Relaxation Tips for the Overwhelmed Mom
Stressed, Overwhelmed, Anxious, On-Edge, Frazzled…unfortunately these are words that describe mom’s now days. Long gone are the days where all a housewife and mother had to do was figure out what was for supper and tend to the children.
Now it looks a little something like: leave the house at 6:30 am and not return until 7:30 pm, if you’re lucky. You can thank modern day jobs and tons of extra-curricular activities for the children for these long days.
Where does that leave a mother? From working to tending to the kids to carting them around to all of their games, then there’s housework to be done, bellies to be fed, clothes that need washing. How do you stop and find time to just breathe?
In the midst of all of the running, you must give yourself permission to relax a second and find time for yourself. You have to admit that you’re running out of steam and that you aren’t superwoman. Although, I think we kinda are. You have to understand that you must take time for yourself so that you can recharge and be 100% for your family.
And sitting on the couch browsing Facebook for 10 minutes is not the type of relaxation I am talking about. I’m talking about true silence and getting away from your surroundings for a moment in time. You have to make the time to allow yourself to recharge. Put it on the schedule just as all of the other activities are, and stick to it.
Schedule your alone time once a month, or however often you feel that you need it. My friend over at ThinkBaby.org has an encouraging post about Self-Care Tips for the New Mom. No matter where you are in your journey of motherhood, self-care is a must.
Here are a few tips that could help you recharge and renew your mind, body, and spirit. (This post contains affiliate links which means that I may obtain a commission, at no extra cost to you. This is to further the maintenance of my blog. You may read the full disclosure here)
Get a massage at a spa.
Take a slow drive in the country. There is just something about taking a slow drive through the countryside to clear your mind. This will give you a chance to truly think and the visual of the scenery you are driving through can have a calming effect. Get in your car, roll the windows down, and go.
Take a long bath after the children are in bed. Let the dishes, piles of laundry and housework wait until the next day. Take care of you. Toss bath salts or bath bombs into your bath and relax for a while. Set around a few candles and turn out the lights. Maybe you’d like to watch a movie while soaking in the bath. Stay there a while and let your muscles relax.
Take a Girls’ Trip. Grab a few good girlfriends and get out of town! Your family will survive just fine without you for a day or two. Leave the hubby at home to tend to the kiddos, or perhaps, leave them with grandparents.
Take one hour to yourself and study the Word of God. This is the best thing to do to recharge a frazzled mind. A few books in the Bible you might like to read are Proverbs, Ruth, Esther, Song of Solomon. I recently received The Study Bible for Women CSB as a Mother’s Day present, and I cannot put it down. You will love this Bible. The commentary is amazing.
Read a book. I know you’re thinking that you don’t have time for that. Make the time. You will look back over this time in your life and wish you hadn’t been so busy for the simple things.
Go to a coffee shop by yourself or with a friend. Spend a few hours relaxing and drinking coffee; maybe take a book to read in a quiet corner of the coffee shop.
Take a walk in the park.
Get a Manicure/Pedicure.
Please don’t wait until you are burnt out and feel so stressed that you can’t properly care for your family. Taking care of yourself is a MUST, just as much as taking care of your family is. Like I mentioned before, put this on your calendar and do not deviate from it. Perhaps having a girlfriend to do some of these things with will help you stick with your schedule. Although, there are times you do need to be alone to allow your mind to rest and mentally reset.
However you choose to take time to relax is up to you. Everyone is different and enjoys unique ways to soothe the soul. The focus and main goal is for you to actually do it! Now go make a list and get something on the calendar for your quiet time.
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LaDonna, this is much needed! I am guilty of putting relaxation time aside until I’m almost burnt out. I’ve been putting off a massage, pedi and jogging in the park for the longest. After reading this post, I will certainly make more of an effort to follow through because I truly need a recharge. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thank you so much! Get that mani/pedi on the calendar and have a spa day!
Very powerful message in simple steps! Moms need this reminder to overcome the guilt associated with self care. Thanks for today’s reminder
Bella, I agree! There is nothing wrong with Mom’s needing time to themselves to rejuvenate. 😉
LaDonna
Great suggestions! I’m terrible at scheduling time for myself. I’ll go and go until I’m completely burned out. 🙁 But I’m trying to change that habit to set a good example for my kids and to be a better mom.
Halee, I think we are all guilty of doing this at some point! I’m so glad that you are wanting to set a better example for your kiddos and be a better mom. I’m sure you are amazing!
LaDonna