Let’s admit this to one another right now as fellow mothers: sometimes our kids make us want to be hung out by our toes and tossed out the window to be taken by the garbage truck so as long as we are taken somewhere quiet that takes care of itself.
It would be nice if we could pause the kids so Mommy could take a time out, but since we live in this world, this Mommy has some ideas for you to get away for cheap, at least for a short time before you have to change more diapers and wipe more tears.
You will need:
1 loofah
1 bottle of bubble bath or body wash
1 pair of headphones
1 method of portable music to block out Daddy trying to handle the kids
My favorite past time since becoming a mother is taking relaxing bubble baths until I’m a sexy prune. I grab an iPod or my smartphone and play some relaxing music while I soak in sweet smells and the absence of “Mommy, I had another accident on the couch.” Ah, sweet tranquility.
When I’m not listening to music I am bathing and reading a fabulous book to take my wrinkles away. It’s my way to get clean and de-stress at the same time, without the kids screaming. Other days I just grab the book and lock myself in the bathroom to read a couple chapters to unwind while they nap.
Movies are wonderful. Every once so often, pop in a movie after a meal for them to digest and relax and keep quiet for an hour while you sit in the corner with your book by yourself, the key is peaceful time in your own wonderland. Sometimes kids need something to make them sit down and be quiet before Mommy snaps a vein.
Another thing I recommend is writing. Wow, what an amazing thing this is to vent frustrations and also find some time to yourself to release any words. Writing is something I do just for fun every single day, whether it’s a heartfelt song, short poem about pineapples, or a journal entry, just the act of putting the words into life, makes me feel better and takes my tensions of the day away. No kids, no bills, no husbands, no remotes, just me and my thoughts together. If you’re a single mom, this can really help you stop trying to rip your head off.
Exercise! Seriously, don’t run away, this helps. Walking, Pilates, elliptical training, and stretching help sore muscles and the day sweat off like it never happened- light bulb moment. Do it for stress and even to also lose weight. Others love Yoga, running, and kick boxing, which I also strongly recommend on your tougher days, guess why?
Time is obviously an issue when you’re a busy mom so you can try the 10 Minute Solution DVDs for Pilates, Yoga, Kickboxing, Ab Workouts, etc. They each have five different ten minute workout solutions to choose from or you can create a personalized session combining two, three, four, or all five workouts all together to get up to fifty minutes of exercise or only thirty, it’s up to you. Someone was using their noodle, probably a Mom like us.
When I find the time, I go for a hike with friends, the husband, or even by myself where others are doing the same. Hiking is wonderful and many trails have the best views you’ll ever see in person.
A simple remedy to relax at home are neck massagers. Amazon sells many for under $15 of all brands, even Homedeics. Browse their selection of neck massagers that take out tight muscles and some that also have a heating element while they massage your achy shoulders and neck. Your man has met his match, and the massager won’t complain or go lazy on you.
Massages and spa days are wonderful if you can get the time away from home to go out and really pamper yourself. Part of being a great mom is keeping your sanity under control and having the time to re-energize to keep up with the rest of the house. Never feel guilty for finding time for yourself so your hair remains in tact on your head, instead of in your tight fists of anxiety.
