Life is overwhelming sometimes. Between kids, school, work, home, your partner, and any other hobbies or interests you might have, some weeks feel packed before they’ve even started. One way to incorporate self-care into your weekly routine is scheduling fun. (Yep, putting it on your calendar!) Before you assume that takes all the fun out of it, let me explain why scheduling some fun into your calendar is one of the best things you can do for your mental health.

ANTICIPATION

It gives you something to look forward to. On a long Monday, when you feel like you can’t do one more thing, remember that a girl’s night is waiting for you on Thursday. This can be the little push to keep you motivated and content. There’s a break at the end of the tunnel so you can do this!

PRIORITIZING SELF

The act of adding “fun” to your to-dos is an acknowledgment that Mom enjoying herself is important. That there’s room for you in the lineup of all the things that need to get done for everyone else. Block off those hours on the calendar, share the event with your partner, and own it.

FUN IS GOOD

Studies have shown that women who exercise, eat healthy food, get sufficient sleep, and find fulfillment in their work have less depression, anxiety, and illnesses, like heart disease. Pick something you love and make it that much more special. Love ice cream? Pick a new flavor and turn it into a sundae with toppings. Miss girl talk? Plan a spontaneous dinner with your besties. Feel stiff and tired? Drop in a local yoga or pilates class. You’re worth it. Invest in yourself.

IDEAS FOR YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULED FUN

Jewelry making class
Dinner and a movie with girlfriends
Evening walk
Netflix and an ice cream sundae
Yoga class at a nearby studio
Bubble bath and “spa night”
Massage
Making something with your hands (sewing, knitting, collaging, painting, coloring, etc.)
Online shopping with an allotted amount of money to spend on yourself
Bookstore browsing
Reading at a cafe
Superfluous Target trip
Long distance bike ride or run

Resist the urge to feel like you have to do something typically fun. For example, if your scheduled block of fun is every Thursday night from 6-10 PM, and Thursday rolls around and your whole body is exhausted and you really don’t want to be around people, don’t push yourself to go to a movie for fun. Adjust plans and watch a movie on your laptop with your favorite dessert, or take a bubble bath, pull out your favorite face mask, and tuck yourself in early. The point is doing something you want to do.

So we want to hear. What do you do for fun? Do you feel like you have a lot of fun in your life, or wish you had a little more? How do you take time for yourself every day? Every week? Let us know in the comments below or tag us on Instagram @munchkininc

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