How to fit “me time” in during quarantine

It's time for your daily meditation practice. You sit on your yoga mat on the floor, cross your legs, and take a long slow breath---only to have the wind knocked out of you by an enthusiastic 5 year old who sees this as an invitation to wrestle. You recover from the unexpected blow and send the child on his way, only to have your spouse wander in wanting to know what's for dinner.

If you're struggling to get some personal time during quarantine, you're not alone. Quarantine has thrown families together much more than they did in the past, and while that opens up time for family board game night, it can drastically cut down on time spent apart. If you desperately need a break, here are a few thoughts on what you can do.

Relax on the screen time rules

Before 2020 you might have been the strictest parent in the world about how much screen time your children was allowed, but if you don't have the opportunity to trade out with another parent, screens can be a way to get that time. 

If you really need a break, put on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or let them play a game, go to the other side of the house, and breathe for a minute. You'll be a better parent for the rest of the time, and the kids won't be permanently scarred by a little extra screen time.

Communicate with other house members

It's not always kids are the problem. If you have roommates or an overly needy spouse, talk with them about needing more space. They may be feeling the same way, and you can arrange for trading out personal time.

If you don't have kids limiting where you can go however, it may simply be easiest to go for a long walk. The CDC recommends outdoor exercise as long as social distancing can be maintained, and you can soak up that time without people by simply leaving the house.

Me time can be a little bit hard to come by, but it's worth maintaining for the sake of your family. Neglecting yourself will harm others as well, so take your self care seriously.