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9 Ways Moms Can Relax

“I’m physically exhausted by the time he makes it home. I really don’t want to leave the house and go somewhere to be on my feet for another hour or two. I just want to crash.” Even though I’m a single mom, I could totally relate to those words as they came out of my friend’s mouth. Her husband wants to help out and even encourages her to take off as soon as he returns home from work—to go shopping, to go exercise, just to go somewhere alone. It’s not that she doesn’t want or know how to relax; it’s just that those things don’t recharge her the way she needs.

Being single, I have a similar issue. I don’t have much time to myself and when someone comes to lend a hand, like my mom or a sitter, I don’t find the freedom relaxing. Breaks for moms are not one-size-fits-all. Every woman deserves to take a moment to relax in the way that suits her best. We polled our mom friends on social media to find out how they choose to spend those precious minutes devoted to their own well-being. Check out our list of 9 to see if one of their tried and true methods for how to relax works for you.

Breaks for moms are not one-size-fits-all. Click To Tweet

1. Get lost in a good book.

Escape to another time and place in the pages of a great read. If necessary, put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door so everyone will know to come back later because Mommy is taking a little break.

2. Take in your favorite TV series.

For some of us, nothing hits the reset button like a date with a favorite show. After just an hour with all the Granthams at Downton Abbey, I’m ringing for Carson so he can update me on tonight’s menu and wondering how I’ll ever get dressed with my lady’s maid out of town…

3. Connect with a friend.

We all just want to be understood! And a good, long chat over a latte—or even just over the phone—with a trusted girlfriend is good for the soul. Find a friend and alternate going to each other’s houses for a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

4. Have some spa time.

When I make an appointment for a facial, I feel relaxed thinking about it for the entire week leading up to it. Still, if you don’t want to leave the house, do all those pampering things you rarely get to indulge in on a normal, busy day. Soak, exfoliate, shave, do the clay mask, and moisturize until you’re as smooth as the baby who’s crying for you in the next room.

5. Go vertical.

Sometimes the only thing that calms my racing mind and restores my spirit is a few moments reading my Bible and praying or meditating. Connecting with God reminds us that we’re not alone and that He will help us accomplish the 400 things before us.

6. Move and listen.

If you’re too exhausted to exert yourself with a run, just go for a slow walk with an audiobook. You’ll get lost in the story and forget about the stacks of laundry or the work deadline looming on the horizon.

7. Create.

For some of us, there’s something very therapeutic about working with our hands. Even if you’re not an artist, online art tutorials, coloring books, puzzles, or cross-stitch are great ways to calm your mind while you’re sitting on your behind.

8. Organize.

I know what you’re thinking: That sounds an awful lot like work. But for a certain breed of moms, having some uninterrupted time to straighten out that closet or sort those photos is like a drug. They love the process and walk away feeling like the world is a better place—just because they can find stuff now.

9. Get lost in a bookstore.

I know. Bookstores are becoming rarer and rarer, but there’s something about walking the aisles, seeing what knowledge is out there that gives a spark of energy to a tired mind. A bookstore is a great way to get out of the house to a place that doesn’t have a to-do list attached to it.

Check out even more ways to unwind in 31 Ideas for Mom’s Daily Me Time!

Tell us how to relax! What charges your “mom batteries” best when you have a few moments to yourself?

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