7 Ways to Relax After a Busy Day of Parenting
Kids driving you insane aren’t they? I too have been struggling with all of the stressful happenings of daily parenting. I decided to get the brain flowing and figuring out ways I can relax after a busy day of parenting. The other day I found myself yelling at my toddler for no good reason, well… it was reason enough for me but not to a toddler.
After I put him to bed I came up with a few things I can do to helpful myself unwind and relax after a busy day of parenting and they have been working! So I thought perhaps at least one mother out there could benefit from these suggestions.
Here are my TOP 7 Ways to Relax After a Busy Day of Parenting
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Drink Wine or Whatever Beverage You Fancy
I know, I know…I’m sorry I can’t help it. I love wine and it helps calm all the crazy emotions of the day. Who says you can’t have a cocktail hour at home? Even better if it’s paired with a platter of yummy cheeses and crackers. Bonus points for snarky wine glasses.
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Connect with a Family member or Friend
Be it via phone call or text or even Facebook.. talking about the stresses of your day or even focusing on what other people are going through are surefire ways of getting your mind out of your own problems or simply just coming up for some air.
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Get Moving
Exercise…I don’t mean going to gym, unless that’s your thing. But a simple 20 minute walk will do wonders to lift your mood. You can do some at home work outs if you have more energy. Need some exercise ideas? Check out my favorite exercise channels on YouTube to get your started.
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Read Something, Anything!
Nothing like a good book to get your mind out of your life. It can be whatever you like as long it helps you focus on you. Could be that book you’ve been putting off, a gossip/fashion magazine or even your trusty bible. I tend to reach for my phone a lot, which means I keep lots of books on my Kindle app. Makes it easy and accessible to keep up with my book reading.
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Take a Hot Bubble bath or Shower
Alone… I can’t stress that enough. If your kid(s) love to interrupt you, this is the time to get creative. You might be interrupted anyway but if you plan for it you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet in the bathroom. This is when I break out the iPad and put one of my sons favorite cartoons and lay him down on the bed.
RELATED: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE GENTLE WITH OURSELVES?
If you don’t trust your kids to be alone for a few minutes, get them something to sit on in the bathroom and hand them something to watch in there.. it’s not ideal but it will do.
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Write in a Journal or Do Some Adult Coloring
Writing isn’t everyone’s thing but jotting down some thoughts, doodling or coloring is good for stress relief. Doesn’t have to be anything fancy, although I use a bullet journal and highly recommend it as it has helped become more focused in life.
I also own a couple of coloring books but if you don’t have to buy them unless you want to, I’m sure your kids have some lying around that you can borrow and let’s face it. You’ll do a better job anyway, they’ll thank you later. (Sorry, not sorry)
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Listen to Music
I know what I like to listen to when I want to relax, but that may not be what you like. Tune in to whatever music relaxes you and you’ll be good to go. I tend to listen to classical music, light piano jazz or oldies music when I want to relax but maybe you’re a little bit country or a little bit rock and roll? See what I did there?
I like to use Spotify on my desktop or mobile phone. They have some great playlists ready for you to take the hassle out of looking or creating your own playlist, but I guess that could be something that DE-stresses someone so go forth and build playlists. In fact, this post was created listening to this playlist.
So that’s that! Now off to relax you go! What did you think of the list? Do you think these are good suggestions for you to relax after a busy day? If all else fails, lock yourself in the closet and count to back from 20 🙂
Which is your favorite way to relax? Share with me the comments below.
Thanks for stopping in!
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MomUnglued says
My go to for crazy “single parenting” nights is 1.gym 2.early bedtime and 3.wine and chocolate!
Ellen Oliveira says
Those are good!! Forgot the Chocolate, that always helps.♥
Gabriela Murphy Goldberg says
I’m not a parent but these sound effective!
Ellen Oliveira says
It can work for anyone really.
Daisy says
That’s so true! This is what actually we forget to in our daily lives… to ‘relax’ and enjoy motherhood.
Ellen Oliveira says
We can’t enjoy anything if we don’t have some downtime and take care of ourselves.
April Kitchens says
After a busy day of moming, I like to lay down and read my book. But sometimes I’m even too tired to read and I just hit the bed!
Marina says
Such good tips! My son is 7months and I need to make a routine of making time for me!
http://www.marinatayylor.com
Thena says
Love this! Chocolate, wine and a book for me!
Audria says
Great tips! All of us need ways to destress. Thanks!
TINA H says
I’m not a parent but these are some useful tips that I definitely need to give it a try. Though I’m not a parent, I do work full time and attend college as well so I’m always looking for ways to relax in my free time. Thank you for sharing!
xo Tina
IG: @tinasweetheart
http://www.tinasweetheart.com
Corinne @ My Mom Writes.com says
love this post! I especially love that drinking wine was listed at #1 😉
Ellen Oliveira says
Gotta be honest right, once you get #1 down you’re good to go 😜
Laura Ward says
Love these suggestions! I defiantly partake in a glass (or 2) of VINO every now and then! Ooh and a piping hot shower at the end of the day to wash away the stress never hurts 🙂
Vicki @ Babies to Bookworms says
This is a great list! I am a big reader (hence my blog about reading, haha), but that can sometimes get lost in the day. I make sure I carve out a little time for myself before bed every night to read, whether it is a magazine or a book.
Queen mouse says
Suggest Netflix and chill or any other mindless tv
Naya @ Lactivist in Louboutins says
My favorite way to unwind after a busy day is to take a hot bath with a glass of wine. I don’t get to do that most days, so I settle for some quiet time with no one jumping all over me.
Nicole | The Professional Mom Project says
Great suggestions. I’m a huge fan of colouring books – it’s so relaxing and fun. Plus you create something pretty at the end.
Meg - remainingmeg.com says
These are great suggestions! I love adult coloring books! Sometimes I feel guilty pulling them out though, like I have too much to do. It’s hard to let go and just relax sometimes.
Amanda says
I just did a post on how I like to unwind! Great minds…..
I also love a good book or listening to music. Netflix and Facebook help me to “forget adulting” for a little while. Thanks for sharing!!
Jenn says
Reading actually helps me! I try not to blog or do blog related things because it sometimes feels like a job. It’s a challenge though!
justthebeginning-x says
I’m not a parent (yet) but these tips really work for anyone.
Although I’d love the time to catch up with friends in person more often, social media does come in handy. I can always trust my friends to give me laugh after a stressful day.
Crystal says
I love this! Being a mommy of two under 2, relaxation is a staple in order to stay sane! I’m totally with you in the wine and coloring books- essentials, for sure! Something that I really love (on nice warm nights) is laying a blanket out in the backyard and really soaking in the peace.and.quiet. Haha bonus points if the kids are down in time for me to catch the sunset, but that’s usually wishful thinking 😂
Ellen Oliveira says
Yasss, always a blessing when the kiddos go down on time and we can enjoy some peaceful nights.
Karen says
I love this list! I definitely indulge in a glass a wine to unwind!
Ellen Oliveira says
That one is the quickest way to unwind, sometimes the only way.
Shannon | Mom Without Labels says
Great tips! Hot showers and listening to music are definitely my go-to’s!
Ellen Oliveira says
Oh yes! Hot showers are a must, especially when there aren’t any kids barging in.
Mira says
2, 3, 4 and 6 are definitely my go to! There isn’t much better than sharing “mommy troubles” with your bestie, regardless if it’s in person or over the phone. It definitely makes you feel more connected to the world and see that you are not alone in your endeavours 🙂
Ellen Oliveira says
For sure! We all need at least one person to confide in.
Veronica Mitchell says
I love all your suggestions! I’m a mother of 3 kids, usually a hot bath or a good book is all I need to keep me sane after a long busy day. During bad days though, my go to is always # 2.
Linda Atwell says
This is a GREAT list. I especially liked the reading or connecting with a friend. For some reason, the later always makes me feel better, but I do love to escape in a good book. And taking a walk. Again, I loved all your ideas!
Anna says
love these ideas! Music and reading are both so relaxing for me!
Chynthia says
You can be being busy your baby by a tricycle.