The dishwasher needs emptying, the dogs need to go for a walk, you’ve run out of milk, and the kids are whining because they want to watch their tablets, yet they still have worksheets to finish for school. If this sounds like a typical day in your house, you aren’t alone, and the mental load can be exhausting.
Although it can be challenging to prioritize yourself amongst the daily chaos, it is crucial to consider your own needs as well as those of your kids to be a functional parent. Here are a few ways to relax and treat yourself as a tired mom.
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Allow yourself to be tired
Being tired or frazzled doesn’t make you a bad parent; on the contrary, it likely means that you are doing your job well. Being hyper-vigilant is when you have a heightened state of awareness. You’re so busy protecting your kids that your fight or flight instincts are always dialed up. Permit yourself to be tired and admit that you need a break. Prioritizing mental health and admitting when we need a hand is an essential lesson to teach our children.
Book a walk with a friend
It is tempting to reach for the Cheetos and put our feet up with a remote and Netflix when we get a few minutes to ourselves. It is easy to push off our self-care, including physical activity. We recommend booking a set date with a friend for a half-hour walk. You’ll be able to talk and catch up, all while boosting your heart rate and staying fit.
Use your products
We are confident that every woman has a drawer, tote, cupboard, or counter overflowing with half bottles of beauty lotions and department store samples. If you have single-use face masks from Christmas two years ago, or a face scrub in your shower, now is the time to give yourself a spa treatment and use them.
Listen to an audiobook
Reading is an excellent form of escapism and a perfect activity to model for your children. However, we don’t always have the brainpower to concentrate on a book after a long and tiring day. Audiobooks are lovely to listen to in the car, while cooking dinner or folding laundry or if you find a rare 20 minutes to lie down and close your eyes.
Have a bath
Picture yourself immersed in a steaming hot bath with the soothing scent of a lavender bath bomb. Even better, light a candle, put on your favorite mellow tunes and try some CBD gummies to get yourself ready for a tranquil evening. You put the kids in the bath to be fresh for bed, so start taking your own advice to relax and treat yourself.
Not making enough time for yourself is one of the most neglected aspects of parenting. Even the busiest CEO gets to take a day off every now and again, but a parent is always on duty. Try to carve out some time to treat yourself to some self-care, even in little doses.
