Yes, a spa day, a weekend away with your besties, or an actual vacation would be an amazing way to hit the “reboot” button on every mom's psyche and soul, but it’s not always realistic. Moms need a way to hit the restart button without shelling out thousands of dollars, scrambling for childcare and arranging their schedules with precision-like force to escape their homes.
Here are some realistic things you can do to refresh your mind and body when motherhood gets the best of you, because let’s face it, as the kids say: Sometimes it be that way.
Ask for a time-out
Remember how your preschooler nearly pooped a brick when you suggested he go to the “chill-out” chair or corner? Use a time-out to your advantage. If you’re ready to lose it, say every curse word in the book or feel foggy, tell the kids you’re taking a time-out. If you must, lock the door. Even if it’s just for five minutes, sometimes stepping away from a situation can allow you to gather yourself together before exploding.
Use a meditation app
Whether it’s for 5 minutes or 20 minutes, using a meditation app like Calm can help you feel refreshed when starting your day, ending your night or simply needing a moment of clarity mid-day. I highly recommend this app — I use it myself, personally, and you can try a free trial. If you prefer to not use apps, there are many YouTube videos on guided meditations.
Get exercise
I know, I know, someone else telling you to exercise. The reality is that the benefits are clear from exercise. A mid-day walk can really help me clear my head and if my kid is driving me bonkers, getting some movement in allows me to destress and gain my focus once more. It doesn’t have to be CrossFit or yoga — it could be you doing simple stretches or taking a bike ride. Don’t underestimate the power of moving that body of yours!
Tell yourself you’re starting over
Sounds dumb, but don’t knock it until you try it! I have told myself (and my daughter): Let’s start over — hit the restart button and approach the day differently. Your mind is a powerful thing, and your words are powerful tools to shape how your mind thinks and works. Giving yourself the permission to acknowledge that things aren’t working well, and you need a new beginning is a powerful thing.
Read a book or listen to an audiobook/podcast
Maybe you have an hour. Maybe you have 15 minutes. Maybe more.
Reading a book, hearing a book or enjoying a podcast can be a good way to tune out from the rest of your day. Social media can be stressful. The news can be worse. Get yourself a little escape from everything to refresh yourself and get lost in (pleasant) thoughts. If you want to feel less alone, check out some funny and super relateable podcasts by other moms or enjoy these page-turning books vetted by other fellow moms. And don’t be afraid to use those AirPods even when the kids are around for a little “escape”.
Call, FaceTime, or text a friend
But when you choose the friend, don’t pick the slightly judgy one or the flaky one. Pick someone that you can really be yourself around. Reach out so you can vent and feel supported and heard. Even better? See a friend if you can!
Consider therapy
If you’re really feeling overwhelmed, strung-out, or like you’ve lost focus or drive, doing phone, virtual or in-person therapy could be needed. Only you can answer this for yourself but giving yourself the help you need to be the best mom and person you can be will benefit not just you, but also your kids. As they say, “Put the oxygen mask
on you first before others,” or you’ll be of no help to yourself.
Be smart enough to know when you’re having “trouble breathing.”
