Relaxing?

Mothers?

These two things don’t often fall into the same sentence. Which is why so many of my clients with children have such a difficult time finding periods of rest.

This blog post is meant give mothers the tools they need to obtain some much needed R&R.

Why is relaxation so important?

Relaxation is important because it provides our minds with a break from the daily stress we all experience. While sleep can also provide us a break, we also need intentional periods of rest throughout the day.

When we can't relax or turn off our worries, it can manifest as anxiety. We can experience racing thoughts, an inability to sleep or relax fully.

Taking steps to relax and care for yourself can prevent mental health conditions that may subsequently need therapeutic or pharmacological intervention.

The reality is, we can only be so productive in one day. Taking time to plan and execute rest is essential!

Tips for de-stressing and promoting relaxation

The act of relaxing and decompressing from stress is unique to every individual. Some people find playing video games helps them compartmentalize their stress and move on from a stressful day, others find the act of gaming stressful in and of itself. It's important you slow down and ask yourself what is actually helping you, rather than going along with what others might prescribe.

You have to figure out what is going to fill your cup and help you unwind.

A common recommendation I give to my clients is to pick something sensory that gets all of the senses involved in relaxing, something like a bath or a hot shower that forces our bodies to relax to have the mind follow. Other examples include:

• Exercise - preferably something that gets you very in tune with your breath such as yoga, pilates, running or guided meditation.

• Facial or body care - facials are great to get your eyes closed and focus on the sensations of the moment.

• Grounding with nature - try taking your shoes off and walking through grass or water.

• Put on a soft pair of pajamas and imagine the stress of the day melting away.

It's common that mothers have a hard time disconnecting from the thing that's stressing them, such as work, children, and responsibility.

To engage in relaxation, you want to find something that temporarily gets those things out of your head. Getting into a good book, a television show, or a podcast can provide your mind reprieve.

Being in a habit of practicing relaxation can cultivate better practices of relaxation because your body is already primed. I always recommend that my clients developed a daily practice where they recharge. Most people do this instinctually, and I encourage clients to get mindful about it. Take note of what is helping, and try to cultivate more of it.

Tips for prioritizing self-care for busy parents or people with crazy schedules

Self-care can happen in the span of thirty seconds. Seriously, you can take a mindful and relaxing breath while your toddler is coming back from the playroom.

Self-care is one part indulging in self-preservation activities, and one part noticing that you're doing it, and being present in the moment. Below are some examples:

• Taking five minutes to yourself in the morning before others require something of you.

• An extra two minutes in the bathroom to collect your thoughts before an important meeting.

• Recognizing what hygiene practices you completed, such as a shower.

• Enjoying the meal you got to eat, and taking a moment to mindfully consume it.

We all engage in self-preservation to be alive, and recognizing how you take care of yourself can be a great first step to taking better care of yourself. People can book a week-long vacation to relax and spend the entire time worrying about work.

Self-care is best practiced in small frequent amounts, making decisions to put yourself first when you can.

Comment below what works for you as a busy mother!

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