Moms are some of the busiest people on the planet. School runs, wiping mucky faces, cleaning up cuts and grazes, teaching lessons, tucking little ones into bed and reading stories till they nod off. Even once the kids are snoozing, there’s housework to do and school bags to pack. Never mind everything else that everyone has to do. They don’t get much “me time.” But a little time alone for relaxation and recuperation is so important. Here are a few tips and tricks to make every mom’s life a little more comfortable and easier.

 

Why You Need To Put Your Feet Up

 

Stress takes its toll on your health, both mentally and physically. Increased blood pressure can leave you more prone to heart conditions. Excessive stress can even cause stomach ulcers, rashes, and hives. Overworked people often isolate themselves. They can become lonely, depressed and can suffer from anxiety. Your health doesn’t only concern you. It involves everyone around you. Stressed people radiate negative energy and your partner, and little ones will pick up on it. So to maintain a positive atmosphere in your home and to keep yourself happy and healthy, it’s important to have some down time.

 

Bed Time

 

Sleep is an absolute necessity. Sometimes it might feel like you don’t get any at all. As soon as you close your eyes and drift off there are little ones bouncing on your bed, excited for their breakfast. So it’s important to make sure what sleep you do get is comfortable. Your mattress should be replaced every eight years. Over time it will lose its spring and start to sag. Choose a good quality mattress that suits your personal needs. Whether pocket sprung or memory foam, you need good support. It’s important for your posture and the health of your joints. Choose some soft, breathable sheets and plump pillows that you will just sink into. Have two different duvets. One lightweight one for the summer months. One thick one for winter. Set yourself a bedtime and a wake-up time and stick to it. A good sleep routine means you’ll drift off easily.

 

 

 

Get Out

 

It’s easy to neglect your extended family and friends. Nobody means to do it, but you get so tied up in your personal affairs that sometimes you’ll go months without checking up on your loved ones. Make time for them. It needn’t be days of endless communication. But pick up the phone and give your parents a call. Have a catch up with your friends over lunch. Facebook may seem like a quick fix to checking everyone is okay, but remember that things aren’t always as they seem on social media. Lots of happy posts might be covering up issues that your friend might need to offload over a glass of wine and a film. Besides, nothing beats hearing people’s voices and having face-to-face interaction. It’s much more personal and intimate. So make a date and relax. Adult conversation will see you laughing stress away.

 

Eat Well

 

The kids might want chicken nuggets, chips, and beans but that doesn’t mean that you have to have them too. We get it. Cooking separate meals take more time and effort. It’s easier just to have a plateful of what the kids are eating. But make that extra effort. Whip up one of your favorites. Thai green curry. Quesadillas. Sushi. Whatever it is that you fancy, have it.  It’s important that your little ones have a varied, well thought out diet. But remember your diet is important tool. Just because the little ones don’t want stuffed mushrooms doesn’t mean you should deny yourself them.

 

Book A Break

 

Take the children away on a fun-packed beach holiday filled with sandcastles, digging moats, lilos in the pool and pizza galore. But consider booking yourself a separate holiday too. Save up a little and take a weekend off. Leave the kids with your parents or a trusted friend and let your hair down. This could be anywhere. Check out spa packages. There are plenty of affordable ones and sites loaded with discount codes and special packages. Think about it. A nice massage and facial followed by a lovely, light lunch.  Rent out a villa for a long weekend in the countryside. Talk walks in the woods and have a hot chocolate by the fireside at night. Maybe even a music festival. Muddy wellies, tents, and rain might not sound like an ideal weekend away. But with a few friends, you’ll be laughing.

 

 

 

Take Up A Hobby

 

Invest in a skill for yourself. There are thousands of online courses, local clubs, and groups out there. Whatever takes your fancy, it’s out there and waiting for you. Maybe learn a new language. French, Spanish, German or Italian. If you’re feeling more daring, maybe Russian, Mandarin or Arabic. Take up exercise. This will give your energy a great output. Any frustration can be vented and will dissolve as soon as you start exerting yourself. Team sports can be fun and a great way to make new friends. If you’re dedicated to a cause, start being active within it. Campaign for your beliefs. Get involved in local political groups. Voice your opinion. All of this things will give you something to do that isn’t directly linked to your family home.

 

Practice Relaxation Techniques

 

If you find yourself getting overwhelmed regularly, try out some relaxation techniques. Options are manifold. Breathing exercises will prevent panic attacks and hyperventilation. Coloring books are proving popular for adults. Indulge in this. Color in mandalas, scenic landscapes, and images from Vogue. Try out meditation. Deep breathing. Yoga and pilates. Whatever it is that suits you, make some time for it.

 

Leave Work Alone

 

Set yourself working hours and don’t work outside of them. Many of us end up taking work home and doing overtime. You might earn some extra cash but time away from work is worth so much more. Don’t become a work-a-holic. You work to live. Don’t live to work.