What do you do with Your "ME" time?

 It is 1 a.m. and I am staring at the prepackaged and overpriced snacks at the grocery store as though it is the most important decision of my life. I walk up and down the aisle to pick the best school snack for my kindergartner to take tomorrow. I have the juice in hand and just can't seem to decide on a snack. They all have possibilities and I am so deliriously tired that this decision is harder than it should be and the man stocking the shelves isn't quite sure if I am intoxicated or just a thorough shopper.

I am doing this for my child so that I don't have to put a can of soup in her snack. I haven't shopped lately and any snack that enters the house will be consumed within the hour.

These tasks, amongst many others, are examples of what I do for my children. I put them first in 99.9999% of situations and that is probably an understatement. As a mom, I do want the best for them, but in order to do so, I have to take care of myself as well.  

There is a study on planetgreen.com which reads that moms get 26 minutes of "me" time a day. Have you ever tried to add up your me time? How about "a quiet shower?" Does that count? I might get that in once in a while if I'm quick enough to lock the door.

I asked a few local moms on whether 26 was a true number and what can they do or would do with their "me" time. The responses varied by person and most felt it was an accurate number gauging their "me" time with the exception of MaryJo who felt it wasn't even long enough to use the bathroom. (which is the edited version of what she actually said). There was also an understandable difference between working and stay at home mothers' & single moms' and married moms' reactions.

Stephanie felt the 26 was accurate. 

Coleen G. would do a bath and a book in her 26 minutes. 

Melissa doesn't get any free time until the kids go to bed at 9:45 p.m. every night and by then she's too tired to enjoy free time. 

Angie will veg out in front of the TV or read when there is actually time.

Andrea will read during her "26."

Tara wants to try to get up early and exercise with her "me" time. And is hoping for an extra 20 to get in a peaceful shower.

Colleen M said eat!

Lisa had an abundance of things she likes to do with her "26." She mentioned going to lunch, getting in the pool, listening to kids laughter, a pedicure or snuggling.  

Gayle will read with her feet up and a cool glass of mint water. (Mmmm, sounds refreshing.)

Lately, I find myself watering the plants. It gets me outside and nobody would dare intrude on my time or I could squirt them.

The bottom line is to make sure you take your "me" time and do what you like to do. Try out some of these ideas and come up with your own. A happy mom is a happy house. And a margarita tastes much better when you're smiling.

Do you use your "26" well? Please let us know more about them in the comments below.