Busy parent? Time to find your Me-Spot

Families can be wonderful but you may find that your hectic family life leaves you with very little 'me' time and that sex is now much lower on your list of priorities

You're not alone! Many of us find that juggling the demands of childcare and housework leave us too exhausted to make the most of time alone, or with our partners, when the little ones are tucked up in bed.

It's time to get motivated and re-evaluate the way in which we make time for ourselves, re-discover that spark in our love lives and put 'yummy' back into 'mummy'!

The 'Find Your Me-Spot' roadshow is touring the country from May to bring you top tips on all things beautiful, alongside confidence, flirting and contraception advice... everything you need to give life a bit of a pick me up and put time for yourself back on the agenda.

Each roadshow, which is free to attend, will enable women to escape from their hectic lifestyle for a few hours and enjoy an evening with friends.

Before you come along to our roadshows, here are a few top tips to get you started on the journey to a new and fabulous you...

Mental calm and balance

It's great being a mum, but it can be easy to lose your identity as you spend most of your time looking after everyone else. It's really important that you give yourself a break and indulge in a little 'me' time. Whether it's something simple such as taking a long bath or going out and getting a makeover.

If you're finding it hard to take some time out, perhaps you need help with time management. Write a list of things that you need to achieve every day and prioritise tasks: it can give you a real sense of achievement to tick items off your list. By timetabling your tasks rather than trying to do everything at once, you'll find you can get things done and still find some essential time for yourself.

Your relationship, love and sex

When you've got kids it's easy to forget about your relationship. As well as finding that 'me' time, your relationship needs attention too. Try having one night a week/every two weeks or even every month where you organise a baby-sitter (perhaps friends would be happy to volunteer and you can return the favour another time?) and have a romantic night out, or in, without the kids.

Physical wellbeing

A great way to make you feel better physically and mentally is to exercise. It doesn't need to be an entire hour in the gym, it can be as little as 10mins. So wrap up warm, pop the little one into the pram and go for a brisk walk in the winter sun or a summer stroll in the park. You can gradually begin to build up the level of exercise.

If the gym appeals, find one that offers creche facilities, join with a few friends and make it a weekly catch up with exercise to boot! Some gyms also offer post-natal classes specifically designed to help you tone and shape your body after pregnancy.

This article was contributed by Bayer Schering Pharma

UK.PH.WH.MRN.2010.103
Date of Preparation: April 2010