Create Relaxation Time for Yourself

These days, it seems like there is no rest for the weary.  I think most of us can attest, the weary person is usually mom.  Moms take care of hearth and home, but who takes care of her?  If you are a busy mom, and what mom isn’t, be sure to value yourself and schedule personal time.

Some moms are very good at this, and make a point of scheduling regular outings with their spouse or booking in for regular massages.  I am one of those moms that knows well I should be doing things like this, but seem to ‘forget’ until sometimes, months go by!

Many times, I have heard the analogy of the body being much like a car.  Our bodies need regular ‘maintenance’ in order to run smoothly and at their maximum potential.  A car is filled with gas to make it run.  Eventually the gas runs out and your car won’t move unless the car is replenished with fuel.

The same goes for you.  Finding time for relaxation is paramount. Emotional issues can develop when you don’t take the time to take care of your emotional well-being, not to mention the physical results of emotional neglect.

Mom time refuels the tank so that you can give to your family as well as yourself in equal measure.  Don’t be ashamed to sit for fifteen minutes, half an hour, or however long you require doing nothing – yes, I mean nothing – for your relaxation in order to replenish.

In the springtime, relaxing in a hammock under a tree is the perfect getaway from the pressures of the day.  Simply allowing yourself to indulge in a book for can  seem just like heaven!

Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “you” time:

When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace.

Get up early if you have to.  Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you.  Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means you can enjoy quiet solitude to drink your coffee or tea, read a book, meditate or listen to music.

When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow.

Do your best to turn ordinary experiences into major events. Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience.  If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, mix up a bowl of trail mix and fruit or make some popcorn, and curl up on the couch.

Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too.

Ask your significant other for help. Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit or root around in the garden.  This is a big one for me, I am still learning how to do this.  Many times I need to remind myself that no, I am not in this alone and it is okay to delegate tasks to help out with the children.

One thing I have started to do is to make a list of things that come into my mind, throughout my busy day, that I would like to get done just for myself.  These items range from taking a dance class to going to a coffee shop to get some reading or writing done.  Then the odd time where a spare moment comes up, I have a list of items to ‘accomplish’, just for myself.

Try to be prepared ahead of time and you can spend more time in a relaxed mode.

Fix lunches the night before.  Place backpacks by the front door so kids can grab them on their way out.  The fewer things you have to do throughout the day, the calmer you will be with your family when you have time together.

Indulge in movement and exercise.

Perhaps the last thing on your mind when you get a few minutes to yourself is to exercise but getting a little physical activity in your day has far-reaching benefits.  You can )never go wrong with taking the time to really get into your body and move it around to some music that you love.

Movement will always help you to think clearly, to give a stretch to your muscles, and to feel refreshed. Stress will drain away as powerful endorphins are released into your system.

Laughter really is the best medicine!

Engage in activities – perhaps your favorite sitcom or stand-up comedian, or an active outdoor sport with your family.  Do what you need to in order to keep laughter in your day.  Keep a funny calendar cube on your desk or subscribe to a daily joke site.

Laughing releases stress and can lift your spirits significantly.  And of course, solid rounds of hearty laughter will always help to keeps the abs tight!  How’s that for some humor incentive?

Remember, it is entirely okay to take time out in order to take care of you. Usually before we realize we haven’t taken enough relaxation time, we have hit a wall. You owe it to yourself!  We all deserve a break from the daily hustle and bustle.