You've probably heard the popular catchphrases "self-care" and "me time" floating around. While the idea of caring for oneself in order to better care for others may seem trendy, there is a lot of truth behind the sentiment, especially if, like us, you are an introvert trying to live in close quarters with other people. It can be very draining for many people to be constantly surrounded by others.
If you are someone who feels energized by being around other people, I think that's awesome. Sunshine is quite the little extrovert herself, and her constant need to be nearby is both fascinating to us and very draining at the same time. If that's you, then your version of self-care will look remarkably different than the picture I paint here, but I think it's important for all of us to get the rest we need, especially as parents and partners, so that we can keep caring for those we love. Find what works for you and make it happen!
For us, self-care translates into solitude most of the time, and more than a year ago I wrote about how we help each other find solitude in our small home. It's still something that we prioritize on a regular basis.
Related Post: Finding Solitude in a Small Home
If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen me share about my Wednesday afternoons. This is the one day a week that, unless something unavoidable comes up, Chris takes full responsibility for our children so that I can take some time to myself to recharge.
What this looks like changes depending on what the weather is like and what else is going on in our lives and community at the time, but during nice weather, Chris usually will take the girls to the park. They often go out to lunch or hit up the library. This week, they did all three. Sometimes if the weather is uncooperative or if someone isn't feeling well, they stay home and I go up to the loft and put on a pair of headphones and ignore everyone for a few hours. Other times I'll go shopping or go check out a movie all by myself.
On other days, it's my turn to return the favor. I often take the girls on play dates or to to the library. Sometimes we go for a walk if the weather cooperates. During the summer, I've taken the girls to free concerts at a local lake. Sometimes we stay home and Chris goes out or holes up in the loft himself for some "daddy time." Our girls are well versed in what this phrase means, and they know that if Mom or Dad is taking some time alone, they need to respect that and leave us be.
It's these scheduled blocks of "me time" that keep us going strong in our tiny house and our marriage. If we weren't so deliberate about making this happen, tiny-house living with kids would be nearly impossible for us. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to provide this blessing to each other on a regular basis, and part of being able to do so is keeping enough margin in our lives so that there is time for us devote to getting the rest we need.
If you either have already made the plunge into small home living as a family or you plan to head that direction in the future, especially if you are introverted like us, we suggest that you prioritize your own time to relax and recharge if you can. It makes a huge difference for us in our family.
We would love to hear from you! Comment below or visit our Facebook page and let us know what you do to maintain your own sanity in the midst of the crazy hustle and bustle of life, especially if you live in a tiny space!
If you are someone who feels energized by being around other people, I think that's awesome. Sunshine is quite the little extrovert herself, and her constant need to be nearby is both fascinating to us and very draining at the same time. If that's you, then your version of self-care will look remarkably different than the picture I paint here, but I think it's important for all of us to get the rest we need, especially as parents and partners, so that we can keep caring for those we love. Find what works for you and make it happen!
For us, self-care translates into solitude most of the time, and more than a year ago I wrote about how we help each other find solitude in our small home. It's still something that we prioritize on a regular basis.
Related Post: Finding Solitude in a Small Home
If you follow me on Instagram, you've probably seen me share about my Wednesday afternoons. This is the one day a week that, unless something unavoidable comes up, Chris takes full responsibility for our children so that I can take some time to myself to recharge.
What this looks like changes depending on what the weather is like and what else is going on in our lives and community at the time, but during nice weather, Chris usually will take the girls to the park. They often go out to lunch or hit up the library. This week, they did all three. Sometimes if the weather is uncooperative or if someone isn't feeling well, they stay home and I go up to the loft and put on a pair of headphones and ignore everyone for a few hours. Other times I'll go shopping or go check out a movie all by myself.
On other days, it's my turn to return the favor. I often take the girls on play dates or to to the library. Sometimes we go for a walk if the weather cooperates. During the summer, I've taken the girls to free concerts at a local lake. Sometimes we stay home and Chris goes out or holes up in the loft himself for some "daddy time." Our girls are well versed in what this phrase means, and they know that if Mom or Dad is taking some time alone, they need to respect that and leave us be.
It's these scheduled blocks of "me time" that keep us going strong in our tiny house and our marriage. If we weren't so deliberate about making this happen, tiny-house living with kids would be nearly impossible for us. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to provide this blessing to each other on a regular basis, and part of being able to do so is keeping enough margin in our lives so that there is time for us devote to getting the rest we need.
If you either have already made the plunge into small home living as a family or you plan to head that direction in the future, especially if you are introverted like us, we suggest that you prioritize your own time to relax and recharge if you can. It makes a huge difference for us in our family.
We would love to hear from you! Comment below or visit our Facebook page and let us know what you do to maintain your own sanity in the midst of the crazy hustle and bustle of life, especially if you live in a tiny space!
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