Set aside some time for yourself this week – don’t say you can’t. It can be just 15 minutes, if it has to be – although it would be better if it were 30 minutes or an hour. But, you can work yourself up to that, if you need to.

Do whatever feels good for that 15 minutes. Sit quietly, exercise, read, watch TV, listen to music (or dance to the music).

Don’t allow interruptions. Arrange a time when the kids are with someone else or after they are asleep.

Start with once or twice a week and work your way up to every day and for longer periods of time. If you don’t feel some benefit from this “time in” or “me-time” after doing it several weeks, try changing what you do during your time. You need to do what will recharge you. All parents need to recharge in order to be the parents they want to be.

If you have been ignoring yourself for too long, you may have to practice not feeling guilty before you can enjoy your time. You may have to re-learn what things you like before your activity actually feels good.