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Being a mom can be hectic and very often stressful. There will be times you need to step back before you explode or collapse. Your busy schedule may not allow many opportunities for this, especially if you also have a job to keep up with. It’s important that you make the time.Plan ahead to relax and indulge yourself for a day or even half the day. Take time off from work, find a relative or friend to take the kids, turn the phone off, and make the house your own before the husband gets home. Here are some relaxing ways to reward yourself.
Read a Good Book
That may sound boring, but boring can be very peaceful when the point is pampering yourself. Curl up with something from your favorite author, something you’ve been wanting to read and never got the time, or just a juicy romance novel. Set the thermostat and lighting to where you’re most comfortable. Have some drinks and refreshments close at hand, such as a bowl of hard candies or a pitcher of margaritas if you choose. Feel free to set down the book and take a nap anytime.
Do Some Window Shopping
Even if you can’t afford most of what you’re looking at, just thinking about little treasures can bring a smile to your face and brighten your mood, over and over again, all day long. If it’s nice weather out, you could take the car and explore the mall, go antiquing, or investigate some high-end fashion or jewelry. Do all the browsing you can handle, stop off for a nice lunch, and start again. If you prefer, or the weather is nasty, just stay at home, put on some music, and window shop online with a mug of coffee or hot chocolate in hand.
Take a Bath
This is a favorite. If you can’t afford to spend the day at a commercial spa, create the experience in your own bathroom. Prepare ahead of tine the things you’ll need, such as luxurious oils, soaps, candles, skin or hair treatments, and so forth. Soak as long as you like and indulge yourself with some soft music and a bottle of wine or champagne. Make sure you have the biggest, fluffiest towel and robe you own ready when you emerge. Take the time to pamper yourself with powders or lotions. If this doesn’t bring you a little serenity, nothing will.
Have a Workout
Sometimes the best way to burn off tension and restore emotional balance is a good workout. Exercise will improve your mood. Make it something you enjoy, such as long jog, a trip to the gym, or playing tennis with friends. If you’re a nature lover, a good hike on the back trails can be very rewarding. Invite a friend. Make a day of it, and pack a brunch or lunch. Avoid harsh sunlight and be sure to have plenty of water available to hydrate yourself. If you do leave civilization behind, bring a first-aid kit and a cell phone in case of emergencies.
Binge Watch TV
This is a joy that streaming internet technology has provided for hours of personal entertainment. Streaming video sites can provide access to hundreds of TV shows. Do a little exploring to find something that will amuse you for quite a while. Don’t forget to have plenty of beverages and snacks, or perhaps order a pizza or Chinese food. Then sit back and forget about everything else. If you order a monthly sock subscription box, you can have a monthly “me night” wearing the new socks and watching entire seasons of past favorites or shows you never heard of.If you’re working hard to provide a good home for your family, you’re entitled to take a break from it now and then. In fact, it’s probably best for everyone that you get to unwind when you feel the need. Just make the best of it.