Being a parent can be one of the most rewarding and amazing jobs you can have in your life, but it can also be very stressful and exhausting. You are responsible for your child 24 hours a day, and it can be very rare that you get time for yourself. This can cause stress, so it’s important to use up any free time you get to recharge your batteries and be ready for any task that comes up. It may seem difficult in the beginning and look like you won’t have time for yourself for many days to come, but it doesn’t have to be like that. There are ways you can incorporate me-time in your daily schedule. Read on to see 6 ways to relax from parenting and regain your energy.
Don’t try to do it all
Being a parent is already a full-time job, and if you also have a real full-time job, a side-job and many other activities and responsibilities, it’s expected you will get stressed and be on edge. While you may be able to keep up with everything, it can take a toll on your body and mind to be so busy all the time. The ones who will suffer are your children because you either won’t h have enough time for them or you will always be tired and irritable. If you are designing a nursery, make sure you get some help and advise from peers before even getting started. One of the ways to relax from parenting is by reaching out to friends and family who have been there in that situation.
If you notice you just can’t get enough rest after sleeping or you are always stressed, consider dropping a thing or two from your busy schedule. It’s important for you and your kids to be healthy and happy, and having a full plate doesn’t help with that.
Extra Activities For Your Kids
If you are jumping from one activity to another but your kids are always at home, consider enrolling them into after-school programs and activities, if they go to school. Even for younger kids that don’t go to school yet, there is something they can do. You can enrol them in sports clubs, dance, art programs, music classes, etc.
There are so many hobbies and activities to choose from, and the right one will give your child a happy place to hone their skills and interests. It can give them an appreciation for the outdoors, they can meet new friends and learn what responsibilities are. Also, this will give you an hour or two of free time that you can use to relax and de-stress. Read a book or go for a cup of coffee spent in silence with yourself, or bring a friend you didn’t have time to see.
Exercise
Yes, you are tired, but exercising helps you de-stress and pump up endorphins, which ultimately makes you happier than you were before the workout. Make exercise a priority in your daily routine, even if you can only sneak in a 15-minute workout. Every bit of moving counts. You don’t have to have a full-blown workout session to get stress under control. Choose a sport or activity that you enjoy, like dancing, bike riding or running.
You can even engage your kids to do them with you because everyone likes to dance and have a good time. Having a nice walk around your neighbourhood is a great way to combine exercise and spend time with your family outdoors, talking and having a good time. Take a break and consider these ways to relax from parenting as a means to recharge yourself. Children who exercise are healthier overall, they are less likely to be overweight and will grow into healthy and happy adults.
Wake Up Earlier
Having a good night’s sleep is crucial for your health and well-being, so try to go to bed earlier every night if you can to get enough hours. Additionally, waking up a bit earlier than everyone will give you free time for yourself. Now you can finally drink your cup of coffee or tea in peace, without everyone running around.
Having just 15 minutes of free time in the morning can make a great difference in how you approach your day and any problems that may come up. You can use this time to squeeze in a quick work out, read your book a bit or watch your favourite tv show. Find any activity that will make your day a bit better, and see how you feeling good will affect your kids. When you are less stressed, they are less likely to be stressed.
At-Home Spa
Going to a spa or a hair salon can be a perfect break and stress-reliever, but sometimes we just don’t have the time or the resources for it. What you can do is to make an at-home spa for yourself. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. You can take a nice, long bath with a face-mask on, light up some candles and play some relaxing music. This is by far my best tip for ways to relax from parenting, you have some time for yourself and make sure you use that time to recharge.
This is a sure way of de-stressing and getting your energy back. If you want to take your home spa to the next level, installing a modern freestanding bath will give you the luxurious feel of a hotel or a spa resort. Drink a glass of wine before bed, paint your nails and take an extra step in your skin-care routine. All of these little steps can add up to you feeling beautiful, relaxed and rejuvenated, making you ready to tackle your next days.
Ask For Help
We all want to be Super Parents, achieving all and having a perfect work-life balance and the happiest family. But sometimes we just can’t do it on our own, and it comes a time to ask for backup. You may even think that you are all alone in this and that no one can help you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents, or to book a nanny sometimes. Grandparents are the happiest when they can spend time with their grandkids, and you can take a day off just for yourself and your partner. Even calling your friend to vent can sometimes be of great help.
Parenthood is amazing and rewarding, but it can be very difficult at times. Know when to take a breather, spend some time with yourself to regain energy. Try to include a hobby in your life. All these ways to relax from parenting can help you in balancing your life, and make you a less stressed parent.
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Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.
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I think, you choose the very good topic, Mostly parents spend their life in stress, because they have to care their child for 24 hours. You shared very good points, that can make a interesting life of the parents. Thanks very much.
Gurlal singh recently posted…VITAMIN A FOODS
Great Stuff in these tough times. We all are going through stressful times managing work and kids at home and your post is of some genuine help.
Kudos for writing it !
Well, I am not a parent yet but it’s my 6th month of pregnancy and I was searching for some parenting tips. Well written Patrick I will try to follow these advises in my future. 🙂
Cheers,
Kate.
Nice article very helpful for my health .
Some great ideas here! Being a parent can definitely be overwhelming at times…
Waking up earlier than everyone else is something I’ve been doing a lot really and it’s great. I generally get up an hour or so before my little boy and it gives me the chance to do some (uninterrupted) exercise, have a cup of tea and catch up on the news. It’s really important to remember to try and make a bit of time for yourself when you can!
Thanks for the tips and keep up the good work!
Ash
Exercise is an effective way to regain energy. Music can also be a good way of relaxing and refreshment.
It’s not easy being a parent. Especially during today’s stressful pandemic situation. You offer excellent advice and, if I may, I would add… Taking some time for personal reflection.
I know I am biased because journaling is my passion, but I would encourage any parent to consider taking up journaling as a means of relaxation and personal development.
I’m not a mom yet, but I’m in my sixth month of pregnancy and looking for advice on how to be a parent. Patrick’s advice is excellent, and I intend to heed it in the future.