With so many things to do and so little time, relaxation as a busy parent is pretty hard to come by these days. However, it isn’t as challenging as you might think. Of course, some creative uses of time are required, but with some minor lifestyle changes, some peace is possible.
So, how do you go about getting some more “me time” from a busy day? From taking short breaks when needed to addressing personal wellness and wellbeing, here are some ideas.
Take a Few Minutes for Something Fun
Life can become overwhelming as an overextended parent. So, you need to make the most of the small pockets of time you have. Between loading laundry and the baby’s nap times, it can be hard to find time, but it helps to take advantage of these small gifts. Luckily, there are tons of small, peaceful pleasures, such as playing phone games like Solitaire, cramming in a few episodes of the latest TV show, or even having a quick online gaming session with friends!
Take Short Breaks During the Day
As you know, parenting is a lot like a job. And, like any job, it can be exhausting. You need breaks during the day to help reset the mind and recharge the body. However, many parents find this pretty hard to do. However, here are some small hacks you can try for break times:
- If possible, schedule breaks at the same time every day for a greater routine.
- Check when you will have available time and cram in your breaks then.
- Make up for lost break time with dynamic break time allocation throughout the day.
Relaxation as a Busy Parent with Hobbies
Hobbies are an essential part of modern life. Hobbies allow you to escape the monotony of a daily routine and help you escape the challenges of the day. However, a BBC survey found that 27% of parents don’t feel they have enough time to even spend with their kids. So, how can you even schedule time for your own hobbies when the kids don’t have enough? Ensure you pencil in some hobby time whenever you can, and there are also hobbies you can do with the kids.
Spend Some Time Journaling
There are many parts of wellness, some of which are touched upon later. One of the most popular wellness activities is journaling. It might sound like something a teen does, but it’s actually one of the most recommended wellness activities by psychologists. Journaling is an excellent method for externalising internal trauma, negativity and thoughts. It can also help you create life-affirming goals, understand your stress or create a scrapbook for life’s moments.
Take Advantage of Downtime
Thankfully, there are small pockets of downtime during the day, and the key to relaxation is using these well. Downtime comes in many forms, such as when the baby is sleeping. These can be hard to spot but there may be patterns, making it easier to schedule in some alone time. Whenever there is a period where there are no immediate responsibilities, there is no shame in taking some time for yourself. You could perhaps take a quick nap, a phone call or play a game.
Meditative Relaxation as a Busy Parent
Meditation isn’t for everyone and is hard to master. However, up to 500 million people use meditation every day, so something works! Relaxation as a busy parent comes in many forms, and you can elevate your senses with essential oils. Here are some tips to begin meditation.
Start small but stay consistent
Meditation actually doesn’t come easily to most people when starting out. However, it helps to start small using micro meditations, and fitting relaxation time into your daily rituals and routines.
Use a range of techniques
There are many methods of meditation and all are suited to how much time you have. From five minute breathing exercises to gratitude reflection, it helps to focus on various parts of wellbeing.
Include external resources
Today, you can access various resources that can elevate your meditation. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer personalised routines, and you can even attend online classes.
Meditation is considered an alternative therapy. However, given that hundreds of millions of people swear by it, there must be some benefits. So, what are you really waiting for?
Play with the Kids when Possible
Okay, so some of the most relaxing times come when the kids are sleeping or at school. However, who says time with the kids can’t be relaxing? Children have tons of energy and just playing with them is a great way to tire them out, resulting in more meaningful time together and potentially more spare time for yourself. Some easy ways to exhaust child-like energy is strolling in the park, physical activities and playing child-friendly video games so they’re out like a light!
Use Smart Tech to Help with Routines
Just coming up with a schedule is as exhausting as it is useful. However, you shouldn’t shy away from routines and schedules as they can be immensely helpful. Of course, it isn’t always easy. But you can use modern smart technology to assist you with everyday tasks. For instance, Alexa through Amazon devices will keep track of appointments and will remind you of things. You can even integrate other tech such as lighting, toys and the sacred coffee machine!
Find Alone Time Relaxation as a Busy Parent
You need time alone or with a partner to get the best out of life. There is no shame in taking some time away from the children now and then. A 2023 report by The National Institute of Health found that 33% of parents feel high levels of stress, and any parent can find themselves becoming overwhelmed with the responsibility of children, but not taking time for yourself will only make things worse. Breaks are good, but it’s not the same as getting quality alone time.
Don’t Forget About Personal Wellbeing
You can’t provide quality care without caring for yourself. Health and well-being are pretty important and will help you take care of the children better. The whole wellness thing is pretty complex and large, but there are some small but powerful things you can try right now:
- It sounds corny, but positive personal self-talk can help you get through a tough day.
- Find ways to relieve stress when you have spare time, such as taking a steamy bath.
- Accept that perfection is impossible. Instead, recognise that you do the best you can.
Ask for Help Now and Then
There are so many things you must do as a parent that it can be exhausting and overwhelming. Managing things with apps and schedules and taking breaks are a good start. But don’t forget about the other people in your life. If you have a partner, they, too, share the responsibility. Extended family also loves to watch the kids now and then. When you feel like it is too much, how about reaching out to grandparents? The kids love this, they love it, and you get some time!
Summary
Taking a few minutes for something fun, like playing a phone game, can help you get some extra relaxation as a busy parent, even if it is fleeting. Meditation is popular among busy people because it allows them to focus their minds and relax more and family always love to help out.
No one said parenting is easy. However, you can’t look after children without taking care of yourself. Any of the above tips can help take your mind off for a while as you recharge a little.