Moms: Five Quick and Easy Ways to Relax

Often times as mothers we find it difficult to take time for ourselves. It might be that our children are younger and need lots of attention. Maybe we do not have a support system that allows us hours of free time. I have found it is much easier to sneak fifteen minutes to an hour, then trying to find a baby sitter for a girls night out. In just a short amount of time each day, or even every other day is possible to fit into our busy schedules. Here are five simple, quick and easy ways to relax and to get rid of stress.

Take a Bath

Yes I said take a bath. Not a bath where you are trying to hurry up and get clean. Run a nice warm bubble and or scented bath. Pick a relaxing scent like lavender, or warm vanilla. To set a relaxing mood dim the lights and light a candle for a nice soft glow. Most importantly lock the door. This is your time and no one needs to come barging in disrupting you. I personally have a sign that I hang on our door. It reads, " Bathroom is closed for stress reduction." Make your own sign to hang on your door. Now add a little soft music to help set the tone. I have a favorite CD that I use. It plays the sound of nature and ocean waves. The idea of taking a relaxing bath might seem like a simple idea, but how many of you have actually took the time take one like this. In just thirty minutes to an hour you will be refreshed and ready to face the world.

Meditation and Visualization

For all of you that are thinking, " I don't know how to meditate", it is simply relaxing in a quiet place. That is all there is to it. If you fall asleep, well then you needed the sleep. You can never meditate wrong. Visualization is simply imagining in your mind a peaceful scene or scenario.

Start by finding a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Get comfortable and close your eyes. You can add some breathing technique too. Just slowly breath in for the count of five, and hold for five more, then exhale again for the slow count of five. Believe it or not, just slow breathing like this really does relieve stress and calms your mind and body. I have actually hid in the bathroom for ten minutes to breath and come out feeling much less stressed. Adding visualization is easy. Start simple by visualizing a waterfall and nothing more. Now as you picture the waterfall relax and imagine the sound of the falling water. As you get more comfortable doing this, just add other elements. A bird, a rainbow, or picture yourself under the waterfall feeling the gentle beating of the water running over you. Get creative, it really can be fun. The possibilities are endless. Laying on a beach, riding the waves in a boat, floating in the ocean. These are all great ideas. You do not need a lot of time, just 15 minutes to an hour.

Read a Book

When was the last time you read a book? Something as simple as reading a book can transport you into a whole other world. Pick something that appeals to you. A romance, an engaging true story, what ever you enjoy reading is the key. Next make sure you have a quiet place with no disruptions. It is just you, a warm cup of coffee and maybe a soft blanket to throw across your lap. Just reading for a short time will calm your mind and body. It allows you a brief escape from all those household chores, and gives you a time out from the children.

Make It All About You

If time allows you to leave the house for a short while, then go somewhere to get some pampering. Pampering can rejuvenate us and refuel our self esteem. Update your hair style, get a manicure or a pedicure. Do something that is just for you. Something that makes you feel refreshed and sexy. Buy yourself a new outfit, or a sexy soft nightie. When was the last time you bought a new bra? Might sound silly, but when was it? A sexy comfortable bra and panties under any outfit can make you feel feminine and attractive. Try it, it really does! Do something special for yourself. Something that makes you feel better about how you look and feel. Too many times we get in a rut as mothers and forget that we are more than a cook, housekeeper and caregiver.

Journal

Keeping a journal can be a great way to relax and relieve stress. Be alone with your thoughts, dreams and ideas. Let your mind run free. Don't make your journal about daily happenings like a diary. Whatever you decide to write about make sure it is happy, loving, and peaceful things. The mood of your book should be pleasant, not a book full of rants. Focusing on negative things will only put you in a bad mood. If you don't feel like writing sentences and stories, create a word page. For example, write the title " Peaceful things and words." Now make a list. Things you could include are ocean waves, beaches, warmth, sun, love and etc. You get the idea. You will find that as you are writing the words, you will start picturing those things in your mind. Simple words can trigger relaxing feelings, like the warmth from the sun or the sound of the ocean hitting the shore. Your next page could be words that make you smile. The possibilities are endless.

You Decide

Reading a book, taking a bath, keeping a journal, pampering, and meditation are all easy things to do. They are all things that can be accomplished in a short amount of time, or worked on in intervals through out the week. Pick what ever ideas interest you and give it a try. The key is take a little quiet time and do something that is for you. Remember every mother deserves and needs some time to herself.