Being a parent isn’t easy, and although you adore your family, it can be tough if you feel as though you’re not getting enough time to yourself. Between making sure your kids are fed, dropped off at school, finished their home, cleaning the house, and even balancing a career on top of all of this, the idea of simply getting five minutes to catch your breath seems impossible. However, you must try to find some time where you can unwind, as otherwise, you will burn yourself out. It might not be easy, but try to do some of the following activities to help you unwind when you can.
Reader's Roadmap
Take a Hot Bubble Bath
This is one of the best ways to relax when you have had a tough week, and it doesn’t require you to leave the house! You might have to wait until the kids are asleep to get a moment’s peace, or ask your partner if you have one to watch them for an hour or so if this is possible. Use your favorite bath salts and soaks, light some candles, and put on some soothing music. You could even pour yourself a glass of wine to enjoy too for some added luxury if you like! Facemasks are optional but highly recommended, too.
Book in for a Spa Treatment
If you would rather get out of the house to enjoy some me-time, you could always book in for a spa treatment instead. A full body massage will help you unwind and work out some tension, or a facial or mani-pedi can help you feel refreshed. You might simply want to spend some time in the sauna, steam room, or jacuzzi in an adults-only zone to give yourself a little break from being around kids.
Read a Book
Watching TV or a movie is sometimes ideal for kicking back and doing nothing, but there is something special about getting lost in a great book. What’s even better is that you can take your book with you anywhere, so if you did want to get out of the house, you could take your reading material with you to a local park or coffee shop. If you like to read books by indie authors and discover lesser-known titles, check out sites like Blurb for some interesting reads.
Escape into Nature
Studies have shown that nature has a calming effect on people, so if you are feeling stressed out, perhaps a hike in the countryside could do you some good? Even walking around a pretty urban park if you’re in a city can help boost your mood, and this is an activity that you can enjoy alone or with a group of friends. If you are going on a hiking trail, see if there are any nice restaurants or cafes where you can stop for lunch and enjoy the views. You can also do this with the kids if you want to have a nice day out with them, too.
If you’re a parent who is rushed off of their feet and could use a break, consider these suggestions and see which ones will be most effective in helping you to unwind.