Hey parents, Just want to tell you that no matter what you think, you are doing a great job! From juggling work, kids, home, and family, we know you’re rocking all of it.
However, don’t forget to take time for yourself. Studies have shown that taking breaks allows you to step away from your responsibilities and recharge your batteries, which can help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your tasks when you return.
Stress, burnout, and even getting sick will definitely catch up to you if you don’t take a break. So whether you have 5 minutes or a whole week, here are 9 ideas to get you started on your recharge session.
Yoga or meditation
Yoga is relaxing because it combines physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation or relaxation techniques. The physical postures, or asanas, help to release tension in the body and increase flexibility and strength. Controlled breathing, or pranayama, helps to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.
Taking a relaxing bath with essential oils
The warm water of the bath can help to relax the muscles and ease tension in the body, which can promote feelings of calm and well-being. Different essential oils have different properties and effects, but some common ones that can be relaxing include lavender, tea tree, and chamomile. The aroma of these oils can be calming and soothing, which can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation.
Getting a massage
There are a lot of reasons why getting a massage such as promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural chemicals in the body that act as painkillers and mood elevators. It also helps to release tension and ease pain, which can promote feelings of calm and well-being.
Journaling to process emotions and thoughts
Writing about your thoughts and feelings can help to clarify them, as it allows you to put them into words, which can help you to understand and make sense of them. It can also serve as a form of self-reflection and self-discovery, as it allows you to look back at your experiences and gain insight into yourself and your behavior.
Putting these emotions into words and getting them out of your head can help to reduce their intensity and make them more manageable. It can also serve as a form of self-care, as it allows you to take time for yourself and focus on your mental and emotional well-being.
Reading a good book
It can provide a distraction from daily stressors and allow you to immerse yourself in a different world and experience different emotions and perspectives. This can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and well-being. Reading can also serve as a form of escapism, allowing you to temporarily forget about your problems and relax your mind.
Going for a walk or hike in nature
Being in nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body, as it allows you to disconnect from technology and daily stressors, and connect with the natural world. The sounds of birds, the sights of trees and plants, and the fresh air can all have a soothing effect on the mind and body. Walking or hiking can also have a positive effect on physical health, as it can help to improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and improve endurance. It can also be a great way to get some sunlight and vitamin D, which can help to improve mood and overall well-being.
Cooking a healthy meal
The act of cooking can be therapeutic and meditative, as it requires focus and attention to the task at hand, which can help to clear the mind and reduce stress. The process of creating something from scratch and watching it come together can be satisfying and rewarding.
Additionally, cooking can also be a form of self-care, as it allows you to take control of what you put into your body and to nourish yourself with healthy ingredients. Eating a well-balanced, nutritious meal can also have a positive effect on physical and mental well-being.
Listening to music
Music can have a powerful effect on our emotions and can evoke feelings of happiness, calm, and well-being. Listening to music can also serve as a form of active relaxation, as it requires concentration and focus, which can be a form of mental workout. Music can also have a meditative effect, allowing the mind to clear and for the individual to focus on the present moment.
Planning a day trip or weekend getaway
It can provide a break from the routine and monotony of daily life, which can be refreshing and rejuvenating. It can also provide an opportunity to disconnect from technology and daily stressors, which can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of calm and well-being.
There you have it!
Don’t forget to make sure you are getting your healthy dose of rest.
###
