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Dads Need ME Time Too

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. Sure, I should exercise more and eat healthier but just thinking about these seemingly gargantuan goals is stress-inducing and the perfect recipe for failure and self-loathing.

Instead, I am making a more palatable commitment to take more ME time this year – and you should too. We all deserve to take a pause in our fast-forward child-centered life and slow down a little so we can enjoy it. Whether you’re the working dad, the stay-at-home dad, or any version in between, the last couple of years have really put us to the test. It’s time to put our responsibilities and parenting guilt to the side for a moment and focus on our own self-care. Let’s make a conscious effort to pick a few things that we love to do and put it in into the calendar.

For me, I’d love to make more time for quiet things. It would be awesome to get a long relaxing massage or knock off several chapters of the book I’ve been trying to read for the last four months. I could unwind with a new video game, revisit my passion for photography, or binge watch a show I keep meaning to watch. 

What’s also super energizing for me is time for loud things! I love going out for dinner or drinks with friends that I don’t get to see often. I am a fan of concerts, live theatre, comedy clubs, and action movies. The thought of seeing a new Star Wars, James Bond, or Marvel movie still excites me!

You might consider a hike, playing sports (doubles as exercise for yourself!), watching a game at a bar with your friends, building something, a quick getaway with a loved one, or just a day to lie in bed an extra few hours. Plan for it, book it in, and get the help you need to make it happen.

Time to yourself helps to recharge, disconnect, refocus, and improve your own mental health. It also helps you to be a more patient and present parent. And once you feel better, you won’t get too stressed about squeezing in a little exercise and eating a bit healthier.

 

Frank Emanuele is a proud father of two boys, a special education teacher, and a director of Dad Club London.

 

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