I need a refresher. Every day. I don’t always get it but I definitely need some me time and I’m pretty sure that you probably do too.
I’m on Facebook and Twitter and reading blogs and seeing how overstressed, out of time, and overwhelming your lives can be. I admire so many of you out there. The moms of kids with special needs, the moms of multiples, the working moms, the stay-at-home-moms, the moms in between (like me).
By comparison, I have a simple life. I have a nice house, nice car, and an only child. I agree. It probably is a lot simple than a lot of your lives but it doesn’t mean that you can take a few pages from my book.
When I tweet or chat about the time I’m taking for myself, I always get looks of surprise and a little bit of healthy envy. It never occurred to me NOT to do it. And so I’d like to share with you some ways to find a little relaxation in the every day.
Learn the Art of Relaxation
Buy, chill, and drink a bottle of Champagne.
I love champagne and when I tell people my favorite brand for “every day drinking,” they look at me like I have 3 heads. Okay, I don’t drink champagne every day but if you like it, treat yourself to some! It’s not just for special occasions. I can tell you that a few fluted glasses of champagne after the kids go to bed, maybe even paired with some chocolate, makes you feel a little special.
P.S. You don’t have to spend a fortune. One of my favorites is only $8 per bottle.
Take a bath.
People are always blown away when I tell them this. I take baths almost every day. Showers are fine but something about a bath puts me at ease. I sometimes take them in the morning when I’m getting ready for the day. They honestly don’t take much longer than a shower and you can totally relax and soak while the tub is filling up. Or sometimes, I simply soak in a warm tun at the end of a long and cold day. It warms my whole body and makes me feel super relaxed for bed.
Have a manicure.
I have a couple of these a year. Again, I’m not talking about a full gel acrylic set with airbrushing. Or whatever it is that ladies have done to their nails. I’m talking about paying $12 to have someone clean up your nails and file them all while giving you a hand massage. Nail polish is optional. You can go au naturale.
Sit down with a cup of tea.
I happen to love strong black tea with milk and sugar but you can go herbal if you want. Not coffee. I said, TEA. Tea is full of antioxidants and is conducive to sitting. Make yourself a cup and find a comfy place to sit where the sun shines. I like the swing on my back deck or in my sunroom. Sure, I have little feet that follow me but holding the tea cup puts me at ease anyway.
Take a spa day.
What? You don’t have $200 to spend and a full day to go out and pamper yourself? Most of us don’t. So I usually spend time on Sunday afternoons when my husband is around. I take a long hot bath. I shave my legs with intent. Not just a quick oh-that-will-take-care-of-the-stubble shave. Then I spend time looking in the mirror. I pluck my eyebrows, apply all the right creams, brush my hair, blow dry, file my nails, whatever. It’s a good hour or two in the bathroom by myself making me feel good about myself.
Now I’m ready for your objections.
I can’t do that because…
“I have too many kids.”
“My husband won’t help.”
“The kids won’t leave me alone.”
“I don’t have a bathtub.”
Okay, I can’t help you with the bathtub part but here’s what I can tell you. If you want time for yourself, you have to MAKE time for yourself. If your husband, spouse, partner, whatever doesn’t think enough to let you have some time to your self, TELL THEM EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED AND EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO DO.
As women, we fantasize that everyone knows what we need all the time. Then we sulk when they don’t. Step up, be assertive, and learn the art of relaxation. Your body will thank you later.
2 comments
I do long showers (baths are so not my thing) and at night, when the house is quiet, I have a cup of tea (and maybe a few cookies) and curl up with a book. Relaxation. Sometimes, when I’m nearing the end of my rope, I will look at my husband and tell him that it is a good day for some daddy/daughter shopping…and he knows what that means, and then I get a few hours of peace and quiet all to myself, to recharge.
Now I want some tea and cookies. Sounds like you’ve got this me time thing all figured out too!