Pamper Yourself

By Deborah Clark

You sigh as you prop your feet up on the coffee table. The kids have had a great time at the park and you even managed to chat with some other moms while you were there. A quick stop at the grocery store to pick up a few things and then its dinner and bedtime. You are almost too tired to steal some couple time before you both fall into bed. You truly enjoy what you do. But, sometimes wouldn't it be nice to have a little more time? Time to recharge your batteries. Whether you steal a few moments for yourself or find creative ways to find high quality as a couple and a family, finding time can be both an art and a science.

While there is no magical method of adding any more hours, there are creative ways of finding time during your day. You can arrange with a friend to powerwalk together. This works best if you begin just prior to nap time, or just after play time. In this way, the kids are tired and don't want to get out to walk and you can maintain speed. Also, walking with a friend helps to monitor your workout. A fast walk, with or without weights, should still allow you to continue to talk normally. This walk can also be done with your spouse. However, unless your are both used to the speed, one will be walking more quickly. I have overcome this problem by making sure I don't push the kids in the stroller. I can walk faster so we both get an aerobic workout.

A great way to carve time into your day is to use services that deliver or come into the home. I still enjoy going out to shop, but during those weeks that things are just too hectic and even a fast trip to the store is too much, delivery services are a godsend. I have a grocery store that makes its own baked goods and cures its own meat, and I have groceries delivered. Even the big grocery chains have this service. Drugstores deliver prescriptions that are phoned in from the medical service, Envoy, that will send doctors to your home. I have estimated that I save almost four hours every week by having things delivered. The bonus for me is that there is no delivery charges and they will schedule within a time frame so I can still plan my day.

Other personal services are surging into the home delivery phase. My hairdresser operates a shut-in service. I use the service, it is so much easier to book her for nap time than to try to find an evening or Saturday appointment. I have found estheticians who will come in to do facials and makeup, masseuses who will give me massages, and even a reflexologist who will bring her service to me. Most larger cities have a number of services that will deliver. Many small centres will accommodate your desire, all you have to do is ask. But what if you want to just get out of the house for a little while?

Day Spas are the answer for those of us who would like to get out once in a while for a little personal pampering. They are readily accessible in most larger cities. You get a day of personal attention. It is something that is decadent without breaking the bank. Getting picked up from the spa for a special evening together caps off the day beautifully. A date with your husband is delightful. Pretend you are dating. Declare conversations about children and family off-limits. Be attentive to each other and recapture the desire and interest that attracted you to each other initially.

If you would like more than just a day away, consider a weekend getaway. Whether alone or with the family, a weekend retreat can be just the thing to recharge your batteries. A simple house exchange works. If you have friends that are from a different area, ask them if you can play tourist. They live at your home for the weekend while you stay at theirs. The cost of staying at a hotel, and having to eat out is eliminated, you have much more room and you know that your houses will be safe as they are not empty. Sometimes a change can be as good as a break.

If house swapping doesn't work for you, try renting at an off-season location. Go to the beach during the winter or the mountains during the summer. Many vacation spots are open during the off-season, the bonuses are numerous. The rates are much less expensive, there are no crowds, and you have more flexibility.

Just remember, you can accomplish much if you are creative. Look at the situation from a different angle and you may be pleasantly surprised at the possibilities.