Making the Most out of Naptime

For me, naptime has always been a magical time. My kids are all early risers and the day usually starts at 6 a.m. on a good day. By the time lunch time rolls around and it’s naptime, I need a break and a recharge. My kids need it, too. But what do you do with your precious time? It’s hard to decide when you don’t know how long you have or what the best choice is. Here are some ways to make the most out of naptime.

Recharge.
Do whatever you need to do to help you recharge. If this means drinking coffee outside, do it. Maybe you need a nice, long shower. If you need to catch up with a friend, take the time to do so. Maybe you just need a nap yourself? Whatever will help you recharge and be a better mom for the rest of the day, take the time and do it.

Play catch up.
This is my least favorite, but in reality, this is what I spend my time doing. These are the things you need to do, but are hard to get done sometimes with little ones. I spend naptime doing laundry, unloading the dishwasher, or cleaning many days. Sometimes naptime can be the only quiet time in your house. Maybe you need to call a few doctor offices or make some other important phone calls? Use the time to be productive, if you have to get things done.

Improve Yourself.
Naptime can be a great time for self-improvement. Do a yoga DVD or run on the treadmill. Spend naptime doing meal prep or fixing a healthy snack. If you’re like me and a true book nerd, use the time to read a self-help book on motherhood or another topic.

Pamper, Pamper, Pamper.
Paint your nails. Fix your hair. Actually put on make-up. Use naptime to beautify yourself. If you have been meaning to shave your legs for a week, take this time to do it and actually do a good job. Indulge in a DaBomb bath bomb. I’m getting ready to try my first one! Drink some soothing hot tea and put on a face mask. Finish up your pampering with a Bequet caramel. Just indulge in the alone time.

Make Memories.
If you have older children, use naptime to play with your older children. For me, naptime usually has become learning time where we focus on writing our letters or work on something new for the day. Sometimes naptime is crafts and coloring with my older kids. Some days we spend naptime baking cookies or icing cupcakes. Find something to do with your older kids that shows they matter to you, while the younger one sleeps. If you need ideas, check out Pinterest.

So whatever you do, enjoy naptime. My baby girl is currently asleep. I’m blogging, and my big kids are watching a movie. We plan on crafting after I’m done. Then, this momma has to have some 2:00 pm coffee.

Karyn Meyerhoff is a mom of three in Arkansas where she loves naptime. She just wishes her older 2 still did, too.