DIY Mom's Night In

If you're like me, you crave some personal time. Some time when I can do whatever I want without having to meet anyone else's needs. A time where I can do something enjoyable that will replenish me and recharge me, so I can get back to everything I need to do. But if you're really like me, what you crave the most is sleep. Oh glorious, elusive sleep.

Originally I was going to write this as a joke, because which mom really has the ability to do this? And then I thought, it's not about not having the ability, it's about having the gumption to say "I deserve this so I am DOING it!"

This simple, yet amazing DIY Mom's Night In is sure to leave you feeling amazingly refreshed and you don't even need to leave the house! It's been a while since I've been able to do this because I'm still breastfeeding my youngest. But as soon as she is sleeping for longer stretches, I'll be partaking in this (my favorite) recharging activity!

Supplies:

• For this amazing night in you will need some comfy clothes.
• A bottle of wine (if you drink) or your favorite tea or other drink.
• An enjoyable activity you can do for an hour or so (some ideas are: reading your favorite book or magazine, journaling, watching a movie and/or listening to your favorite music).
• Freshly made bed with fresh linens (you can even go all wild and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your sheets).
• A door that locks.
• A partner who will agree to take care of the kiddos all night and sleep in the guest bed.

How To:
Make sure the children are taken care of. Lock yourself in your room with your supplies. Proceed to drink your wine slowly. At your leisure, read your book or magazine and listen to your music. You want to continue your enjoyable activity until you start getting sleepy. Once you get sleepy, brush your teeth. Then look at your wonderful bed, yes the bed. Oh you have dreamed of this day for so long. Enjoy every second as you slowly and happily slip one leg, then two, into the crisp, fresh sheets. Don't be shy if you moan in pleasure! You deserve this! Turn off the lights. Lay down and close your eyes. Let go of it all. Before you know it you will be deeply and pleasureably in the depths of sleep and you will sleep all night, with no external interruptions....no partner snoring, no children calling, nothing but you and your dreams!

Do Mom's Night In as often as you need a good recharging and as often as your partner and children allow.

Variations: You don't have to have a totally solo sleep night. Do what works for you but the point is to make sure you are supported so you don't have to get up at all or very minimally at night. For example, if you are breastfeeding your partner can bring you the baby and when baby is done your partner can do the rest and you can doze off again. Ideally, though, once you are not needed during the night anymore, try to aim for a totally sleep-full night once in a while, on a regular basis!

Disclosure

This activity is highly addictive. Potential side effects include, feeling extremely well-rested, happy mood and high energy.