You guys know by now that I have a new baby and an almost 5 year old. If you have children too then you definitely feel my struggles of not having a moment to yourself or finding time to relax. As mothers and also just as women, we need to find the time to relax and enjoy the little pleasures in life. I know it’s hard to do because we always feel the need to get all the things done around our house etc. It’s especially hard when you’re a type-A person and just can’t learn to sit still. You HAVE to make time for you to do not only things that you enjoy but also activities that help put your mind at ease.
A few of my tricks I’ve learned to help put my mom brain at ease:
Read.
Read a good therapeutic book. I’m personally loving “Hustle and Heart.” I’m joining up with Kail Lowry for her Virtual Book Tour in honor of her new book. Also, if you’re in the Baltimore area, you can meet Kail in person at her book signing March 25th at noon at John Hopkins University Barnes and Noble. Make sure you visit these other awesome posts from this virtual blog tour that are listed below. Kail discusses her life struggles growing up and as a mom. Her book is full of “motivational messages, personal advice and relatable experiences for those making their way through life’s challenging mix of joy and hardship.” Sometimes, you just need to know you’re not alone. It’s inspiring to read similar struggles of others to really process life. Check it out mommas.
Sweat It Out.
Go to a sauna, steam room or a Sweat House. The steam room or sauna always helps to clear my head. Sweating out the toxins gives you a profound sense of relaxation/release as your entire body starts to eliminate irritability along with helping your cramped muscles and nerves begin to dissipate. The far infrared sauna helps to reduce physical stress by boosting blood circulation. I personally love the Sweat House in Green Hills. I have never left there feeling less than extraordinary. If you live in the Nashville area and you haven’t been…do yourself a favor and GO!
Exercise.
Touching on the sweat it out… go to the gym. I know personally that running to the gym is my favorite way to decompress. Whether it be going for a run, hitting up a yoga class or boxing it out. All of these things increase your endorphins and help you release all of your built up tension. Exercise is not only good for your mind, it’s clearly good for your body so it’s a win win situation. Earn that summer bod. Also you better believe you’re gonna sleep like a champ. Exercise helps with concentration and anxiety so it is good for us ladies since we tend to stress a lot more than men.
Indulge.
Have a glass of wine and watch a new show on Netflix or a movie. I seriously look forward to my nightly glass of wine so I can wind down from my day. I put my kids to bed around 8, pour myself a glass of wine (actually I kindly ask my hubby to do so) and kick my feet up to watch my “shows.” Tonight it was Walking Dead and Big Little Lies. I sometimes think of all of the things I could get accomplished and I would be lying if I said I didn’t do the occasional load of laundry, dishes and food prep. (I told you I can’t sit still very well) However, I cherish that glass of wine every night, it has became like a savior to me. Oh and my tv shows, I’m an addict. I won’t quit them. Ever.
Bubble Bath.
Oh bubble baths…how I love thee. Actually I had one today for the first time in forever. Bubbles, epsom salt and champagne. I was in a state of euphoric bliss until my 4 year old walked in and started throwing toys in my bathtub wanting to play. With that being said, maybe wait until the kids go to bed. Have a glass of bubbly and light some candles. Here are my favorite bubble bath (so elegant) and candles.
Vitamin D
Get your booty outside. Speaking from someone who suffers from not only anxiety, but from a vitamin D deficiency, I’m gonna go out on a limb and say it’s highly beneficial to your health to get some sun in your life. Don’t just trust me though, it’s medically proven y’all. Just make sure you wear sunscreen because no one has time for those pesky wrinkles. No sir.
Time With Your Girlfriends
Make time for your friends. I know what you’ll say because I say it too. “I’m tired or I don’t wanna get ready” Suck it up buttercup. You’ve been around tiny life sucking humans all day. I know you’re craving adult interaction like no other. So give the mail lady a break. You deserve a decent conversation and some grub, a movie or drinks with your girls. I have two kids, one is only 3 months old and I have already had like 4 girl nights. That’s unheard of I know, but you have to make time. You’ll thank me. Sometimes it’s just nice to get out of the house, put some makeup on and feel human again.
Date Night Out
Ok my last piece of advice is this: Go on a date with your husband/boyfriend. You HAVE to make time in your relationship after kids otherwise you’ll be like ghosts to each other. Passing each other in the halls, working on your computers at night side by side. I pretty much just explained my hubs and I day to day with our new baby but even then we dedicate time to each other by going on a date at least every 2-3 weeks. It’s a necessity. Get out of the house in your fancy new dress and remember why you made those babies to begin with. Love. Sometimes a night out with your partner can be all you need to forget the worries of the world.
I hope this gave you some ideas or at least helped you see most of us moms are a complete mess that need a mental time out here and there. Check out Kail’s book and also the great pages listed above. Xoxo.
