15 Fun and Selfish Things Moms Can Do When Your Kids Are at Summer Camp

The last time I was at a museum, there were 300 second graders tethering on the edge of anarchy as we filed from room to room. Chances are, that's true for many moms. Go spend an afternoon at the museum by yourself. You'll finally be able to learn about all the fun exhibits, and yep, it's usually nice and quiet.

During the school year, you probably picked up and put down the same book dozens of times. And if you did manage to read a few pages, you were probably so distracted by your kids that you had to keep re-reading them. But now that you have a little more time to yourself, grab that book, and dive right in. Make it a point to put down your phone, and spend at least 20 minutes reading every day.

No toys! No sunscreen needs to applied to tiny humans! No stressful watching for any and all dangers! Just you and the sand and sea. Need I say more?

Shake up your tried-and-true meal rotation with a few new dishes — especially ones that you really want to eat. No more chicken fingers or pizza for a while. It's also surprisingly therapeutic to cook and create when you're by yourself.

Hey, they don't call it Summer siestas for nothing! Taking a 20-minute quality snooze in the middle of the day can rejuvenate you from the afternoon slump.

The last time I binge-watched a show, I paid for it dearly when my children woke me up the next morning after I slept for only two hours (once I start, I can't stop!). But now that they're out of the house, fly through however many episodes your heart desires.

Start to regularly schedule a manicure, pedicure, facial, haircut, or whatever it is that you always enjoy pampering yourself with but never get a chance to do.

Look up that old friend that you've been meaning to see for months (or years?!), and make a plan for lunch. It doesn't necessarily have to be in the open air, but carve out time for those important friends who slip by too often.

This one goes without saying, but there's no better way to invest in yourself than to do it with your health. Find a way to be active regularly whether it's walking with a buddy or signing up for a yoga class.

I recently met a 74-year-old lady at my son's music school who had recently begun taking piano classes after a lifetime of not getting around to it. We all have something we've always wanted to learn (or get better at), so use this Summer to reintroduce yourself to that forgotten interest.

OK, this doesn't sound very relaxing, but honestly, everyone should be doing this at least once a year (if not more). Sit down and sort out your finances, budgets, and bills. There's a strangely but deeply satisfying aftereffect of having your finances in order! Plus, once you get this out of the way, you'll be able to do all the other fun things on your list.

Another one that doesn't seem fun on the surface but is so rewarding? Getting rid of visual clutter from your closets, drawers, and life in general. It isn't just a neglected chore but also an effective mood-altering way to get your Zen on. Plus, when you free up space, you make room for new decor items and clothes.

Just because you don't have the money to be on a Summer safari this year doesn't mean you can't make it happen eventually. Start planning a feasible trip for the future, and research your heart out building your dream itinerary.

Volunteering and giving back to your community will not only enhance your feel-good endorphins but also cultivate generosity and gratefulness from within.

There's nothing more fun than doing something you're not supposed to be doing! Call in sick spontaneously, and laze around with your significant other all day . . . just don't post any evidence on Instagram!