It’s not easy being a mom. Whether you work out of the home or you’re a stay-at-home mom, life can get pretty stressful. There’s always something that needs to be done and someone who wants your attention. Prioritizing your health and well-being is important. While it may feel impossible to find time each day to de-stress, it’s essential. The following tips and ideas will help you unwind after a hard day.
- Turn Your Bathroom into a Spa
Splurge a little on bath salts, candles, and fluffy towels. Grab your iPod and put on some relaxing music. Dim the lights and run a nice hot bath. You don’t have to spend hours in the tub to de-stress; twenty minutes in a soothing environment can do a lot for your spirits. It’s also an effective way to get a great night’s sleep. Try adding a bath pillow to the tub and using lavender-scented products to enhance the relaxation.
- Create a Gratitude Habit
Gratitude is a powerful emotion. It shifts your perspective and helps you focus on what’s important and precious in your life. Find a beautiful journal and a favorite pen (it’s important to use items that inspire you). When you find yourself feeling stressed, sit and write down three things that you’re grateful for.
- Get Some Fresh Air
Nature has a way of centering and bringing you back to yourself. If you’ve had a particularly difficult day and need some time, try heading outside. Take a walk if you can, or simply sit on the porch and inhale the fresh evening air. As the sun sets, the world tends to get a little quieter. You can sense the peace and enhance the effects of nature by enjoying a nice cup of relaxing chamomile tea as you enjoy the evening.
- Read
Reading a good book provides you with a brief escape from reality. Find a fiction book in a genre that you enjoy. Mysteries, romance, and paranormal stories are popular genres. Allow yourself to dive into your story for ten to twenty minutes and simply enjoy yourself. Avoid reading a book you think you should read or a book that is educational. The point is to enjoy yourself with a little escapism.
- Self-Massage
Finally, consider learning some self-massage – massage your neck, head, and feet for maximum benefit. Practice deep breathing before you massage your trigger points. Make sure that you find a place that is quiet where you’ll be undisturbed for a few minutes. If a child is tapping you on the shoulder every three minutes, it won’t be as relaxing.
Related: Take Time to Learn to Relax
The key to unwinding is to find a small chunk of time where you can enjoy some quiet pampering. Have a spouse or neighbor watch the kids for an hour. Find ways to reconnect with yourself and to quiet your mind. A bath, a good book, and some time in nature are all effective ways. Find a technique that works for you and make it a nightly habit. The more you practice setting aside time for yourself to relax, the more it will become a normal part of your day, even if it;s just for a few minutes. Here are more relaxation tips to keep you centered.
