<p>Summer vacation is over and many kids are back to school. In contrast to their whimpers of reluctance at being forced back into a school going routine, I can’t but help a little smile from emerging on my face. I am secretly happy that I can finally get back to my own routine, which then leads to guilt that quickly checks my happiness! </p>.<p>In an echo from a few weeks ago, I take to my pen after I see my son off at the bus stop. Have we become a slave to our routines? I think I definitely have.</p>.<p>And as unnerving as that should be, I must sheepishly confess that I am guilty of being dependent on my child’s school calendar even for my daily routine. I think I’ve gone a step ahead and perhaps changed my entire career so that I could be around him especially when he got back from school. Of course, in my case what helped was that I was passionate about cooking so becoming a chef seemed like killing the proverbial two birds with one stone!</p>.<p>The move wasn’t without its moments of self-doubt. What if I wasn’t a good cook. What if I had ended my promising modelling and acting career just because I didn’t want to miss out any ‘mommy’ time! Well, technically nothing earth-shattering would have happened; but yes, the sense of financial independence I feel today, the exuberance that I experience every time I crack a delicious yet nutritious recipe, the satisfaction that I feel writing an informative article are some of the ‘perks’ that I would’ve definitely missed out on. </p>.<p>The point I am trying to make is while we should look at the mirror and tell ourselves that we are great mothers, we should also take control of our lives and march to a rhythm that we set for ourselves. While many important people and activities impinge on our lives, we should be mindful of investing in ourselves.</p>.<p>Do carve out a small part of those fourteen hours that you are awake to do the things that will, in fact, make you even better at discharging your many responsibilities.</p>.<p>So what could you dedicate your ‘me’ time to:<br /><br /><strong>Meditate and exercise:</strong> Even if it’s just for 20 minutes at home.<br /><br /><strong>Cooking:</strong> Could be just a simple smoothie which you think it’s good for you or even a ‘no heat required’ snack to pair with your cup of tea/coffee. </p>.<p><strong>Reading a book:</strong> But not at bedtime as it will likely put one to sleep after a long tiring day, but you can do that if it works for you. I give reading a special place in my day for at least 20-30 minutes. We all spare time to watch TV or shows online, we do right. So, why not spare time for reading? The knowledge gained through reading is immensely beneficial.<br /><br />(The author is a television personality and chef)</p>
<p>Summer vacation is over and many kids are back to school. In contrast to their whimpers of reluctance at being forced back into a school going routine, I can’t but help a little smile from emerging on my face. I am secretly happy that I can finally get back to my own routine, which then leads to guilt that quickly checks my happiness! </p>.<p>In an echo from a few weeks ago, I take to my pen after I see my son off at the bus stop. Have we become a slave to our routines? I think I definitely have.</p>.<p>And as unnerving as that should be, I must sheepishly confess that I am guilty of being dependent on my child’s school calendar even for my daily routine. I think I’ve gone a step ahead and perhaps changed my entire career so that I could be around him especially when he got back from school. Of course, in my case what helped was that I was passionate about cooking so becoming a chef seemed like killing the proverbial two birds with one stone!</p>.<p>The move wasn’t without its moments of self-doubt. What if I wasn’t a good cook. What if I had ended my promising modelling and acting career just because I didn’t want to miss out any ‘mommy’ time! Well, technically nothing earth-shattering would have happened; but yes, the sense of financial independence I feel today, the exuberance that I experience every time I crack a delicious yet nutritious recipe, the satisfaction that I feel writing an informative article are some of the ‘perks’ that I would’ve definitely missed out on. </p>.<p>The point I am trying to make is while we should look at the mirror and tell ourselves that we are great mothers, we should also take control of our lives and march to a rhythm that we set for ourselves. While many important people and activities impinge on our lives, we should be mindful of investing in ourselves.</p>.<p>Do carve out a small part of those fourteen hours that you are awake to do the things that will, in fact, make you even better at discharging your many responsibilities.</p>.<p>So what could you dedicate your ‘me’ time to:<br /><br /><strong>Meditate and exercise:</strong> Even if it’s just for 20 minutes at home.<br /><br /><strong>Cooking:</strong> Could be just a simple smoothie which you think it’s good for you or even a ‘no heat required’ snack to pair with your cup of tea/coffee. </p>.<p><strong>Reading a book:</strong> But not at bedtime as it will likely put one to sleep after a long tiring day, but you can do that if it works for you. I give reading a special place in my day for at least 20-30 minutes. We all spare time to watch TV or shows online, we do right. So, why not spare time for reading? The knowledge gained through reading is immensely beneficial.<br /><br />(The author is a television personality and chef)</p>