When you’re a busy Mum, relaxation may be something that you said goodbye to a long time ago. After all, if you’re not running around trying to do your own tasks, you’re invariably running around after one of your little ones, trying to make sure that they’re not eating Lego again, or colouring over your nicely painted walls with those felt tip pens. It can be exhausting, right? However, you do need to make sure that you’re taking some time out to relax, and here’s how you can do it.
#1: Involve your kids
If you’re not quite sure how to get some relaxation time alone, then involving your kids is a good shout. Whether you’re reading a book to them, or chilling out on the beach whilst they’re having fun, don’t feel guilty about taking some time for yourself. Of course, you’re going to need to keep an eye on them, but you should still be able to sit back and relax for a bit whilst you do so, you know?
#2: Take a little longer in the bath
OK, so you can’t really go and have one of those super long baths that you may have had pre-kids, but there’s nothing stopping you from spending an extra 10 minutes in the bath or shower, just so that you can chill out a little more. We all have those showers sometimes, when you feel like you ran in and then ran straight back out again, but if you have a bit of extra time, then why not use it wisely?
#3: Bring a book out with you
We all have those window periods in our day, when we’re waiting for things to take place. Perhaps you’re at the school gates in the car, waiting for the school bell to ring, or you’re commuting to work (well, not driving) and you have a few minutes to do something whilst you wait. Keeping a book, or a magazine, in your bag for the journey, allows you to escape into something for a while.
#4: Wake up earlier
So, as we all know, waking up early is arguably difficult enough as it is. Whilst there are few of us who would willingly give this a go, waking up a little bit earlier on a few days each week could give you some time to do the things that you enjoy, before the chaos of having kids starts to unfold. We’re talking, getting up and doing something you like, not getting up and doing the washing, though. Take note.
#5: Go for a coffee
One of the things that we never think about is just taking ourselves out for coffee, with a book (or, simply just people watching). It’s an hour out of your day, where you could get somebody else to look after the kids, but doing it once every week or two will really allow you to gather your thoughts. There’s nothing wrong with going solo; in fact, it’s one of the best things that you can do.
#6: Have a cup of tea
OK, so this isn’t necessarily high-tier relaxation. However, taking some time out just to have a cup of tea and a sit down should be enough to make you feel refreshed for a while, and sometimes it’s the little things, you know? And we’re not encouraging using biscuits as a coping mechanism, but we won’t tell anybody if you don’t. Get the kettle on, and have a sit down with a cuppa.
#7: Book a massage every once in a while
Sometimes, you just need to treat yourself as a Mum. You feel like you’ve been running around all day, and you’ve had no time to really unwind, and just let all of that weight shift from your shoulders. Check out the different types of massages that would help you – this deep tissue vs sports massage guide could help – and enjoy coming home feeling revived, and ready to take on the world.
#8: Invite a friend over
When you’re a busy Mum, you don’t always have the opportunity to up sticks, and head out of the house as if you have no responsibilities. However, your friends can come to you, and it’s nice for them to see your kids when they do, but share a glass of wine or two with you once they’ve gone to bed. This will help you to talk through some of the things that are going on in your head, and it keeps you grounded, too.
#9: Listen to a different album every week
We know, we know. It seems like an unattainable goal. However, listening to a different album every week can really make you feel like you’ve exposed yourself to various forms of art and culture, without actually sitting down and doing so. Whether you’re in the car, at home, or you’ve simply got your headphones in at the shop, try and listen to something new. You’ll feel better for it, and it’s a great thing to focus on.
#10: Take a nap
Look, we’re just going to say it. Sometimes, all you really need is to have a nap, especially if you’re having a really busy day, and you get an hour or so to yourself. And there’s nothing wrong with napping, right? You wake up feeling ready to go (well, most of the time…) and it’s a good way to rest your body and your mind when you can. Get those pyjamas on, and embrace the midday snooze!
So…
If you’re a busy Mum, and you find it difficult to relax (or you just don’t know how to), then try out these 10 simple things when you have the chance. Sometimes, it’s just about reading a magazine for 5 minutes, or enjoying a cup of tea, and other times, you just have to book yourself in for that massage. You work hard, and everybody else gets to chill out, so why shouldn’t you? Enjoy relaxing, you deserve it! (This is a guilt-free zone…).
