15 Minutes for Yourself

I don't know about you, but school has only been out for our girls for a few days, and I'm already tired! I came across this blog on Relaxation Tips for Moms by Donna Chaffins and thought I'd pass it along to you.

Just because you're not a mom doesn't mean you can't use some of these great ideas!

"Women, especially moms, have a hard time finding (or making) the time to relax. The saying "no rest for the weary" comes to mind. We are so busy taking care of our family, our home, volunteering and working, that we forget about ourselves.

Whether it's working out of the home or working from home, more and more moms are bringing in a salary to help relieve the financial strain in their households. In fact, more and more women are becoming the sole breadwinners.

So with all the responsibilities we have, it is difficult to find the time to relax. Why? Why don't we take the time for ourselves? We spend our time being care givers to everyone else, but won't or don't take the time for ourselves. We MUST take care of ourselves so we CAN give our best to others.

If you are a busy mom, learn to value yourself as a person and schedule personal time. You deserve it! Start with fifteen minutes. I know you can spare 15 minutes a day for yourself.

So starting today try these tips:

Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary

When you take a bath, add candles, bubble bath, quiet music and/or an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular bath has now become a spa experience. If you watch a movie, pop a bag of microwave popcorn, turn out the lights and curl up on the couch.

Rise with the sun

Get up 30 minutes earlier than the rest of your family. I know it's hard to get up early. But if this is the only time the house is completely quiet... it may be a good time for you to have some "me" time. Spend the time meditating, doing yoga, going for a walk, reading a book or just sitting quietly drinking your coffee. The whole purpose is to have some "me" time before the rest of the family wakes up.

Always be prepared - Just like the Boy Scouts

If you go ahead and pack lunches, lay out and iron (if needed) clothes the night before, and place shoes and backpacks by the front door so kids can grab them on their way out. The fewer things you have to do throughout the day, the calmer and less stressed your mornings will be. I don't know about you but if my day starts off on the wrong foot it sets the mood for the rest of my day.

Take breaks

When you get a few minutes the last thing you want to do is exercise but getting a little physical activity in your day can help relieve stress. Endorphins are released into your system when you exercise and endorphins make us "feel good". Do jumping jacks and push-ups during a television commercial. Also try yoga or meditation. Just take breaks throughout your day to do something healthy for yourself. It doesn't have to take but 5 minutes a few times a day.

Laughter is the best medicine

Subscribe to a daily joke site or keep a funny calendar cube on your desk. You can watch just about anything online nowadays... so watch your favorite sitcom or stand up comic - and have a good ole belly laugh. Laughing releases stress and can lift your spirits. Plus did you know laughing will keep your abs tight?

Ask for help

Don't be too proud to ask your spouse or SO for help. The whole family need to pitch in and do their part. Assign chores or responsibilities to each family member. But remember to be flexible. And it's important for kids to spend time with dad. While the kids are bonding with daddy, you can go shopping, work out, take a leisurely bath, read a book, work in the garden or just enjoy the quiet time.

Moms, just remember that your family depends on you. And if you don't take care of yourself you can't give your best to your family. YOU deserve it. So pamper yourself everyday."

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