(A Mommy’s Escape Plan)
Stressed out and want to travel? I know I do but I’m on Oprah’s Debt Diet. For those of you that don’t know what that is, it’s when you honestly look at your credit card bills (yikes) and decide to pay them off. So traveling, my number one lover, will have to be patient. Until then I have some ideas, if you too, want/need to escape. Why not try:
1. Massage. As a Licensed Massage Therapist, I can promise you, your tension heads to your neck, back and shoulders. Whether you pick a half hour massage to get started or splurge for a hot stone massage, you’ll feel like a new woman. Plus I always feel creative afterwards, like my soul was fed once all those kinks were eased out.
2. A pedicure. Lock yourself in the bathroom or head out to the mall. I don’t go often but when I do, I feel great. My toes look so pretty and hey, it’s summer, why not? It’s about $25 here in MA (not in Boston) and they first soak your feet in warm water, then massage your calves. At my mall, they have those leather chairs that you can sink into and they’re not offended if you read a magazine as they work on your tootsies.
3. A bubble bath instead of the 11 p.m. news. Remember that Friends episode when Monica created an amazing bath for Chandler? That’s the kind that you too should envision.
First put all kids toys away. Grab a paperback book or scented Yankee candles…listen to your iPod or enjoy the silence. I pour lavender oil into my bath. I used to have a inflatable pillow for my neck and a glass of something relaxing. Turn off your phone and do not disturb yourself with family matters. Sometimes I can go an entire day and think, “Did I brush my hair more than once today?”
My personal rule is if you’re reading Parenting Magazine then you’re still in Mom mode. I suggest Harlan Coben, gripping thrillers. Or Janet Evanovitch, a hilarious mystery author. I just discovered Sue Civil-Brown a fun romance writer. Another great author is our very own Candace Salima, check out one of her several books!
4. A Walk through the woods or hike. Go alone (if you feel safe) or with your partner to a local park. Bring your camera and plan to sit and stare at the lake or mountains for ten minutes. Whenever I really soak in nature, then I feel better.
5. Testing out a new health club ONLY for their pool and hot tub. Most clubs let you test out their gym for free on a trial basis, or go as a guest. Changing around routine helps. My gym has three outdoor inground pools, it’s like being at a spa.
6. House sitting. This may not seem like paradise to you but imagine sitting in a different house where you don’t have to answer the phone or clean. Once my cousin Cassidy housesat on the Cape. Everything in the living room was white with seashells. I was only there for a few hours but it felt like it was far, far away.
7. A fancy restaurant. Go alone or bring someone. Bring a girlfriend so you can laugh throughout dinner at how decadent it feels to order appetizers and dessert.
8. Heading to a bookstore. Pile up books and magazines, grab a coffee, a slice of chocolate mousse cake and indulge in a soft chair.
9. Yoga or meditation. I can rush to a yoga class stressed and grinding my teeth. By the end of the class, I say Namastae with peace and love. It may not be paradise exactly but it is a better place that only takes me an hour to get to.
10. And the tenth way to travel to paradise is…for you to decide. For me it’s writing. I love escaping with writing especially when it flows.
What is it for you? Gardening? Singing, dancing, laughing, painting, playing sports??