As a busy mum, working full or part-time, and juggling the demands of parenting, how do you find time to care for yourself?
I would like to offer you seven simple ways you can easily slip “two minutes time out vacations” into your busy schedule, at home or at work to relax your mind and refresh your spirits.
Time-Out Is Important
From personal experience I know how tiring and hard it is to carve out “Me-Time” – especially if you work from home where the lines between family time and work time blur. One minute you are thinking of ways to develop your latest project and the next you have to down tools, cook dinner and ferry your “darling babies” to their various social and after school activities.
In the midst of all this activity your mind is on constant alert, trying to hold and remember all the other 101 commitments you said yes to.
Lack Of Time Out Leads To Burn-Out
Constantly living life in the fast lane, managing conflicting deadlines from work and family leaves you frazzled, tired and exhausted. If your mind is on constant overdrive and the thought of taking time-out scares you, then that is a sure fire sign you need to stop and reassess your life direction. Sometimes, this isn’t possible. Most of us do not the luxury of taking a year out or going on weekend five-star spa breaks every season.
However, in order to achieve your best – to give your full attention to your work, care for your family and keep an eye on your well-being you need to find ways to build in some form of rest and relaxation into your day.
Are You Always Tired?
If you catch yourself looking ragged, worn-out and constantly nagging and yelling at your kids. Stop. Take a breather and practice any one of the following seven 2 minute-time-out tips.
Seven Two Minute Time-Out Activities
1. Smile.
What makes you happy? Daydream and remember something or someone who lights up your life. Maybe your child brought home one of their art work creations home and proudly gave it to you. Maybe you saw something funny on the school run, which made you laugh. Just spend two minutes vividly recalling all the sensations and thoughts of that happy moment.
2. Breathe Deeply.
Throughout your day take deep yogic breaths especially when you feel anxious and worried at the length of your To-Do list. Simply rest your hands on your lap, sit up straight and breathe in slowly and fully through your nose for a count of three and slowly breathe out through your nose. Repeat 3-5 times. You will feel energised, calm and refocused.
3.Open Your Heart.
Take time, every day to look in the mirror and say “I Love You” as you give yourself a hug. Look deep into your reflection and be happy with what you see. Release judgement and just be glad to be you. Remind yourself just how special and worthy you are. No one else in this planet can do what you do
4.Trust Yourself.
You are your own keeper and guide. Even though you wear the label of mother, partner, sister, daughter, friend, entrepreneur or employee, ultimately the only label you wear is the one that nurtures your soul. Learn to trust yourself. To have faith in you and follow your dreams. Grab a pen and sheet of paper and spend two minutes drawing your dream life. Then pin your drawing up and let your art work take centre stage on the fridge door for a change.
5. Meditate.
Find a quiet space and each day sit there. Sit quietly and practice a simple meditation. If you don’t have a quiet zone, sit on the stairs and meditate. You can practice a simple breathing meditation anywhere, anytime. If you feel more active, then practice a walking meditation along the hall way.
6. Romance Yourself
Find time, every day to treat yourself. Have play dates with friends or just by yourself. Enjoy relaxed informal breaks in the park, go to the cinema and see a movie, buy yourself flowers, sit outside and watch the moon, wear a top which makes your heart sing and brings colour to your cheeks.
7. Sign Up For A Daily Inspirational Tip
When the tip lands in your inbox, take a few moments to relax and read the inspirational message/story. Read aloud, reflect and ponder a while about the deeper meaning and impact the message has on you.
Bliss
So, there you have it. seven simple steps to support your desire for two minutes peace and quiet in your hectic life. It isn’t easy, yet the more time you invest in yourself, the more energy you have to navigate the ups and downs of family-home-work-life.
What do you do to rest and take time-out. I’d love to hear your favourite Time-Out Activities. Share your ideas in the comment box below. And remember to share the love by clicking your favourite social media icon below. Thank you
And finally, if you would like to find more easy ways yoga can support you find more moments of calm and rest during your day, check out my popular e-book A Woman’s Book Of Yoga-A Guide To Relax and Nourish Your Body And Soul. Click Woman’s Book of Yoga-A Guide To Relax and Nourish Your Soul” target=”_blank”>here to find out more and treat yourself today!
Take Care and Stay Well
Breathe is important, just helped me 🙂 Plus, I HAVE TO remind myself to pick my battles with my kid and not pick a battle with my hubby, things can get so stressful in a family with eczema kid!
Bless you my dear..you are doing a grand job..yes..keep on breathing…one breath at a time as my teacher taught me. Take care of you.
Ntathu,
I love what you say about noticing when you're yelling at the kids or looking ragged. I so agree with you. We can't do anything to help ourselves if we don't in fact notice that we need help! I took a post-grad course for my therapy practice that spoke about that – noticing the feeling. Thank you! Lori C.
It all begins with self and yep..it can be difficult to self reflect and be self aware. Your post-grad course sounds good.
Here's a tip from a veteran–my kids are 32 and 29 and I have a brand new Granddaughter.
When negotiating with your young children for time for yourself, take the mommy time first. Once you start play time they see no reason to give you up. If you take your own time first you'll teach them patience and self-reliance.
wow..a 32 year old. Thats amazing. What does that feel like? And a grandmother…you are blessed. Children have boundless energy and thats a good tip. As mum\’s its so easy to put self last. But in the long run we do ourselves and family a dis-service if we dont. Enjoy your granddaughter. Lots of wisdom to pass on. Thx for taking time to share.
Hi Ntathu,
As a mum working from home on both my husband's business and establishing my own, this is a great reminder to slow down more often.
I love that your seven steps are all simple things to do that don't require much in the way of time (or money!) so can be done by all mums.
My own favourite time-out activity is to go for a walk (although that's more like 20 minutes than 2). It makes a big difference though to my working day and to how happy and relaxed I am even by the end of the day.
Preparing a healthy snack or lunch, rather than resorting to what's quick or convenient is another small thing that can prevent mum's from feeling ragged and worn-out by the end of the day.
Brigid…you are a busy bee. How do you cope!! We have to keep it simple (and low cost) and do what works best for us. Walking is good and such a great way to ground your energy. Definitely agree re making a healthy snack/lunch..although i must admit when i am working from home I find it too easy to snack and not prepare lunch….so thanks for that reminder! Hugs