Let’s face it: parenting is not easy. It’s a stressful job with a million different roles. The pay is poor, and pressure is high. Success is imperative because no matter what other jobs we have: parenting is our most important.
How do we avoid burnout or have enough energy for all the things we have to do? What can we do to encourage patience and stay positive?
One of the keys is to avoid the trap of always putting everyone else’s needs first. Empty vessels have nothing to pour! As moms, we have to stop and take time to unwind and regroup as busy parents so we can meet the needs of the precious people in our families. Here are a few easy ways we can do just that!
Go for A Walk
Vitamin D and exercise? Going for a walk is one way to get both health boosters in one activity. It can be hard to find the time to take a walk, but if you make the time, you’ll find doing so will give you time to reflect, relax, and regroup. You can go for a walk in your neighborhood or explore a new trail. Walking can reduce stress and help you connect with nature. You’ll be burning calories while at the same time reducing stress and anxiety. Pop your earbuds in and worship on your way.
Hop Online
Now, I’m not going to tell you to spend too much time online because we all know it can be so easy to waste time while scrolling. Still, if you’re stressed, a little bit of mindless scrolling might help. There are funny videos you can watch, courses you can take, or you can play fun games such as sudoku. You can also scroll through social media to catch up on the news or see what your friends and family are up to. A little bit of time online might just help you wind down at the end of the day.
Take A Warm Bath
You don’t have to go to the spa to unwind and regroup as a busy parent. Instead, you can choose to take a warm bath at home when you have some free time. Some bubbles or bath salts make it more luxurious, and it’s a good idea to take a bath right before bed if you have trouble falling asleep. The warm water will relax you and make your muscles feel better. Add a little lavender to help relieve stress, too. Dim the lighting, put on some soothing music in the background, and light some candles to help create a calming environment. You may also want to consider getting lost in a good book while you soak in the warm tub.
Have A Date Night with Your Spouse
Sometimes, when we are busy, the relationship we forget to focus on is one of the most important. When you’re busy working and taking care of the kids and household, it’s hard to find time and opportunities to connect with your spouse, but it’s vital to maintain a healthy and stable foundation so that you can be the best parents possible. If you want to unwind and regroup as a busy parent, consider scheduling a date night out with your spouse. It’s a chance to get outside the house and do something fun together. Find an activity that you both enjoy doing and will help you develop a stronger bond. Ideally, it’s a good idea to put a date night on the calendar weekly or at least every month so that you two can stay connected. It can be as simple as going out for dessert after the family has dinner. Just make time to talk, visit and encourage each other.
Do Some Cleaning & Decluttering
If you work a lot then you may not have a lot of time to clean and get organized. Therefore, it can be relaxing and rewarding to do some cleaning and declutter your belongings when you have the chance. Spend time getting rid of items that you no longer need and use to make room for what you love and want to display. Now is your chance to tackle closets, drawers, and cupboards and make space for what you use regularly. It will be nice to be able to locate what you are looking for in a hurry. You’ll also likely find that you get a boost in your mood when your home is clean and organized.
Watch A Movie
I love to watch a good movie, but I rarely ever do. I simply don’t sit down and do it, but if you’re feeling stressed out and overwhelmed as a parent, then movie night might be just what you need. Depending on what you’re in the mood for you can watch it and laugh or cry. There may be times when you want to watch something new and other times when you prefer to put on a movie that you’ve seen before and love. Put on your most comfortable clothing and curl up on the couch with a blanket. You may even want to make your favorite snack to enjoy while you get lost in the film. Having a movie marathon is a great way to unwind on the weekends when you have some additional free time, and it’s a relaxing activity your whole family can enjoy together.
Cook & Meal Prep
Cooking can be a very relaxing and mindful activity if you go slow and take your time, but I seem to cook like I do everything else – in a hurry! Rushing means I don’t always plan well enough to ensure I’m eating a balanced diet, and it often results in more takeout than we really need. If you find you’re throwing meals together like me, you can take some pressure off of yourself by choosing to meal prep when you want to unwind and regroup. You can plan what food you’ll be serving your family throughout the week and can go grocery shopping and chop up fruits and vegetables ahead of time. Make it easy on yourself by pulling out the slow cooker during the week or making meals in advance and freezing them so you can pull them out at a later date.
Engage in A Hobby
Hobbies are one of my favorite ways to unwind. They offer you the chance to apply other skills you may have or learn new ones. It’s important to have things you enjoy doing just for the sake of doing them. Hobbies can be very rewarding and give you a sense of accomplishment. If you’re feeling social, hobbies are also a chance to engage with others and meet new people.
Spend Quality Time with Your Kids
It may feel like you’re always doing chores and taking care of your children. It’s important that you take a step back every so often to simply enjoy your kids. Unwind and regroup as a busy parent by spending quality time with your kids. There are many fun activities you can do as a group such as playing at the park, doing arts and crafts, or playing games. Be sure to put your phone away and eliminate any distractions so that you’re fully engaged in the moment. Your kids will appreciate you making time for them and seeing your silly side. It’s a chance to create new memories as a family and improve your relationships. You may want to get input from everyone about what you can do so that you’re keeping it fresh and mixing it up.
Dont’ forget Bible study
You may find you have a racing mind and feel stressed out if you’re a busy parent. One way to unwind and regroup in your role is to take the time study God’s word. There are Bible studies you can download and listen to on your phone. Keep a prayer journal. Relax as you write your requests and release your worries to the Lord.
Go to Dinner with Friends
It can be difficult, but it’s very important to maintain connections with friends as a busy parent. It’s a great way to get some parenting tips and bounce ideas off of one another. If you want to unwind and regroup as a busy parent then consider scheduling a time to go to dinner with some friends. Try a new restaurant in the area or head to your favorite spot where you know the food is good. It’s a chance to catch up, have some laughs, and enjoy a delicious and relaxing meal together as you encourage each other.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
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