Top Ways to Relax as a Stay-at-Home, Home Educating Mom
6/30/20264 min read
Understanding the Need for Relaxation
As a stay-at-home mom who is also home educating, my brain is constantly whirring and I have no 'Off' button. Over the last few years I have tried (and mostly failed) to find time for myself to relax, unwind and truly take care of myself. Everyone else's needs get pushed to the top of the priority list. That said, I do believe that for everyone's sake it is essential to try to acknowledge my own needs too, and I am trying to find ways to look after myself amidst the daily demands of life; it really doesn't benefit anyone if I'm continuously pouring from an empty cup. Juggling endless responsibilities and household chores on a serious lack of sleep can be overwhelming. Therefore, finding effective ways to unwind becomes crucial for maintaining mental and physical well-being, even if that calm, centred feeling is only short lived.
Establishing a Daily Routine for Relaxation
Self care for me is rarely going to look like fancy spa days or hour long bubble baths. I'm in the season of my life where I am needed by my family and with Rob being the working parent I could refer to myself as the default. I'm the go-to in the night, if anyone is sick, if Rob has to work away for extended periods of time, if anything needs organising or finding. I often find myself rushing around with multiple jobs to do and a tendency to feel like a headless chicken. Sometimes I just have to force myself to take a minute; to go to a quiet part of my house (that is not always possible as our house is generally full and loud!), to breathe slower or semi meditate (I don't really have the focus to actually properly meditate but I value the ethos of it and will aim to get better at it). Despite my constant busy state, I can find ten minutes to read a good book or make sure I sit and finish my hot cup of tea before jumping up to make dinner or get the washing out of the machine. The list of chores and demands are always there, and sometimes just by giving myself a little break, I become more motivated rather than resentful of the responsibility. My nervous system sometimes needs reminding that most things on my to do list are not an emergency.
Exploring MY Own Likes and Hobbies
Personally, even before I had kids, I have never really been one to have many big hobbies. I've dabbled in going to the gym and working out, but would not say that exercise or sports of any kind fall in to my list of enjoyable ventures. I enjoy going for walks but very rarely go alone; it's more of a shared goal of getting some fresh air. I've never really played an instrument. I do, however, enjoy little things here and there and aim to work these interests in to every day life. It is very easy to lose yourself as a parent and I have to remind myself to put energy in to things I enjoy solely for myself, as a creative outlet or just to take time away from doing all of the things all of the time. After all, we are human beings, not human doings. This small list of things I enjoy might sound silly, but to me they are my way of reminding myself that I exist and have interests and purpose beyond being Mom.
Reading is an easy go-to for me; I will read all sorts of genres from crime to romance, self help and autobiographies. I try to better myself with information books that help me to learn about anything about myself, habit tracking, or Ikigai and Hygge. I aim to read a few pages every day.
I enjoy colouring so I will sit alongside my five year old and just colour in my own little colouring book. She likes that I am right there with her but I am doing my own thing so it's a win win.
Lego is another activity that we will sometimes do side by side; I will follow the instructions and make her sets up while she is happy to create her own inventions.
I also like the odd jigsaw - something I can go back to when I find the odd half an hour or so instead of finding more crap to watch on TV; the fact that I can see the progress made and can do it listening to music or a podcast makes me feel calm, focused and grounded.
This one is maybe a bit odd, but I can sit for a while if left alone and watch rugs being cleaned, houses or gardens being renovated, any sort of time lapse video that shows something going from a big grubby mess to a clean, clear space! I have never, or will never own my own pool, but there is something utterly satisfying about watching someone clean someone else's pool, showing the progress and joy of bringing it back to its former glory!
Sometimes, just blasting some music of my own choice whilst baking or cleaning is enough to make me feel rejuvenated; I get the 90's/00's tunes on and remind myself that I don't always have to listen to Disney albums on repeat!
Writing these blogs is a great outlet for me!
Setting aside some time each week to explore hobbies without interruption is challenging but you have to try. And you shouldn't feel guilty for wanting a bit of time to yourself. Nobody can be available to others 24/7, and when you are talked at for most of the day these moments of creativity provide a touch of personal enjoyment and also a refreshing break towards relaxation.
Conclusion
As a stay-at-home, home educating mom, embracing relaxation is vital for overall health and wellbeing. By establishing routines that put my own needs at the forefront of my mind, even for a short time, I can cultivate a more relaxed and fulfilling daily life. Taking time for yourself is not selfish; it's not only beneficial for you but also enriches your family experience.
Do you share any of my interests? What do you do to help you to relax? Let us know at home@perfectedchaos.co.uk.