You love being a parent and wouldn’t change it for anything. But when you don’t know what to do because of the high level of stress that this responsibility carries, it can be hard to calm down. In those tough moments when you do not know how to cope, being able to escape for at least 10 minutes can do a lot of good.
Why You Need Time to Yourself
As a parent, it is easy to put your kids first. Wanting the best for them is admirable, and that makes you a wonderful, caring guardian. But it is easy to get lost in being a parent. To lose your sense of self and your passion for life. Losing sight of your own goals can happen, whether it be personal or professional.
With that in mind, making time to explore who you are at this stage in life is important. You may have changed a lot since you became a parent. Getting wrapped up in the daily kids’ activities, wants, and needs can quickly take over your day and leave you feeling a bit empty at the end of it as you forget who you are at your core when they’re not around.
As for how you take the time to reimagine who you are and recharge, that is up to you. Perhaps you can start a new hobby, have a quiet moment, or do another of the following suggestions.
Take a Walk Alone
A short walk can do the mind a lot of good. Walk the neighborhood after dinner while the kids are playing with one another under the supervision of an adult if they are young. Clear your mind of the worries, if only for the 20 minutes that you take for this exercise break. Listen to the birds, feel the fresh air on your face, and recognize that you will get through this difficult time.
When out in nature, you might find you feel a bit more centered than before. As you look around at the trees and flowers, it is a reminder of the beauty of the world. You are a part of something great when you are around Mother Nature.
When returning to your kids, you may notice that you feel a bit of weight off your shoulders. That makes sense, as you had a much-needed break. Next time, maybe you can take them with you to show them that a great stress reliever is going for a walk, both because exercise is important and so to connect with nature.
Play Games Online
A way to take your mind off things is to do something fun. What is more fun than an electronic game that you can easily find online? It does not require special equipment, only your internet connection. Then, you are able to start to play a game that takes your mind off anything stressful that has been happening.
As for which game you play, as you’re trying to escape stress, you are likely wanting to do it on your own. That makes playing bridge or blackjack online a great choice. Then you can immerse yourself in strategy, gameplay, and going for the win. If you win a hand, that instills confidence that you may have been lacking in and really needed a boost. It can help you feel better about yourself and also enjoy a lighthearted moment, thinking back to when you used to play cards as a kid.
Carving out this time for yourself is amazing, helping you feel more in control as you win a game or two, and giving you something fun to focus on for a little while. It’s not that time with your kids is not fun, but this time for yourself can really help you re-energize to enjoy the family activities more when they happen.
Have a Grownup Zone in the House
You could make a spot in the home where only you and your spouse, if you have one, can go. It is an exclusive area that is not for kids, whether it is your bedroom, an office, or another area. The idea here is to have somewhere you can retreat when things are getting too stressful. It could just be five minutes there to center yourself before heading back into the wonderful but loud activity you were doing with the kids.
Of course, if they are really young, make sure an adult is watching them before you leave to go to another part of the house. As for how to maintain it as a kid-free area for you to mentally recharge, make the rule known that they are not to go there unless it is an emergency and that just as you respect their bedroom, they will respect this space of yours. If there is a door to the entrance of the grownup area, you might close it when in there for privacy.
Delegate to Others
You do not have to take on all the responsibility, and knowing how to give some of it to others is important. Then you may feel more of a sense of balance. That can be important to maintain your mental health. Removing stress by offloading some of the tasks can help, whether it is getting someone to come clean the house now and then or asking your partner to drive the kids to their sports activities more often.
While you might worry about asking others to help as you don’t want to burden them, the reality is that they would likely love to help out. Both because they feel good knowing they’re helping you and because they want some extra time with the kids. You may not realize that they’d love to take your children to a movie, get ice cream, or just spend time at the house.
When they spend time with the kids, that is your opportunity to take a few hours to focus on your own needs. You might take a long bath, for example. Or, a nap, if you’re feeling run down from a culmination of things, including the kids being sick recently and your work deadlines getting the best of you.
Bonus Tip: Laugh More Often
When you’re stressed, the natural response is to clench your teeth and get serious. But laughing more often is great because it lets you unwind and feels great. Your kids might do something silly that makes you forget why you got so agitated only moments before. After they go to bed, why not watch a comedy special on TV? Giggling might help you forget your worries for a while.
Conclusion: Escaping Daily Stress as a Parent
It’s been a challenging time lately, and you deserve time to yourself to unwind and recharge your batteries. That can help you have more energy for the kids because you have more love for yourself. When you feel better about yourself, the whole family wins. So, whether you play an online game, take a few minutes in the grownup zone of the house, take a walk alone, delegate tasks, or do something else, you are going to be able to maintain better balance soon. Stress relief is very important for busy parents, and you are not alone in needing that escape!
Tomorrow is a new day with new possibilities, and after taking a break today, you are going to be able to give your all when it comes to the parenting responsibilities. Everyone needs a way to relieve stress, and the suggestions above are great ones to help you become stronger overall.
