We all want –- and deserve -- paid time off from work to take vacation, spend time with our families, or simply kick back and relax for a change. Because working moms are so busy juggling family responsibilities with work, when we have the opportunity to take paid time off we may be at a loss for how to spend this long awaited time.
Whether you have two weeks off per year or a month stored up, use your paid time off wisely. Here are a few suggestions for spending this time.
Go on Vacation: Take that long awaited vacation you've earned with your family. Whether it's a yearly trip to Disney World or relaxing in a rented beachfront bungalow, use your paid time off from work to take that vacation that you and your family look forward to every year.
Spend Time With Your Spouse: When you're juggling working full-time and raising your kids, the major person in your life who often gets neglected is your spouse. So when you have paid time off from work, spend some time with your spouse. Whether you fly off to a romantic Caribbean resort or simply have date night, spend quality time together when you have paid time off from work.
Clean Out Your Attic: Paid time off from work – especially if you take it at a time when the kids are in school and you have free time to yourself — can be very wisely spent getting to all the decluttering of your home that you want to do, but put on the backburner for lack of time.
Renovate: If you're tired of looking at the paint peeling off your walls, or can't stand to stare at your old drab furniture in the living room, paid time off from work is a great time to redecorate or renovate your house. Give those boring rooms a refresher by adding a fresh coat of paint. If you simply want to spruce up your home, go shopping for home décor items, like new throw pillows for the living room sofa, a new dining room table centerpiece or new window treatments. Little touches often go a long way. The best time to renovate or redecorate is when you're not in a rush and multitasking, such as when you have paid time off from work.
Indulge in Me Time: Whether it's something you neglect about yourself or just never get the chance to do because you're always working or with the kids, use your paid time off to do it. Do whatever it is that makes you happy, feel refreshed and good about yourself. This can be as simple as a day walking in the park or that long-awaited spa day with your friends. Paid time off from work is a great time to pamper yourself.
Exercise: Whether you desire a three-day yoga retreat or a week-long training session at the local YMCA, utilize paid time off to jump start a new exercise regime for yourself. Even the most dedicated exercise enthusiasts will have trouble scheduling regular workouts into their daily routine when they are juggling raising a family and working full-time. Paid time off gives you extra time to get into the gym, and continue to be motivated to keep it going once you go back to work.
Read: Find that great novel or self help book you have been dying to read, but can't seem to find the time. Cozy up on the beach or in your bed to read the book you have long desired to get to on your paid time off.
