And yes, you can take the occasional day off. You might even squeeze in a weekend away, but is that enough? Most definitely, no. Parents need a reprieve in the heat of the battle. We don’t necessarily want to run away from our children (okay, maybe sometimes we do); we just want to survive the day.

Here are five ways that I’ve learned to relax while caring for my children.

#1. Nap. It seems so simple, but parents just don’t do it. We’re so driven to “get stuff done” when the kids are asleep. Yes, it’s true, naptime is the golden hour to get stuff done, but this doesn’t mean we have to use it every day. Once in a while, lie down with your children (or in a different room) and take an honest to goodness nap. My oldest thinks herself “too old for naps,” and really doesn’t take them anymore. But still, every once in a while, I tell her, “Mama needs to rest today, so you don’t have to take a nap, but we are going to rest.” I tell her she doesn’t have to sleep, but she has to be quiet and rest, because rest is important. And she does it. She often looks at a book, but she stays horizontal and she’s quiet. If you’re worried about escapees, utilize childproof doorknobs and toddler gates. Even if you don’t actually fall asleep, you will at least get a moment to relax. The laundry can wait. Really, it can.

#2. Amoratherapy. I diffuse essential oils in my home nearly every day. If I’m feeling tense or anxious, I diffuse lavender oil. If I can’t keep my eyes open, I use lemongrass oil to perk myself up. I tell you the truth – it really helps! And my kids love it too! Be sure to use real essential oils and not synthetic fragrance oils. And if you don’t have a diffuser, just wear a little oil like a perfume.

#3. Walk. It might sound counterintuitive, but it really works. Take a nice long walk and it will relax you and your kids. And if you tire out your kids, it will make an easier day for you! If it’s cold out, bundle everyone up and make it a (short) adventure. Fresh air and getting your body moving will definitely help you unwind.



#4. Classical or Relaxation music. My kids complained at first because they wanted “cool music,” but after a few days, they started to like it. At first, I was reluctant to play music in the house, as I didn’t want anything to add to the constant noise, but classical was different. It didn’t feel like noise – it felt like a layer of serenity.

#5. Yoga. Your kids can do yoga! They even make kids’ yoga videos if you need some guidance. (Or just look it up on YouTube.) It won’t be the same as a true adult yoga class, as your kids will still be giggling and making comments, but it will be yogic enough to provide you with some of the many benefits of yoga, including de-stressing!"

Relax and Enjoy! x