In a hectic family life, everyone needs to make time for themselves. There is a lot of focus on moms making time for themselves but no-one really thinks about dad’s needing to do this as well. The modern dad is much more involved and with flexible working, dads are playing a more active part in their children’s lives and sharing the childcare role.
Managing a busy schedule dominated by work and the demands of the family dads need to consciously make time for themselves to ensure they have a balanced and happy life.
Get Physical
Being active and getting some exercise is a great way to get some me time. Whether you push yourself in the gym, enjoy pounding the streets or prefer team sports, spending time exercising not only gives you a mental break but also is good for your health, enabling you to be fitter and more active with your family.
Golf is a game loved by so many men and it’s understandable why when it gets you away from all the hassles of your life and you get to stroll around a great golf course chasing that amazing shot. It combines some of the things that men love the most, competition, and somewhere that the family cannot interrupt or join in.
Team sports are not only great exercise but also social activities too, especially if you get the chance to have a beer or two afterwards. Dig out your old football boots and re-join the lads for some 5 aside fun. If you don’t have enough players or want to find a team check out Gumtree for ads looking for players.
If you are not that keen on actively taking part or have become more of an avid spectator that is great too as it gives you an ideal outlet with regular fixtures to watch. Enjoy the games on your own or with friends for a bit of competition and banter to distract you from the daily grind.
Disappear into a Different Reality
Gaming is a classic pastime that allows you to immerse yourself in another world and to leave your worries behind you. With your lounge being taken over by the little people you often need to find somewhere else to get your gaming fix. If you are not lucky enough to have a man cave then you might like do some online gaming on your phone. Using your phone will enable you to enjoy gaming at any time when you can spare a few minutes, whether it’s on your commute, lunch break or anywhere.
App stores are brimming with all different types of games from racing games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, through to strategic war games like Mobile Strike. If you like to have a bet, there are mobile casinos to try your luck on where you can play classic casino games, slot machines and bingo. You may think bingo, that’s not a very manly pursuit, but bingo is no longer just the hobby for elderly women. Why not give it a go and see if it gets you hooked with new member offers on bingo sites such as “spend 10 play with 50”? You might get lucky!
TV Addict
Even if you can’t get away from the house much these days there are plenty of movies and box sets to devour to enable you to relax and unwind after a busy day and facing the challenges of being a parent. Over the years you have probably missed some great TV series so invest in some box sets and binge watch some TV. If you need some inspiration or want some good reviews, ask friends or colleagues or visit a film and TV review site like Rotten Tomatoes to discover reviews before you purchase them. Top of your list if you missed them could be zombie series The Walking Dead or political drama House of Cards.
Whatever your favorite hobbies are, try to ensure you don’t lose sight of them among your hectic family life. Even if you can’t dedicate as much time as you use to or you’d like, allocate yourself some time each week to enjoy them and agree with your partner when each of you will benefit from your own time. Ensuring that you both get some ‘me time’ to be yourself not a parent will make you not only happier but better parents.
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