Day in and day out, you spend most of your energy taking care of the kids, and then when you get that much-deserved break, you have no idea what to do with yourself. Here are some activities that will refresh, relax, and rejuvenate you so that when you’re back to being Mom, you’re able to give your very best.
- Have a spa day
If your kids are gone for the day, scrub the bathroom and have yourself a spa day. Luxuriate in a bubble bath with a homemade sugar scrub. Give yourself a facial mask, and do up your nails. If this sounds like more work than you’d like, consider heading to the local spa and let someone else pamper you for a change.
- Get in a good workout
If you haven’t had a chance to hit the gym lately, here’s your opportunity. Head out for some yoga or kickboxing, then relax in the hot tub. If you don’t belong to a gym, take a nice, long, relaxing walk around the neighborhood. The exercise will reduce your stress and leave you feeling energetic and ready to take on the day.
- Read a book
If you’ve been trying to get through the same chapter in your book for a week, use your childless day to catch up on your latest novel. Brew some tea, and cozy up on the couch or sit out on the patio in the sunshine, and read to your heart’s content.
- Color
Download a mandala coloring app or buy an adult coloring book and spend some time decompressing. You’ll reduce your stress with some quiet time spent being creative.
- Go to a movie
If you’ve wanted to see the latest rom-com but the hubby isn’t interested, take your time off to go catch a guilty-pleasure movie. You get to hog the popcorn and sit through the whole movie without taking anyone to the bathroom during the best part.
- Catch up with a friend
It’s hard to make time for friends when you have kids, but time off from the whippersnappers can be spent bumming around with your BFF. Go to an art gallery, have leisurely coffee at a sidewalk cafe, or do some shopping together.
- Do some art
If you like art but never have time to make any, take this opportunity to break out your paints or sketchbook and create to your heart’s content. Making art is good for your brain and your soul, a relaxing pastime that ends with a beautiful piece of art to hang on the wall.
- Take a nap
If you never get to nap anymore, spend at least an hour of your free time in bed getting some extra zzz’s. Don’t feel guilty–according to the National Sleep Foundation, a nap is good for your health, and you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to take it all on.
Who said you have to catch up on the bills and housework when the kids are away? Those things can wait. Spending a little “me-time” can work wonders on your mental health and overall motivation level. So ship off the kids and have some special time to yourself doing what you love. You deserve it.
