New survey finds time-poor mothers struggling to relax

Australian mothers are suffering work overload, with 1 in 10 getting just 15 minutes of ‘me time’ a day, according to new research by Mumgo.com.au.

The results confirm that we have a nation of time poor mums and that the deprivation is more extreme than ever, with the majority of mums having less than one hour of me-time.

An alarming 1 in 10 are enjoying just minutes to themselves, only managing to fit in a precious 15 minutes.

So how are the nation’s mums spending their time? The results show that there’s a shift away from typical ‘relaxing’ activities such as bubble baths and massages, with Aussie mums instead looking to technology to help them unwind in the comfort of their own home through shopping online, watching TV and chatting with friends on social media.

With such a limited amount of time to dedicate to themselves, Aussie mums are craving more me-time and turning to the Internet as a low-key and accessible outlet for entertainment.

Top 10 Favourite Me-Time Activities

Browse internet shopping sites (72%)
Watch TV (65%)
Chat to friends on social media (38%)
Cook or bake (37%)
Read a book (33%)
Browse online news sites (30%)
Exercise (24%)
Grab a drink with a friend (10%)
Bubble Bath (8%)
Massage (5%)

Guy Polak, General Manager for Mumgo.com.au said: “We know that mums are busier than ever juggling jobs, family, housework, after school activities and much more. The research shows that now more than ever mums are looking for an easy and convenient way to relax. The internet and social media are perfect as you can feel part of a community (and still fit in retail therapy too!)”

Top Me-Time Activities (According to time)

10 minutes: Make tea or coffee (44%)
30 minutes: Browse online sites (29%)
60 minutes: Sleep (38%)

Over 2,500 mums across Australia were surveyed as part of the research by Mumgo.com.au.

Image from Shutterstock

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37 Comments

- - mom81879 said
  - 20 Nov 2015
    8:56 pm
It is hard to find me time when you’re a mum. I wasn’t phased by this, I glad my kids because I wanted my kids so it was never a chore to spend time with them. Even if it was all my time as I always knew one day they would leave me….and they have

- - smiles said
  - 30 Apr 2015
    10:58 pm
It is hard to fit in an me time at the moment. I used to love breast feeding as I actually had to sit down and would often read but know I don’t have that I really stop to have any me time.

- - mom94125 said
  - 02 Jan 2015
    6:20 pm
yes this is such an amazing result but kind of not suprising. mums are certainly busy creatures

- - mom82590 said
  - 03 Nov 2014
    10:20 am
Me time is so important, but it can be almost impossible to get it sometimes. my me time is making a cup if tea, and having a nice long shower with my favourite body wash

- - mom94125 said
  - 08 Oct 2014
    2:48 pm
wow it is amazing to see these statistics!

- - fizgig said
  - 12 Sep 2014
    9:27 pm
Sounds so familiar!!!

- - kaz23 said
  - 27 Aug 2014
    2:08 pm
With young children it really is a struggle to get non-interrupted time to yourself. I have learnt though (may have taken 7 years!!) that you do actually need it to be a better wife/mother/woman…and it is not selfish…but important.

- - kayc.64 said
  - 17 Aug 2014
    9:06 am
I have to say with two teenage boys still find myself running around picking up after them constantly if it’s not that it’s cooking washing ironing cleaning it’s never ending when I do find Quality time for myself I would most probably go on the Internet,

- - ginoula5 said
  - 12 Aug 2014
    6:44 pm
I try and take out time for myself, everyone should.

- - Happymum-2 said
  - 09 Aug 2014
    7:40 pm
such a shame that so many mums don’t get some time out
- neddie replied
  
  09 Aug 2014 , 11:59 pm
  I also feel guilty if I do take time out so it’s a hard.
- - neddie said
  - 09 Aug 2014
    12:20 pm
I think mums are busier than ever now but at times I also think we take on way more than we should.

- - damish70 said
  - 31 Jul 2014
    1:08 am
I try & make “me time” otherwise I go insane but not often enough.

- - mom57758 said
  - 30 Jul 2014
    9:22 am
I always make sure I have at least 30 minutes me time a day.

- - maureen3 said
  - 29 Jul 2014
    12:21 pm
A lot of useful tips thanks

- - threecherubs said
  - 24 Jul 2014
    8:53 pm
I would love a few extra hours each day just to fit everything in let alone me time!

- - curlytops said
  - 22 Jul 2014
    10:11 am
it is important to have a little me time.

- - mrsdew17 said
  - 18 Jul 2014
    7:24 pm
Yep, love doing most of the things in the top 10 list…if only I had the time!

- - Michelle said
  - 18 Jul 2014
    12:00 am
Everyone is different, it’s all about priorities and how we choose to spend time.

- - hopefullyheidi said
  - 17 Jul 2014
    7:18 pm
I’ve decided I’m going to make a concerted effort to make time to do activities that I enjoy once in a while.

- - Statho2000 said
  - 15 Jul 2014
    12:03 pm
While I’m not working, I get me time when bub is sleeping. But I usually spend it cleaning, washing, folding and organising. If I don’t do that…when will it get done? Chaos in the house causes chaos in the mind. I’d rather be exhausted with a happy bub and clean house than a happy bub and messy home.