Motherhood is more than a full-time job. It is never-ending. Every single hour of every single day, you are a mom. Sure, you might have other things going on, like a paying job outside of your home or hobbies or interests. But you can't shut motherhood off. And it can be a heavy weight to carry. It's so important for moms to have some time to get away and recharge. We're all aware how important self-care can be, but not taking that time can actually have a negative impact on your mental and emotional health! Scientific research suggests that taking a "momcation" or escaping for a kid-free girls' weekend can boost your mental health, and make you a better mom. Pack those bags, mamas!

There is plenty of research out there that shows how important friendships are for women, and how not connecting with our friends can negatively impact our health. We get something from our friends that we don't get from our romantic partners or from our relationships with our own kids. There's a sense of community, of understanding, of support. Taking a few days away from your family to spend it with your friends is a great way to recharge and get a new lease on life, so to speak. You certainly don't have to take a week to travel the country with your family! A lot of moms have a hard time stepping away from their duties for any length of time, and we totally get that. But even one night spent not being mom can give you a mental and emotional boost, and really help you be the best mom you can be. It can even be a small as taking a long lunch or having a girls' night out! Any bit of time you can steal away where you can just connect with your friends and not be mom is beneficial.

Studies show that parental burnout is real, and most of us have experienced it to some degree or another. It can impact your experiences as a mother, it can impact your professional life, and it can impact your relationship with your partner or your home life. If you're feeling the burn, try to take that little break. Grab dinner with your best friend, and spend the night in a nice hotel! And come back to your family with a fresh outlook.

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