To the Introverted Mamas – Tips for Recharging

You know that sound of blissful silence? What? You’re a mom too? So you also know that once you have children, blissful silence is pretty much non-existent! Do I love my children? So much! Are my children loud? So loud! Does this mama need quiet, alone time to recharge? So needed!

Children are truly a blessing, a loud blessing, but a blessing none-the-less! I’ve always wanted to be a mama and be able to stay at home and take care of my kiddos. I enjoy being able to run errands with them, experience new things with them, teach them, play with them, and give lots of snuggles. But just like I’ve always wanted to be a mama, I’ve also always been an introverted sort of gal. I use to want to be extroverted. The girl that thrived around all sorts of people and always had something awesome to say. I’ve now learned to embrace my introverted side. To know that I need my quiet, alone time to recharge and revive after a long day. I process things internally, so I need my space to unravel my thoughts. It’s not that I don’t like people, but there are many times when I would gladly choose a night in over going out.

Once you have children, your life obviously changes. The amount of time set aside just for you rapidly shrinks, and that can be hard for all personality types. For those that are introverted, it can be especially hard to find that time to be alone and recharge.

At the end of the day after being home with my kids and hearing the word “Mom” repeated about 701 billion times, plus a plethora of “potty” words, aka, “poop” (because that word is absolutely hilarious when you’re four or two apparently) my brain is done! All the external stimulus and overload of constant interaction, noise, and attending to everyone’s needs sometimes wants to send me into shut down mode!

So I’ve decided that introverted mamas need to come up with a game plan, and no, the game plan does not involve extra-large glasses of wine once the kids are in bed, though several small glasses may be acceptable! But in all reality, you need your time to recharge. You need your time to breathe and rest in blissful silence!

1. Make time to be alone. This may take some sacrifice, but it’s worth it! I wake up early before the girls get up to read my devotions, pray, and possibly get a small workout in. This helps me clear my head for the day and starts me off on the right path.
2. Don’t over schedule activities. Play date, after play date, after story time, after music class, after swim class can get a bit overwhelming for everyone, especially when they are little and you have to interact the whole time! If it feels like too much, cut back a bit and focus on the activities you and your kids find most important.
3. Schedule quiet time in the day. Both of my girls have decided they no longer need naps…*sigh*. Instead of fighting it, most days we have a quiet time instead, where they can stay in their room and quietly play or look at books, and sometimes they even fall asleep! Points for a little afternoon quiet and early bedtimes!

I hope these ideas get you started on the right path, mamas. A path where you don’t feel totally overwhelmed and ready to completely zone out and shut down at the end of each day. Mothering is hard work no matter your personality. Understanding a bit about your personality and the ways you need to recharge are important so you can enjoy spending time with your kids and meet both their needs and yours!

So here’s to you introverted mamas! Go take some time to recharge!