I remember my first ever 'mommy time'.  My daughter was 6 weeks old and I had just trained her to take the occasional bottle so I could leave the house for more than 3 hours at a stretch.  After I had given my husband all the last minute instructions, I hopped in my car and headed to Target.  True, it wasn't a very exciting destination but I was ALONE.  For the first time in 6 weeks, I was all by myself and it was wonderful.  I slowly cruised the Target aisles (probably just buying baby stuff) and savored the time.  When I got back home two leisurely hours later, I felt recharged and could deal with the constant demands of new motherhood.

Over the years, the way I spend my mommy time has changed, but that fact that I need it remains the same.  My idea of mommy time now is a massage, pedicure or a night out with friends.  Though the demands of elementary-school aged kids isn't the same as those of a newborn, I still feel my batteries draining and know that some time doing something for myself is needed.  

No matter what you do during that time - walk, talk with friends, volunteer - the fact that you are taking care of yourself is the important thing.  It's kinda like on an airplane when you are traveling with kids and the flight attendant tells you to put on your oxygen mask before putting it on your kids.  You've go to fill your own tank before you can give to others.

What's your favorite way to recharge during mommy time?