Mother’s are always on duty, even when they’re on holiday. While going away with the kids can be a great way of spending quality time together, it’s not exactly the best way to relax.
And if there’s one thing all moms could do with, it’s downtime. With that said it comes as no surprise that the concept of the “momcation” is gaining momentum. When a group of moms get together and go away on their own without their partners or kids its called a momcation.
Sound like heaven? Not sure you’d be able to swing it? Here are five very real reasons you need to book that momcation right now:
Do It For Your Health
If your kids are young, chances are you’re tired at best, and frazzled at worst. You’ve also probably been picking up every germ your toddler has brought home from preschool.
The cornerstones of a healthy life are good nutrition, rest, and exercise – one or all of which you may have compromised along the way in favour of bringing up your small humans.
Going away on your own (or with a group of other moms) means you can be “selfish” in the true sense of the word and reclaim your health: whether that means cooking healthy meals at your holiday house, eating at a “grown-up” restaurant without interruptions, getting a full night’s sleep, or taking time to exercise on your own.
Reconnect With Friends
When we’re single, our girlfriends are everything to us – we spend uninterrupted days and hours together, and we know each other’s lives inside out. But when we become moms, suddenly time for those friendships becomes scarce.
Sure, there are coffee meetups with baby in tow, but there’s rarely the opportunity for spending whole days or weeks together without your attention being diverted from your deep conversation to a screaming child.
A trip away together is a chance to reconnect your old friendships, have long catch-ups that may be years overdue, and remind yourself that you’re not alone in any parenting struggles.
Find Yourself Again
As moms, we’re always putting our kids ahead of ourselves, and if we’re working and socialising too, that leaves very little time for ourselves. What do we actually like doing in our free time?
“Me time” is crucial for your mental health: it refreshes your mind and spirit, helps you to rebalance your outlook on life and gives you more inspiration to pursue your own talents and hobbies.
Going away to another location is the perfect way to “enforce” this connection with yourself again.
You Can Holiday Your Way
Maybe your trip together is to explore a new country, crafting your own itinerary as you go. Or maybe you want a “readymade” trip where absolutely everything is taken care of and no planning is necessary.
All-inclusive resorts, like Club Med, are notoriously perfect momcation spots because everything is included and you can choose to be as active or do as little as you like, without having to lift a finger or think about any details at all.
Whatever you choose, a momcation is your chance to take a holiday that you want – rather than choosing one your kids (or partner) would enjoy.
Be A Better Mom and Partner
It’s ironic that going away without your children and partner actually improves your attitude when you’re with them, but that’s exactly what many moms report when they arrive back home.
“It was really hard to leave my family behind when I went with three of my best girlfriends (who are all moms too) to Greece and France last year,” says Joburg mom Catherine Black.
“But when I got into the swing of things knowing they’d be ok, I really began to really unwind and get the true value of 10 days’ uninterrupted rest.”
Catherine’s momcation was simple, involving lots of beach time, eating good food and riding bikes – but it gave her renewed energy when she was reunited with her kids and husband again.
If you’re the mom in a busy young family, a momcation can be a tricky thing to arrange, but it’s not impossible. If you consider the benefits and can communicate these to your network, then all that’s left is planning and saving for that one trip which will reap massive rewards for everyone.
Wherever you choose to go SAA can get you there. Book your tickets today!
