What would you do with 4 hours all to yourself? We have so many recharging me time ideas!

Imagine you could do anything EXCEPT your to-do list, what do you do?

That illustrious "me time" is very hard to come by. And, as busy moms, the to-do list is relentless, so often times, free time to ourselves is taken up with getting something done - checking something off the list. While feeling productive can feel good, what if the to-do list was off limits? Then what? Even the daydream about this time (and freedom) is exciting. All six of us answer this question with different ideas to refill, recharge and be reinspired by the world around us. From creative outlets of writing and shopping (yes, shopping can feel creative!) to resting to giving ourselves space for our minds to either run or pause and reset, this 4 hours would feel magical. Whether on a hike, curled up in bed, lost in a vintage shop, book or journal, we would all return to what feels true to ourselves. And, we invite you to either daydream about your four hours, or better yet, schedule it!

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

As a mom of three (plus a stepdaughter), a nutrition coach, and someone running an online business, I’m constantly juggling all the things. The idea of having four hours with absolutely nothing on my to-do list? That sounds like freaking heaven.

I’d curl up in bed, catch up on a few shows (Summer House is my fave!), pick up a book I can’t put down (anything by Kristin Hannah), and go on a long walk with my husband. I actually schedule little windows of rest during the day, usually before the last bus arrives.

But four guilt-free, uninterrupted hours? That’s the kind of rest I didn’t know I needed.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

If I could press pause on my to do list for 4 hours and only do something I want….Wow what a treat that would be to experience! I think we can all agree that having the ability to mute that nagging “to-do-list” would also be a requirement to truly enjoy those 4 hours! 

I don't know if I could pick just one thing, but I would love to start that 4 hours with a quality workout. As moms we often have to rush or squeeze in a workout. I love that post workout  muscle fatigue! Some self care would absolutely be apart of this 4 hours for me! To shower and and get ready without interruption...The Dream!

Lastly, but definitely not least I would love to have some time to do something that sparks my creative side. Whether it involves rearranging a room in my house, picking out new decor, or shopping for home decor inspiration. 

I have to add that while I was getting all of those things done I was listening to an amazing Audiobook!

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

Oooo 4 hours ALL to myself?! Well that is exciting! What I choose to do is going to completely depend on what mood I am in. My two choices I don’t even have to think about; shopping or staying home to read.

If it is a beautiful day and I am feeling energetic, I am ditching the online shopping and heading to an ACTUAL store. We have a beautiful outdoor mall less than 30 minutes from us. Actually going in the stores and seeing everything is so fun, especially kid free! I would absolutely have an audiobook going and probably a cup of coffee in my hand.

This will probably come as no surprise, but reading of course! If it is rainy or I am just not in the mood to leave the house; a cozy few hours with a book sounds like a dream. I prefer reading versus audio, but finding the time to sit with a book is so hard. Making some tea and curling up in a comfy chair with a physical book sounds so relaxing and the PERFECT way to spend 4 hours.

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Just the idea of 4 hours to myself is amazing! In true fashion, I have about 10 hours of stuff that I would try to cram into 4 hours. A long run, a long stretch, some time to journal would start the day. Then I would head to a favorite vintage home decor haunt. I love to have a few ideas of what I'm hunting for and then wandering aimlessly to see what treasures I find - that feels peaceful and inspiring. I love the way a piece of vintage art can have a story. I wonder, who loved this previously, who painted it, where did they paint it and then I daydream about all the places it could live another life. Vintage rugs, brass trinkets, glassware - you never know what you'll find. Even if I come home empty handed, I still feel recharged by exploring. (I found the teapot on our homepage while shopping on my birthday this year!)

Then, if time allows, I would grab a manicure at my favorite spot (I'm a dazzle dry addict). And, if we could make this a 6 hour session - I'd grab tea and a magazine. For my next 4 hours, I'd like to try hot yoga and a sauna. There are simply so many things I'd love to try!

Jen, Bespoke Travel Designer from @GlobalonDemandTravel

If I had four hours completely to myself—with zero pressure to be productive or cross anything off a to-do list—I’d hike, wander, and get a little lost. I’d hop in the car and head out to the Shenandoah Valley, one of my favorite places to escape. I wouldn’t plan much, just find a trail that looks quiet and set out with the simple goal of being alone in nature for a while. I like a hike that’s just hard enough to keep me focused—a good uphill climb, some rocky sections, and views that make me stop in my tracks. When a hike demands that kind of attention, I can’t think about laundry, emails, or what’s next on the calendar. I’m too busy watching where I step, catching my breath, and soaking in the trees, the light, the sounds. It’s the kind of presence I don’t get in everyday life, and I crave it more than I realize sometimes.

By the time I make it back to the car, I feel like a new person. It’s not just about being outside or getting exercise—it’s about completely unplugging and giving my brain a break. No multitasking, no background noise, just me and the trail. Those few hours remind me that rest doesn’t have to look like sitting still; sometimes, it looks like a good sweat, a quiet forest, and the space to breathe.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

I vacillate between sloth-like and hyper-productivity when given the chance to have 4 hours to myself. It really depends on what the week before and the week ahead look like. If I’ve got a clear mind and a caffeinated heart, I will absolutely be doing something creative! Most likely, I’m going to write. First, I’m going to open the notes I’ve started on my phone, which are undeveloped ideas. Then, I’m going to transform them into blog posts, book chapters, and poems. I’m going to let my stream-of-consciousness flow until it runs dry. I’ll take a break for sustenance - cheese, crackers, olives, hummus - and then I’ll return to edit my work. I’ll end it with a glass of white wine and a notebook or a Google folder full of ideas that took shape.

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