On the list of daily priorities, most Moms put themselves on the bottom — the part that you usually run out of time for by the end of the day. Some may feel guilty about taking time away from the family, while others may think they just can’t fit it in to the schedule. “Me” time, however, is very important. The feeling of rejuvenation that comes from a little time by yourself can make you that much better at all the other roles you fulfill in life.

4 Ways to Make Time for Yourself

You schedule play dates and appointments for everyone in the family, why not schedule time for yourself? Something that is only for you and about you for once. Remember long ago before you were a Mom and you actually had hobbies and interests you cared about? Here are some tips on how to fit in time for yourself and your interests in to that already busy schedule.

Schedule it!

If you tell yourself you are going to take some time away from family this week but don’t actually pick a day and time, then it’s not going to happen. Plan a specific time and don’t give yourself any excuses for backing out of your “me” time commitment.

Commit to it!

Choose something that requires a commitment on your part. If you sign up for a class or activity and commit to it, you are a lot more likely to make sure you get there. Art or photography classes, book clubs, and fitness classes are all great options.

Love it!

Pick something that you are passionate about, maybe something that used to be a hobby or passion of yours before you became a Mom. Doing something you love will make you look forward to it every week and you will be more likely to stick with it.

Believe in it!

If it has been a long time since you had some “me” time, you may feel a little guilty or odd at first. Don’t let this stop you. Make up your mind that you are not just going to do this, you are going to enjoy it too. Knowing that time away will make you a better person and a better Mom will help you stay determined.

What are your favorite ways to get “me” time as a mom?

Photo courtesy of Flickr.

Alaina shares her fifteen years of work from home experience at her blog Telecommuting Mommies. She also opens up her personal life as a homeschooling, blogging, work at home Mom of four at The Maestro Mom. Follow her on Twitter at TelecommuterMom.

Sometimes, one of the most important ways to Mom It Forward is to put ourselves as a priority and take time for our most important asset—Ourselves! Week 6′s Summer of Service challenge, sponsored by Design-her Gals, is to Make Some “Me” Time. This means identifying what re-energizes, revitalizes, and renews you; putting yourself as a priority; and taking time for yourself!

This list below identifies 10 possible ways to give back to yourself. Remember, this is “Me” time—things you would enjoy and can do alone or with friends that build, not drain, your energy. For more ideas, join #gno this Tuesday night. And, please share a comment with other ideas you have or things that have worked for you.

1. Read a good book.
2. Take a bubble bath.
3. Get a spa treatment, even if that means giving yourself a pedicure!
4. Write in your journal or on your blog… just for fun.
5. Play a musical instrument.
6. Take on a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project like scrapbooking, jewelry making, quilting, knitting, sewing, or another craft.
7. Exercise.
8. Take a really long shower and sing at the top of your lungs!
9. Go to the park by yourself, lay in the grass, and just be.
10. Schedule a girl’s night out where you can relax and be with friends or family, but where you are not the hostess.

How Will You Give to Others This Week?

• What other ideas do you have for “Me” time?
• How has taking time for yourself made a meaningful difference this week?
• What happens when you don’t make “me” time?

How Else Can You Make a Difference This Summer?

Make a meaningful difference this summer by taking the Summer of Service (SOS) Challenge. Here’s how you can participate:

• Commit to do one act of kindness/service based on the week’s challenge.
• Leave a comment with ideas relating to the week’s challenge as well as your experience(s) performing it.
• Grab the SOS button in the sidebar and put it on your blog or social networking site.
• Enter to win each week’s giveaway. Check out this week’s prizes from Design-her Gals by clicking here.
• Join #gno this Tuesday on Twitter to connect with other Mom It Forward moms about the challenge.