Being a mom is a busy job. Whether you stay at home, or you work, you’re likely to be rushed off your feet. Taking time for yourself and relaxation are probably distant memories.

 

Our no-nonsense guide provides several simple changes to help you unwind and relax each day. Pick out the ones that are relevant to you.

 

Make the Most of Your Free Time

 

When downtime is at a minimum, it is important to make the most of any free time you have. Don’t rush through every task. If you’re eating your breakfast, focus entirely on this. Don’t take spoonfuls of cereal with one hand while scrolling through phone messages with the other. Notice the different tastes and savor the food you’re eating. Being present in the moment and mindfulness has lots of positive benefits. One of these is to ease stress and to make you feel calmer.

 

When you go to bed at night, ensure you get a good night’s sleep. This is easier said than done, especially if you have very young children. Your sleep may be broken as you tend to them. However, make the sleep you do have count. Each night, go through a winding down routine. About an hour before you go to bed switch off your phone and any screens. Use this time for relaxing activities such as reading. Take a warm bath if you have time. If your baby is active during the night, then try and nap when they nap during the day.

 

Invest in a good quality bed and mattress that provides adequate support for your body. Sites like www.TheBedroomStore.com/ have lots of information and advice. If you’re overtired, a good bed will feel like heaven.

 

Other tips for a good night’s sleep include making sure the room is dark enough and limiting outside noise. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol, which are not conducive to sleeping well.

 

 

Go Outside

 

When you have young children, getting them ready to go anywhere can be fraught. But it is a good idea to go outside as much as possible. A change of scenery and some fresh air will bring lots of positive benefits. You don’t have to go far. Even if it’s a walk around the block, it will help to get your blood pumping.

 

Walking or being in nature is good for our sense of wellbeing. According to medical studies, the closer you live to nature, the healthier you’re likely to be. It increases our vitamin D intake, which is good for our immune systems and disease prevention. It will also help you to sleep.

 

 

Think in Small Units of Time

 

Rather than trying to set aside hours to relax, think in smaller units of time. Grab ten minutes or half an hour whenever you can. For example, when your baby is sleeping or when your partner is looking after the kids. Use the time to do something you enjoy. This could be reading a book or standing in the garden for five minutes with a cup of coffee. Even small amounts of relaxation will bring positive benefits.

 



Ask for Help

 

No-one can do everything on their own. It’s fine to ask for help. And if it’s offered, grab it with both hands. If you have someone you can trust to look after the children for a while, use the time to relax. Read a book, go for a walk, or get some sleep.

 

Schedule a Break

 

Speak to your partner or a family member about taking a regular break. Don’t let anything intrude on this time. Use it to do the things you want to do. Feeling happy and fulfilled reduces stress and aids relaxation.

 

Pamper Yourself

 

Pamper yourself now and then. Get a haircut or a mani-pedi. Treat yourself to some new clothes and put on some makeup. Do something you used to do before you became a mom.

 

Get Some Exercise

 

Exercise is good for us in so many ways. One of its benefits is to reduce stress and help us to feel calmer. When we’re feeling stressed or anxious, the body produces adrenalin and cortisol. Moving our bodies helps to release these chemicals.

 

Exercise also produces endorphins which are feel-good chemicals. The effect is a bit like a natural high.

 

Choose exercises that you enjoy. If you have someone to look after the children for a couple of hours, try swimming. This exercise is good for the mind and the body.

 

 

Meditation

 

Meditation has been around for thousands of years. It has been studied by yogis and scientists, and the benefits are profound. Simple meditation often starts with the breath. By bringing our mind back to the body and focusing on our breathing, we calm the mind.

 

The good thing about meditation is that it can be carried out anywhere. Just ten minutes a day will be beneficial.

 

Get Up Early

 

If possible, get up fifteen minutes earlier than the kids. Take this time to enjoy the peace and do something for yourself. Read a book or do a few yoga stretches. It’s tempting to stay in bed for a long as possible. But getting up earlier in a calm house will set you up for the day.

 



Turn the Volume Down

 

If you’re living in a noisy environment, unplug every now and again. Constant noise from children and the TV can seem overwhelming. When it feels too much, turn the TV off and switch off your phone. This will reduce the volume and distractions instantly.

 

If the kids are hyped up and excited, let them get it out of their system and then encourage quiet play. Don’t yell and add to the noise, just encourage gently.

 

Take a Hot Bath

 

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a big difference. Hot water relaxes the muscles and prepares us for sleep. It is also good for circulation and the heart. Throw in some of your favourite bath products. Or better still, use some aromatherapy oils.
It is important to take time for yourself, for both you and your family. Your health and happiness are important. And a happy, healthier mom equals happier, healthier children.