This post was made possible by iConnect: Influencer Management and GSN Games. I was compensated for my time, but all opinions are 100% mine. Affiliate links may have been used in this post.

As always, I am going to completely authentic, organic and directly to the point in this post. If you have been reading our site for any amount of time, you know we just tell what’s on our hearts. Our goal is to always help the busy mom who wears many hats to live a JOYful life during their motherhood journey.

Motherhood is not always full of roses, right?

Just saying!

Motherhood is the hardest and most complicated job on the planet. The pay sucks, but the benefits are unmeasurable. 

It makes you cry.

It makes you laugh.

It makes you crazy.

It makes you joyful.

And sometimes it can make you feel totally insane or helpless.

I’ve been there many times, especially now that I am a single mom who works from home. Over the years, I have learned my limits. I admit, I sometimes reach my insane or helpless points before I realize it, but it’s a work that’s always in progress for me.

I’m human.

I mess up. 

And I don’t always have the quiet and meek spirit that I need (and really want) to have when I’m wearing my mommy hat.

Years ago, I discovered Mommy time-outs that work wonders for me when I am having a stressful day at home with my children. 

They are the bomb.

Sometimes they last 10 minutes and sometimes 10 hours.

Ok, I’m exaggerating a bit, but I have been known to go to mommy time out for an hour or so. When my kids were little, I would have them go in their rooms with 5 books, 1 toy, and a sippy cup full of juice, or I would require them to stay in their bed and watch their favorite movie. I had 4 of their favorite flicks available solely for my much-needed Mommy Time-Outs.

They knew to stay in the bed until I came back into their room or until the movie was over. Of course, there was always just a little reward like a sticker or tattoo for good behavior after my mommy time-out expired. Here are some great suggestions on things to do to make the most of your mommy time-out.

7 Mommy Time-Out Ideas to Keep you Sane

Read an Encouraging Book. 

Reading is one of my favorite escapes.  I don’t read fiction much, but when I do, it’s truly enjoyable for me. I love to read Christian fiction novels or something that doesn’t require much thinking on my part. An easy read at its best.

Take a Bath.

Who cares what time of day it is? A HOT bath always makes me feel relaxed. I like to light a candle and soak in the tub for as long as possible. I love using a special rejuvenating bath soak or bath scrub. If I already have my make up on for the day, I just make sure I don’t get my hair or face wet. I just throw my hair in a pony tail. I have been known to take several baths in one day. Shhhh!

Play a Game.

I love to play games on my phone or iPad. GSN Casino is free to download and play. Wheel of Fortune Slots, Deal or No Deal , slots, cards, and bingo are always fun and relaxing challenges that will keep you entertained. It is always nice to have friendly competition with other moms that are in the same boat as me and just need some down time. Download your  GSN Casino on iTunes and Google Play stores. Beware, it’s addicting and fun.

Look at Old Photos.

Sitting on my bed with my photos albums and simply reminiscing is a pure treat to me. I can literally get wrapped up for hours going back in time. Life is full of blessings. I like to thank God during this time for all the wonderful memories.

Listen to Podcasts.

There are so many wonderful podcasts available. A lot have daily or weekly series that you can subscribe to in order to make sure you don’t miss an episode. Plop down on your bed or your favorite chair and be inspired for the next 30 minutes. I usually leave one ear plug out of my ear, just so I can make sure my kids are behaving.

Memorize Scripture.

There is a wonderful book that has encouraged me to memorize scripture. I’m not as dedicated as the author, but I have been following some of her helpful suggestions. I like to pick a verse that will be an encouragement to me that day and for when my heart is weary in the future. Also, it’s a good idea to review memorized scripture during this time. God’s Word is uplifting. Always.

Journal Your Thoughts.

 I have a little journal that is specifically for this time. Sometimes I write about my blessings or my heartaches. It’s more or less a cry-out letter to the Lord. He is my refuge, and I always find encouragement when I put my thoughts on paper. It’s refreshing to go back and see how God handled each situation for me in His timing and in His way.

These are just a few of my favorite mommy time-out activities that really seem to help me relax and get refocussed for the remainder of the day.

Give yourself permission to take mommy time-outs daily if needed. I know only too well how rewarding motherhood can be,  but it also extremely frustrating at times. Your mood (and the mood in your home) can change in a matter of seconds. Don’t forget to give yourself a little bit of a breather before it does.

Now, go take a mommy time-out. You deserve it!