As mums, we often wear many hats and have a lot on our plate. We’re juggling work, parenting, household duties, elderly parents and more. It can be tough to find time for ourselves, but it’s important to remember that we need to take a break every now and then.
There are lots of benefits to taking a break, even if it’s just for a few minutes. It can help to improve our mood, relieve stress, and give us some much-needed time to recharge. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or like you’re running on empty, read on to find out how to recharge.
Get away from it all
The human brain isn’t designed to be exposed to stress 24/7, and even if you’re “resting” at home, you’re still in a stressful environment where toys are lying on the floor, the laundry has been staring at you for 3 days and the kids are refusing to eat their greens. To truly rest, you need to remove yourself from the stressful situation. Consider building a “she-shed” at the bottom of the garden that you can escape to when you need to, and decorate it exactly how you want. Make it cosy and calming with blankets and cushions, or fun and invigorating with a neon sign from somewhere like Neon Mama. If you’re limited on space, your bedroom can act as a haven as long as you keep it tidy, or you could convert the loft, garage or basement.
Schedule in “me” time
As busy mums, it’s important to schedule in some “me” time. This can be an hour each day or one day per week. It’s important to have some time where you can relax and do something you enjoy. This can be anything from reading a book, taking a bath, going for a walk, or just sitting down with a cup of coffee. Alternatively, if you find yourself getting bogged down by the day-to-day grind, take a break and do something different for a change. Go for a walk in the park, visit a new coffee shop, or just spend some time exploring your local area. This can help to refresh your mind and give you a new perspective.
Connect with other mums and dads
Spending time with other parents who understand what you’re going through can be a great way to relax and unwind. Whether you meet up for coffee, go on a night out, or just keep each other sane in your group chat, connecting with other parents can help you feel less alone and stressed. If you don’t have any friends who are parents yet, talk to your own parents or grandparents. Remember, they went through all of this with you, and they’ve made it out the other end, so they’re probably the most experienced people you can find.
Give away some responsibility
One of the best ways to take a break is to delegate some of your responsibilities. This can be anything from asking your partner to take over bedtime for one night, to hiring a babysitter so you can have a night out. If you can share the load, it will help you to feel less overwhelmed and stressed. If they’re old enough, you can even get the kids to help out more around the house. This can free up some of your time so you can take a break. Plus, it’s a great way to teach them responsibility and give them a sense of ownership in the household.
Take care of yourself
Lastly, don’t forget to focus on taking care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and getting enough sleep. These things will help you feel your best and be able to better handle the stresses of motherhood. Taking care of yourself is important and it shouldn’t be neglected.
Conclusion
Taking a break as a busy mum is important. It can help to improve your mood, relieve stress, and give you some much-needed time to recharge. There are lots of different ways to take a break, and it doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Whether it’s taking a few minutes for yourself each day or planning a weekend getaway, make sure you find some time to relax and rejuvenate. Your family will thank you for it!
