Parenting is no easy feat. From trying to keep up with ever-changing schedules, keeping the kids fed and happy, managing a budget, and homeschooling if needed, the exhaustion seems endless.

That’s why it’s extremely important for parents to take a little extra time for themselves each day to relax and destress in order to stay energized and productive. Luckily, there are plenty of ways – some traditional, some creative – that busy parents can find the time (and energy!) to do just that!

In this blog post, we’ll look at 7 ways to relax and destress to give yourself much-needed mind and body breaks throughout your day, so you don’t become too stressed out from being overworked.

7 Relaxation tips for parents

As parents, our days can get especially hectic. We often resort to coffee and energy drinks just to get us through the day. That’s why taking a few moments for yourself is so important. How about making it a resolution this year to take a break from all the mayhem? Here are our favorite tips to relax and unwind:

1. Journaling

Journaling can be a great way for parents to take the weight of parenthood off their minds. It gives them an outlet to express themselves and talk through their feelings, fears, successes, and failures. Keeping a journal also allows parents to look back at how far they’ve come during the parenting process.

The simple act of writing can be tremendously therapeutic, as it allows parents to get out of their head and instead guide their thoughts into coherent sentences that are committed to paper (or screen). Not only does this provide a sense of peace and cultivate healthier thoughts for the mind, but it could potentially become something that is shared with children in future years.

Regardless, listening to ourselves through writing is a great way for busy parents to slow down and relax while gaining clarity on their lives. In fact, we have the perfect digital journal to get you started! Click here to get it!

2. Practice mindfulness exercises

Mindfulness exercises are a great way to restore peace and serenity, while also reducing stress. It all involves taking the time to slow down, be still, and become aware of our surroundings and of ourselves. The goal isn’t to try to control or force anything, but simply observe the current moment in an objective and nonjudgmental way.

There are countless mindfulness activities you can do any time of day; everything from practicing breathing patterns, to stretching or even just meditating on something that brings you joy.

Taking a few minutes out of the day to focus on breathing, stretching, and awareness of sensations within their own bodies helps busy parents slow down and present.

3. Exercise

Not only does physical activity help reduce stress hormones in our body, but it can also help clear the mind and give us peace of mind. In fact, studies have shown that engaging in physical activity can reduce tension, anxieties, and even overall mood as well. Exercise helps release endorphins, hormones responsible for creating feelings of happiness and euphoria, which are exactly what stressed out parents need!

It doesn’t have to be anything overly strenuous, either—something as simple as hiking can help calm the spirit. Exercise even provides an opportunity to bond with family members and make exercising together fun while basking in the stress-reducing effects of physical activity.

4. Spend time outdoors

Parents, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and overworked by your never ending to-do list, it’s time to take a break and get outdoors. Being surrounded by nature can do wonders for the mind, body, and soul. Taking a hike, going to the beach or a local park, fishing in a lake—all of these activities provide wonderful stress relief.

Even just taking a walk around your block can help clear your head and relax tense muscles. Not only that, but being outside also opens up opportunities for bonding time with family and friends. Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors reduces levels of depression and anxiety while creating happy memories with loved ones.

5. Have your favorite treat

It could be anything from a piece of chocolate cake to their go-to cappuccino with soy milk. Treats are something everyone looks forward to, no matter what the occasion.

They provide that extra layer of satisfaction, increase endorphin levels, and can help melt away the stress they feel during busy days. Plus, they get bonus points for being something that is solely theirs—no one else in the family gets to enjoy it!

6. Meditate

Instead of giving into feelings of overwhelm and letting your mind spiral out of control, meditating helps to ground you in the present moment and let go of any anxious thoughts or worries that may be clouding your judgement. Plus, when parents practice meditation regularly it can help reduce cortisol levels associated with stress, so they can better cope with life’s inevitable bumps in the road.

Meditation is easy to learn, requires no special equipment or space, and can be done anywhere! Additionally, the physical and mental benefits of regular meditation are undeniable: scientifically proven to reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, boost emotional intelligence and strengthen self-confidence—all vital for today’s parenting journey.

7. Create a calm corner

Creating a calm corner in your home can be the perfect spot to take time out and relax or refocus your energy. Start by choosing a quiet place—this could be the corner of a room, a balcony or any area that feels private and comfortable.

Then add things like soft pillows, blankets, coloring books and calming music. Fill it with items that nurture your soul and make you feel happy. Once you’ve created your serene space, set yourself up for success by scheduling regular times for sitting in your space.

Thanks to these features, parents can step away from their stresses and better reset their minds—which can ultimately make them much more productive members of society when they return to their regular routines. With practice, soon you’ll find yourself wanting to go there more and more!

How to find the time to distress?

Being a parent is a lot of fun, but it can also be extremely stressful. Making sure that you’re able to find time for yourself to do something to relax, let off some steam and distress can seem like an impossible feat sometimes. But the truth is, it is possible -it doesn’t have to feel like an unattainable dream!

For example, taking 5 minutes for yourself every day before you start your routine—this time allows your headspace to reset for the upcoming tasks. Additionally, enlisting help from family and friends is excellent; having some friendly company is always a good way to end the day in a relaxed state. Finally, if your partner is around, take full advantage of that extra set of hands and ask them to team up with you while you do something calming.

If you want to keep learning more about parenting, visit our blog!