Ok friends, schools in and we are all getting into the rhythm of our new schedules. Every Fall I feel like it’s a new start to the year for mamas, much more so than New Year’s. As my kids get into the school groove I like to get into my groove and set goals and plans. A huge part of that is to avoid burnout – that kind of burnout and exhaustion that comes from not taking any time to myself. My challenge to you: get off the hamster wheel every day – even if it’s just for 10 minutes – to recharge.

Here are some ways to sneak a little bit of “Me Time” into your schedule:

1. Get up 30 minutes early

This has been one of my favorite shifts this year. I’ve always dragged myself out of bed at 6:30 during the week, basically the same time my kids were getting up. I have never claimed to be a morning person. I started to set my alarm for 6:00 just so I could have a quiet cup of coffee before the get-out-the-door craziness started. And I LOVE it. And of course now my body clock just gets up naturally. It is the most peaceful and happy way to start the day. Give it a try.

2. Get outside

Whether you are sitting at a desk all day or running around from pick up to drop off to Costco you need to get outside. Just get up and walk around the block once, down to the park and back. It just clears your mind. My mom has said this to me my whole life and of course it took me over 40 years to figure it out. Just 10 minutes outside in nature with some Vitamin D is a huge pick up and mind shift in the middle of the day. And it’s WAY more energizing than a cup of coffee – that can end up actually being an energy-zapping dehydrator in the afternoon.

3. Car time: Make it YOUR time

Chances are you spend a lot of time in your car – commuting to work and driving to and from school and sports pick ups and drop offs. If podcasts are not yet your new car companion – get on board. You will love it. It’s my treat to myself whenever I get in the car. Whether you are feeling high brow and want to listen to the NY Times “The Daily” break down the Presidential debate – or get lost in something fun and a little trashy like Dear John, you will love the podcast life. My go-to when I want to have a good laugh in the middle of the day – Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy Podcast. I always LOL with his goofy humor.

3. POWER NAP!

Studies say about 20 minutes is the perfect amount of nap time. I figured this out when I was pregnant with my third child. I was SOOOO tired. I could only close my eyes for as long as one Disney Show while I was “watching” it on the couch with my other two kids. That 20-minute nap completely transformed my day and got me through the second half. Once in a while I still take just 20 minutes to lie on the couch and recharge. Cheaper than Starbuck’s too!

4. Bring a BOOK

Raise your hand if you show up to pick up soccer carpool at 7pm and the coach has no plans to release anyone until 7:30. You just sit there and scroll and scroll and waste more time on Instagram. Instead, download a good book on your phone. I really think that the scrolling and the social media is a totally energy sucker. Books energize and FEED the brain. Check out a classic. My daughter is reading To Kill a Mockingbird for English class and I decided to read it too. SO much better for me than social media!

5. Of course – our favorite break – MANTRA MASK! One of my favorite things about Mantra Mask, aside from the glowing skin – is that you must sit back and relax for 20 minutes while the mask does it’s magic. And the more you mask, the more you GLOW!

So here is YOUR challenge: Make time for YOU this school year. It doesn’t take a lot of time to recharge and feel invigorated!