We know how effective a timeout can be for our kids, right? Giving our kids a timeout is a chance for them to get away from everyone, calm down, relax, and come back with a new attitude. Well guess what? Timeouts aren't just for kids!
As a busy mom of four kids, especially during the craziness of Halloween and the upcoming holidays, I find that I need to give myself timeouts, too, so that I can calm down, relax my stressed nerves, recharge, and come back with a new, fresh perspective on my busy life! I thought it would be helpful to the other hard-working mamas out there to compile a list of some of my favorite ways that I like to give myself a timeout at home... see if any of these work for you! I guarantee that you'll come back from your little break feeling charged and ready to conquer those Halloween and daily to-do lists!
Oh, and feel free to combine the ideas on this list for the ultimate relaxation experience!
1. Occupy the kiddos. Before you can take your timeout, you have to have the kids occupied. Depending on the age of your children, you can take your break during naptime, bedtime, put on a movie for the kids, pull out some toys that they haven't played with for a while, turn on a good learning computer game, or put your husband or an older sibling in charge for a little while. This will help ease your mind so that you can focus on YOU and relaxing, rather than on what the kids are doing!
2. Chocolate! Now that the kids are busy, it's time to bust out the chocolate! I always have a little stash of treats hiding from the kids, and it's times like these that I like to pull it out! One of my favorite chocolate treats are Hershey's Dish Candy, because they are small and oh so delicious!
I usually have my own bag that I hide from the kids (although they usually find it), and then I buy Hershey's candy for the trick or treaters, because let's face it- when we raid our kids Halloween candy stash, we want to eat the Hershey's chocolate first, right? So I'm doing a favor to all the other moms out there. You're welcome.
3. Tiny bubbles. A nice, HOT bath is a great way to relax and de-stress. The more bubbles the better! I love turning out all the lights, lighting some of my favorite fragrant candles, and placing them on the counter for an ultra relaxing experience. Great smelling bubble bath, shampoo and conditioner, and body wash are all a must! Music helps, too!
4. A good read. I LOVE getting lost in a new magazine (I subscribe to quite a few), and reading it from cover to cover. One of my favorites is PEOPLE Magazine- it's fun to stop focusing on my life for a few minutes and read about someone else's! If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw my recent Target purchase- the latest PEOPLE Magazine and a package of Hershey's dish candy!) My sister, who is a hairdresser, always complains when I get my hair done, because I love to just sit there and devour the People Magazines in the salon, instead of talking to her while she did my hair. To me, that was my way of escaping and relaxing!
5. A cozy blanket. What is it about a cozy blanket that makes me feel and warm and snug and fuzzy inside? It could be 75 degrees outside, but my fuzzy fur blanket instantly makes me feel cozy and relaxed. Amazing what just a little blanket can do!
6. Light my fire. This week we lit our first fire of the season, and it was amazing! Whether I am reading my People Magazine, eating chocolate, or doing both (the best option!), like in the above picture, a warm fire is a great way to relax and unwind. Even if you do nothing at all but sit and stare at the fire, it is totally and completely mesmerizing, and you can really get lost in it.
7. Just add color. Adding a fresh pretty coat of nail polish to my nails or toenails is a total pick me up, and makes me feel good about myself. I know that I always feel better personally when I have makeup on, so for me it is relaxing to take the time to put on my makeup and experiment with new colors and products. When you feel good about yourself and the way you look, I believe that confidence carries over into other aspects of your life, and helps you to be a better person, wife, mom, worker, etc! It's an added bonus when your kids tell you how pretty you look too! ;)
I hope you picked up a few ideas from my list of how I love to relax and take my timeouts from being a mom for a few short minutes! For a limited time only, you can use THIS great coupon for $2 off your next PEOPLE Magazine and Hershey's Dish Candy purchase at Target. Woo hoo!
This coupon is only good while supplies last, though, so be sure to use it soon to equip yourself for some ME time during this busy time of year! PEOPLE Magazine is also coming out with a PEOPLE Catching Fire Magazine Special (can't wait for the movie), so be sure to keep your eyes out for that!
Happy relaxing!!
xo, Laura
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It's so busy this time of year, I really could use a time out to myself! Great tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kristin! I know I get so caught up in doing everything for everyone else, but we as moms need to step back and take time for ourselves, too! :)
DeleteLove all of these for me time! Wish I could put myself on time out more often!
ReplyDeleteOh, I hear ya' Kathy, me too! We sure deserve it, don't we?!? ;)
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