Mini Self-Care Moments for Parents

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The dog is barking, the kids are fighting, and your Mother-in-Law just texted you that she is on her way for a “quick visit.”

It’s times like these when moms find it hard not to feel like the world is closing in on them.

Welcome to life. Welcome to parenthood.

As much as we know that this stress and pressure is just part of the life process, needing to be “on” all the time as a wife and mother is exhausting.

That being said, sanity-saving downtime, or “alone time,” is critical to our mental health and personal well-being.

Sometimes that feels like an “easier-said-than-done” mission. But there are ways to slip in moments of relaxation even during the most hectic of weeks.

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

Mini Self-Care Moments for Parents

1. Find Pockets of Quiet Time: As a parent, those solitary moments are few and far between, but as with anything in life, there is a “workaround.” To find even just a few minutes of peace, look for pockets of alone time also if it means getting up 15 minutes earlier every day. Once the Small Humans are awake, your day will begin at a hurried pace. Waking 15-30 minutes or even an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, meditate or listen to music.

2. Turn Ordinary Experiences Into Special Events: Not all of us want (or can afford) luxury cruises to exotic places, so sometimes the best we can do is to make something simple, special. When you take a bath, light candles, add delicious-smelling bubble bath, turn on quiet music and add an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular shower has now become a spa level experience. If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn and curl up on the couch. Make the ordinary extraordinary.

3. Ask for Help: Kids love their mothers, but time spent with dad is necessary too. Let them bond with your co-parent while you go for a run, take a trip to the gym, or root around in the garden. Since the time is yours, do whatever you like and let your other half take control for a bit.

4. Take Exercise Breaks: When you get a few minutes, the last thing you probably want to do is exercise. But getting a little physical activity into your day has far-reaching implications. Exercise helps you to think clearly and stretches the muscles. Also, stress will drain away as powerful endorphins are released into your system. Many athletic clubs and fitness centers had free onsite childcare as part of their membership packages, which is a win-win!

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Raising kids is the hardest work parents will ever do, but also the most rewarding.

Parents of kids of any age need to remember to take care of themselves and facilitate some downtime.

You deserve a break from the daily hustle and bustle, and you owe it to yourself!