PRIORITIZE
Summer often means packing way more than usual into most weekends and it can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Rather than try to cram every last activity, day trip and visit to Grandma's into the next two months, separate the must-dos from the want-to-dos. For every campsite that's already been booked or cottage that was rented in early spring, there's likely an amusement park visit or a neighbourhood barbecue that you can politely bow out of. The point is to make sure you get to do the things you've been planning or looking forward to all spring (and maybe even winter), but forgo the things that are just going to stress you out and take up too much time.
JUST SAY NO
This is probably the most difficult thing to do when there are so many people to see and so many things to do, but sometimes taking more me time means saying no – to your kids, to your friends, to your in-laws. You can't be expected to be everywhere all the time and although you may feel guilty turning people down, doing so will keep you saner in the end. The more stressed-out you are and the more directions you're pulled in, the faster the summer will fly by -- so fast that you won't even notice you've missed it until it's time to pull out the sweaters and warm clothes all over again.
PLAN A SPA DAY
The ultimate solo day involves being pampered. If you can fit a trip to the spa (alone or with a close friend or two) into your summer budget, we say go for it! Spending the day getting a massage, facial, body scrub and pedicure can re-energize you and erase any stress about summer scheduling you might have been feeling. The best part is that while you're in the sauna or having your nails done, you won't be able to take that phone call from your mother-in-law asking when you're stopping by. Spa time is your time and it's important to treat yourself at least once this summer.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK
No one should feel the need to be a super-mom. As long as you love your family and take good care of them you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself to make everyone happy all the time. Taking a day off from playing chauffeur or taking an hour at the end of the day to soak in the tub or enjoy a glass of wine on the back deck does not make you a bad mother – it makes you human. Plus the more me time you take, the less stressed out you'll be this summer -- which in the end makes you happier, healthier and a much better mom, wife and friend.
