10 Intentional Things to Do During Your Baby's Naptime!
Welcome back to Monday’s blog post my beautiful friends! I hope you’re all having a wonderful start to your week, and that this blog post can add a little “ray of sunshine” to your day! If you're a mama, then you know better than anyone how precious time is when your baby is sleeping. It can be an overwhelming task to figure out what to do with this rare and precious time?
We find ourselves asking questions like, “Are we dreaming, or is our child actually sleeping?? What in the world am I supposed to do now?” I hear ya, mamas! This time is sacred and NOT to be messed with. So what do we do when our kids are napping? I've compiled a list of 10 intentional things to choose from that will make good use of your time! Enjoy!
1. Eat...ALONE
If you're like me, you love your children so much it hurts, but you’ve also forgotten what it's like to eat in “peace and quiet,” uninterrupted, and without having to share! These moments are far in between, so next time your babe is sleeping, take time to enjoy a meal that tickles your taste buds…all alone!
2. Call a loved one
It can be challenging to keep up with relationships after kids, whether it be with family, or friends! It takes real effort from both parties, but maintaining healthy relationships can be very fulfilling and therapeutic! Make a decision to call a loved one, and catch up on life together during your baby’s nap time. Don’t get so caught up in social media that you forget how to truly be “social!”
3.Take a nap
It actually irks me a bit when well-intentioned people suggest I take a nap when my baby naps because it feels like they’re trying to sabatoge the only time I have that makes me feel independent again, haha! (I don't think I've ever napped more then two times when my child has napped...and I’m pretty it was because I had a massive migraine.) However, I know that there's a mama reading this who specifically needs to nap, and yet she’s been fighting it!! Surrender to the nap, and take care of yourself, mama. :)
4. Devotion/Journal
If your baby is napping then now is the perfect time for some devotion time, or journaling. This is good for the soul, and yet sometimes in the busyness of life we fail to make time for it. If this isn’t something you’re able to do in the early morning, then your babies nap time is the next best time to implement it!
5.Shower/Pamper yourself
We've all been there! Another long day finally reaches nap time, and we’re in dire need to catch up on a shower, brush our teeth, a fun hairstyle, polish our nails, change out of our pajamas, make ourselves feel human again!! Whatever makes you feel a little more put together, go for it, mama! You are worthy of that effort :)
6. Face your laundry
I never said these decisions would be fun, haha, but we all have those times when the baby goes down for a nap, and it's just you and that pile of laundry that’s like..."Yup, that's right... I'm still here." The stare off can be dreadfully tiring, but folding laundry doesn't have to be a torturous task! Give yourself permission to put on your favorite show, and fold as you indulge!
7. Prep dinner
I’m guilty of needing to do more of this during nap time. Prepping your food for dinner earlier in the day is a great use of your time! Instead of cooking last minute for your family, cut some veggies, defrost and marinate some meat earlier, etc. It makes transitioning to night time much easier!
8. Workout
If you’re lucky enough to have your child nap, then this is an opportunity for you to make a decision for YOUR mental wellness! Grab your weights, yoga mat, or jump rope, and commit to doing something active to give your body and mind a sense of self care.
9. Read a book
Do you remember when you used to be able to get lost in a good book prior to having kids? You can still do that now if you budget your time wisely! Start making a list of different books you'd like to read, and have them handy. Next time your baby naps, delve into your long awaited book with a hot cup of coffee!
10. Work on a creative project
Becoming moms shouldn't silence our creativity, but it should unleash it! When we become moms we give so much to our kids that our creative side needs more attention now than ever!! Start dreaming of your passions again, and think of what things you’d like to cultivate little by little each day…even as a mom. You not only have a lot to offer your children, but you have a lot to offer the world!!
BONUS TIP!!!
11. Declutter something
If you've been meaning to be productive, and you just can't find the time, consider your baby's nap time! I don't know a single soul that chose to declutter a space in their home, and later regretted it! Taking even 15 minutes to declutter a space will in turn declutter your mind, and help you feel a great sense of productivity!!
I hope my 10 intentional tasks while baby naps inspires you to make the most of your time doing something you can be proud of! While I know we are all guilty of not utilizing this time to the best of our abilities, I'd really like to hear from you in the comments below! What robs you from accomplishing things you can be proud of while your baby sleeps? What positive activities are you proud of doing while your baby sleeps?! Watching YouTube videos sucks the time out from under my feet, but doing any of the above 10 tasks satisfies me! Let's give some helpful advice to our mamas in the comments below!! Happy intentional time today, mamas!
Cool, Calm and Collectedly Yours,
