While parenting is fulfilling and fun, it can exhaust and deplete even the most energetic parent. If you feel like you need a quick and easy pick-me-up, try some of the following ideas. Incorporating a few of them into your day or week could even prevent ‘parent burnout.’
Meditate
Try closing your eyes for a few minutes. Say goodbye to the rest of the world, relax your entire body, and stay there for as long as you can. Turning off the internal chatter is key. Shifting your attention within, to your own sacred personal space, can be restorative and energizing. Whether it’s for 5 minutes or 25 minutes, make sure this time is for you and only you.
Take a hot bath
Soaking in your favorite oil, bubble bath, or aromatic salt can do wonders for the mind and body. That alone time reaches deep into the body’s muscles and allows for relaxation on a profound level. To make it even better, put on your favorite pajamas once you come out and savor just how good you feel in that moment.
Watch or read some comedy
There’s something about a deep belly laugh that yanks you out of whatever stressful or tiring situation you feel you’re in. Laughter can transport you to a joyful, simple place where the lighter side of life is illuminated. Go there…often!
Dance
Crank up your favorite music, and shake that booty. Letting loose to music and even joining in to sing if you know the words, are fun ways to unwind and work out a stressed body. Slow or fast, dancing to music can open the heart center and reconnect you with your inner self.
Taking care of yourself is about honoring your personal needs. It can go a long way to relaxing and energizing your body and mind. And taking some time out makes it much easier to go about your day with a more balanced, healthy outlook.
