Modern life is the most hectic that it has ever been. We are under constant pressure to succeed at everything at once, and it’s exhausting. Getting home from work is no longer the end of our stressful days – there are the demands of family life, housework and our own social needs that have to be taken care of too. No wonder than more people than ever are coming forward with mental health problems, physical health issues and relationship stresses. In trying so hard not to fail at anything or with anyone, we are ultimately failing to help the person that matters most – ourselves.
This is why learning to relax is so important. Whether you’ve been at work all day, or home with the kids, you still need to take time in the evening to switch off from work and look after yourself. So have a look at some of our top tips for slowing down and resetting your mind and soul at the end of the day.
The Exit List is your Friend
No one is going to get a good night’s sleep if they fall into bed physically exhausted, but still mentally running through the events of the day or planning for the next one. Before you leave the office, or once the kids are in bed, take ten minutes to sit down and create a list of things to do the next day. It could be as simple as who to call, which load of laundry to run and what meal prep to do, or it could be a reminder of where you’ve left off tasks and what the next steps will be. Actively writing these tasks down will help to clear them from your mind as you no longer need to retain this information yourself. You’ll also feel more in control as are planning ahead for the next steps.
A Bedtime Routine is not just for Baby
We’re told that the key to getting kids to sleep well is to have a solid bedtime routine – well the same is true for mums too! If you make sure you have a wind-down routine every night, you’ll feel more prepared for bed and fall asleep faster. This doesn’t have to be long or elaborate. Try something simple like a hot chocolate in your favourite mug, slipping into clean pyjamas and a few chapters of a good book. You could even create an ‘unwind’ playlist of favourite chill out tunes to play while to get ready for bed. Most importantly, avoid phone and tablet screens, as the blue light these project can interfere with your body’s natural ability to go to sleep. Give your new routine a try for a few weeks and see how quickly it makes a difference to your night.
Mums just want to have Fun
Relaxing is not all about doing nothing, taking the time to have some fun is important too. It gets those happy hormones flying and does a great job of getting rid of the stresses of the day. With kids at home, it isn’t always possible to have the same kind of fun as before – nipping out for coffee with friends, taking in a late-night film, or hitting the dance floor until the early hours might have to be occasional treats for now. However there are plenty of things you can do at home which are fun and fulfilling.
Reading, crafting, colouring and playing music are all easy hobbies to get into while at home, but if you’re looking for something a bit more exciting then you could always turn to the internet for some fun and games. Online slots, bingo and casino games can provide small pockets of escapism when you only have a few minutes to spare. They are easy to get into and most providers don’t require you to commit a lot of money upfront, meaning they can be enjoyed responsibly as well. So, understanding how slots work could be the start of a fun adventure – many online slots cost less to get started than the average micropayment you might spend to get to the next Candy Crush level, with the added incentive of a potential reward. With online chatrooms for the players to relax in, there’s conversation to be had too, and for SAHMs, that can be an important part of the day.
Embrace the Great Outdoors
If the weather allows, there is nothing better for refreshing the soul than a burst of fresh air and a brisk walk. It’s good for the kids too, so take advantage of any dry days to whisk them down to the park. There’s always plenty to see, and while you may not be so interested in every worm they find, just being out amongst nature can have wonderful rejuvenating effects. It’s calming and quiet, allowing you to be alone with your thoughts, and even the gentle exercise boosts your endorphins and makes you feel happier and healthier.
Practice Mindfulness
As busy mums, we have so much to think about that it’s easy to become lost between remembering what was done today and planning for tomorrow. Mindfulness is all about connecting to the moment you are currently in and helping to let go of everything else. It’s a great way to centre yourself and just take the time to be present. What’s especially brilliant about mindfulness is that it doesn’t take a lot of practise and can be done anywhere, taking just a few minutes of your day but being wonderfully effective. Great for those moments where you arrive early for the school run, are sat on the train, or just manage to grab a few minutes between bath time and bed time. Of all the things on this list, it is probably the easiest to start with, and one of the most effective.
If you’ve managed to find the time to read this article, then you’ve got the time to try out some of our tips! Relaxation is important and fun, make sure you’re doing it effectively and enjoyably.
