffer's!

Like the Stouffer's Facebook Page / Follow @Stouffers on Twitter / Subscribe to the Stouffer's YouTube Channel!