Many parents are looking forward to the start of a new school year. Keep in mind that back-to-school comes with hectic mornings, help with homework, and the enforcement of a bedtime routine (that may have lapsed over the summer). It is important for parents to take a little time for self care while the kids are at school. Here are a few simple ideas to start with.
The Living Self-Care website says that moms and dads that take care of themselves first will have more to offer to their children (and to the rest of the world). Self-care doesn’t have to take a long time. Fifteen minutes or half an hour will do! Some parents will need to schedule “me time” in order to get it.
What should you do to provide good self care? It should be something that you enjoy. Pick a relaxing activity, or one that makes you feel pampered. Choose something that reduces your stress. Here are a few to consider:
Ideas for Taking Care of Yourself
Take a “power nap” – It is amazing what a short nap will do on a day when you are exhausted, low-energy, or not feeling well.
Read a book (or magazine) – When was the last time you were able to sit down and do some reading? Take a little time to do it while the kids are in school. Choose a comfy place to sit and fall into a good story for a while.
Visit a salon – Call ahead and schedule yourself an appointment at your favorite nail or hair salon. Give yourself plenty of time to be pampered (and for your hair or nails to dry) before you have to pick the kids up from school. Very few things say “me time” like getting your nails done!
Take a bath – There is something incredibly relaxing about a nice, warm, bath. Toss in your favorite bath salts, or borrow some of the kid’s bubble bath. Sit, soak, breathe, and relax. Let the stress of the week melt away.
Start scrapbooking – Have you been meaning to put a bunch of family photos into a scrapbook? Take some time out of the day (while the kids are at school) to work on it. Do a little bit at a time and don’t worry about how long it might take until you complete the scrapbook. Use your creativity and have fun with it.
Find your “center” – Some people find meditation to be very beneficial for their state of mind. Others might choose prayer, instead. Another possibility is to take some time to enjoy nature. Pick the one what works for you and use it to “re-center” yourself. Afterwards, you will find yourself ready to take on the next challenge.
Image by Jean-Etienne Mihn-Duy Poirrier on Flickr.
Related Articles:
* Sneaking “Me” Time Into Your Day
* Things You Should Do For Yourself Right Now