10 Ways to Rejuvenate in 10 Minutes a Day
October 27, 2008 by Christina Lemmey
This article was written by Guest Blogger Katy Lee of Adventures In Parenting.
It’s common knowledge that a mom’s job is 24/7.
But if you’re a WAHM, you’re on not just 24/7; it’s more like 48/14!
When the kids are settled, there is business to handle. Once business is taken care of for the day, the kids are back in action. In this global tech-based economy, our business is often 24/7, as much as our family demands are 24/7.
While working at home with the benefit of being with our children is undoubtedly having the best of both worlds, the joy can be robbed if we are overworked. That just defeats the whole reason for staying at home, doesn’t it?
Sure, a vacation in Hawaii would be nice! Well, a little more than nice. But I’ve found that one big vacation a year doesn’t take the stress out of the other 50 weeks.
What we need is a respite every day to regain a sense of perspective and energy. Instead of building up tension and exploding at the end of the day, I’ve come up with 10 ideas that take less than 10 minutes to refresh your spirit. They are low budget ideas, so do one everyday.
Start with your face. Plaster up with your favorite mask – the kids will get a good laugh – then continue on with your work looking like something out of a horror movie. After all, the best thing about being a WAHM is privacy. You might as well take advantage of it. The clean tingling feeling afterwards will refresh you for the rest of the week.
Something smooth and cool. A simple recipe of frozen fruits, vanilla yogurt, and honey to taste is all I use for a quick treat. Throw it all into the blender, and you and the kids can enjoy it together. Eat it slowly and let it cool down all the anxiety.
Life is a picnic anytime. Have the children take their bowl of mac ‘n cheese and a bed sheet, and go outside to eat. Sit on the pavement, on the lawn, on the porch, anywhere close enough where you don’t need to bring the diaper bag. Enjoy a little fresh air and change of scenery while you take your 10-minute lunch break.
Just fun and games. When was the last time you LOL in real life? Play 10 minutes of Twister with the kids and have a good laugh. (It’s good exercise too!) Or 10 minutes of charades can bring out the crazy sides of everyone. Get out your video camera, record the charades, and it’s even funnier the second time around.
Do the hustle. As a WAHM, my default position is on my bottom in front of the computer. Once in a while, I need to get some circulation going. I turn on the music loud and do some old-fashion disco! The kids love joining in too. I can look as silly as I want.
A tradition from the Brits. Invite yourself to a tea party! Take out one nice teacup with a matching saucer and make yourself a hot cup of spice tea. Get a box of tea bag assortments and try a different flavor each time. Stash a supply of those pretty cookies that come in a tin, only to be eaten at your private tea party. Hold up that pinky and enjoy.
Make a quick change. With young children, a bubble bath in the middle of the day is too much to ask. So instead, I get a cool towel and give myself a quick sponge bath. Body spray is used generously. Then I put on a change of clothes. Shed the over-sized sweatshirt and dress up in (washable) work clothes sans nylons. That professional look helps me feel like a professional too.
Use the lifeline. Another adult voice is sometimes all I need to hear to get out of the rut. Call a friend to compare notes – What can you make with leftover casserole that was the leftover meat loaf? How many spills and noses did you wipe today? You are never alone.
Skip the Food Network. We can’t afford food delivered everyday. But there are days when I need a special treat and no dishes to wash. Find restaurants in your area that deliver. It doesn’t always have to be pizza anymore.
Share the love. I saw a magnet that says, “Kids are like sponges. They soak everything out of you. But with one squeeze, they give it all back!” There is no such thing as too many hugs! Call the kids over for a group hug, as often as you want, as often as you need. You’ll feel the strength oozing back into you.
What other quick relaxation ideas has worked for you?
About the Author: Katy Lee is the author of AdventuresInParenting. From her experiences as a mother of 3 almost grown children, she shares her stories and ideas for raising good kids – kids with compassion, integrity, and character. She would love to hear your adventures in parenting.
photo credit: thomaswanhoff
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