7 Quick Ways for Mamas to Relax

I love relaxing. I love thinking about it, planning it, dreaming it, but I don’t actually love doing it. In part because I’m constantly thwarted from pursing my side projects by the actual task of tending to and loving up and chastising my offspring. But in other part because I really want to do when I can. So if the moment arises to relax, I will probably huddle over my sewing machine or computer to write & edit instead.

I know tomes are composed about the art of relaxation. I haven’t read any of them.

But what I do know is that mamas need quick ways to rest and relax because you never know when the call will come from said offspring from the bowels of the bathroom MAMA I MADE A POOPY and off you go to the races again.

Linking with Kelly and her better & cleverer writing friends!

1) Close your eyes and say

I think I can I think I can. Just that little pep talk. It’s like attending a conference with motivational speakers without going anywhere.

2) Do you like your robe & slippers??

I finally landed on a combo I live in. Don’t judge. To have something you can retreat inside like a nuclear fall out shelter is pretty amazing. If you don’t like yours, keep looking. AA gave me a cotton robe similar to this for Christmas last year and Molly gave me these slippers. But I also love this robe. And these slippies.

3) HealFast Bath: herbal bath for your mama parts.

Yes, I’m talking about freshly postpartum or far out from babies. But whether your babies grew in your heart or your womb, you will be intoxicated by my friend Cori’s herbology. Herbalism? Whatever the word is.

I slung one over the faucet at the hospital for my very first postpartum bath after my third and continue to use them to this day. They are my go-to for mamas!! Learn more on her youtube channel.

She’s so sweet and made a coupon code NELL2016 through March for you. If you’re expecting or your friend is: you want this. I really mean it!! Find on her etsy shop–buy 2, no shipping!, Facebook, via email {levincori@gmail.com}, or locally in the following spots: Family Focus Chiro in Chanhassen, Lakepoint Chiro in Minneapolis, both Blooma locations, Pacifier in Edina & Minneapolis, and Enlightened Mama.

4) Hand cream by the sink.

I’ve never done this until now. Every poopy diaper change and I’m scrubbing my cracked dry hands. It’s Minnesota winter. Now I use my sister’s balm right after drying and things are healing up. It’s like a hand massage//spa day but I didn’t go anywhere and someone is still crying.

5) Invest in Jim Weiss narrative stories for your kids.

Some people have DVD collections. Others have Jim Weiss collections. I seriously think he is hypnotic. My older kids will listen to him for hours on end. HOURS on end. Happily learning and absorbing and laughing. All while I am able to chase the toddler and check Facebook. Did you read this by Susan, by the way? Saw it today while chasing. Yes, it made me cry.

6) Find a good book to read.

Not that you have a ton of reading time, but it breaks up your day if you sneak a page here or there. I miss reading–I really inhaled books before kids and since, I do still read, but it’s not at the same depth. Grace just listed a great selection of what she’s reading these days. And Anne always has great reads going on. Haley & Christie talk literature all the time at Fountains of Carrots (podcast!) so tune in there, too.

7) Laugh.

Parks and Rec just finished their seven season run (or at least, we just realized all of season 7 is on Netflix) and it’s such a great LAUGH LAUGH light hearted show. I love a heavy spy thriller, but after the long parenting days, something with no potential of making me freak out is good. Maybe you love to laugh at things like this I just shared on my fb feed, instead, because I almost died of laughter. Truly. Read the comments.

I love you all and hope your Valentine’s Day is filled with hearts, candy you confiscate from your kids, and a warm sense in your well being!

 

amazon is aff linked meaning i get a few cents if you shop through me and Cori was sweet enough to send over a few more packs! My sister Molly keeps me in good supply of her products, too. The links to my friends? Well, they’re simply my friends.