8 Simple Ways to Refresh Your Mind & Soul As A Stay-at-Home Parent
As a stay-at-home parent, it's natural to feel tired and worn out sometimes. Taking care of children, managing a household, and attending to other responsibilities can be very draining. To add to that, it's easy to feel like society doesn't truly value stay-at-home parents and all the hard work they do.
However, it's important to take some time for yourself and give your mind and spirit a much-needed refresh. Here are 8 simple ways to revive your mind & soul as a stay-at-home parent.
Do something for YOU
Take some time every day to do something for yourself. Whether it's reading a book, taking a warm bath, or going for a walk in nature -- take time to prioritize your own needs and enjoy activities that make you feel relaxed and recharged. It's easy to lose sight of your own needs and desires when working as a stay-at-home parent, but it actually allows you to be a much better parent when you take time for yourself.
Taking a break from all the responsibilities can help you gain perspective and maintain your sense of self. It’s important to remember that “me-time” is essential to restore balance and stay emotionally healthy. Make it a point to do something for yourself every day — even if it’s just for 10 to 15 minutes. It can make a huge difference in how you feel and how you tackle the rest of your day.
Establish a morning routine
Especially with kids, mornings can be hectic and stressful. To help make your day easier, establish a morning routine that helps you start the day off the right way. This could include anything from making your bed, journaling for a few minutes, meditating, or practicing some gentle stretches — whatever works best for you.
Having this small ritual first thing in the morning can set the tone for the day and help you feel more in control of your time. This is especially important for stay-at-home parents who need to juggle work and family obligations all at once. Taking a few minutes before diving into the day can make a big difference in how you manage your time, energy, and stress levels.
Try a nighttime routine too!
In order to stay centered and recharged, it’s important to practice self-care at night as well. Establishing a nighttime routine can help you unwind from the day, relax your mind, and prepare yourself for a good night's sleep. This could include simple activities like reading a book, writing in your journal, drinking herbal tea, or taking a hot shower.
Having a consistent routine at night can help you fall asleep easier and wake up feeling more refreshed. It’s also important to disconnect from technology before bed so that your mind isn't distracted and overstimulated. Taking some time for yourself before bed can make all the difference in how you feel both mentally and physically the next day — so don't forget to give yourself this much-needed moment of calm.
Try something new
Life can become monotonous when you’re stuck at home with your kids all day, every day. A great way to break up the routine is by trying something new. It doesn’t have to be anything drastic — maybe it's an online course you've been wanting to take, or a new recipe for dinner. It could even be something as simple as learning a few words in another language or listening to a different type of music.
Introducing something new into your life is a great way to break up the monotony and help you see things from a different perspective. It also helps take your mind off of mundane tasks, while giving you an opportunity to learn something new or explore a hobby that interests you. Making small changes like this can help you get out of your comfort zone and add some excitement to your day.
Set boundaries
As a stay-at-home parent, it can be easy to fall into the trap of always being available for your kids. However, it’s important to set boundaries and create healthy routines that both you and your children can adhere to. Let them know when it's time for them to take a break from screens or playtime so that you can have “me-time”. It might take some getting used to, but teaching your kids boundaries is a great way to help them understand the importance of self-care and personal time.
Spend time with friends
It can be difficult to find time for friends when you’re a stay-at-home parent, but it's still important to make an effort. Our relationships are essential for our mental well-being and having other adults in our lives can help us feel more connected, energized, and supported. There are plenty of ways to stay in touch with friends and family, whether it’s through video calls, messaging apps, or even a good old-fashioned phone call.
Incorporating more social activities in your life is an important part of self-care. So make sure to make time for your friends — you might be surprised at how much better it makes you feel!
Create an At-Home Spa Night
One excellent way to practice self-care is by creating a spa-like atmosphere at home. With a few simple touches, you can transform your bathroom into a relaxing oasis.
Here are some ideas to help you create a spa-like atmosphere at home:
Set the mood with lighting and music - Dim the lights and play some soothing music to create a calming ambiance. Consider playing nature sounds or instrumental music to help you relax.
Add some aromatherapy - Add a few drops of essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, to your bathwater or diffuser. The calming scents can help you unwind and reduce stress.
Soak in a hot bath - Fill your tub with hot water and add some bath salts or bubbles. The warm water can help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation.
Indulge in face masks and massages - Use a face mask to pamper your skin while you soak in the tub. You can also give yourself a hand or foot massage to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Stay hydrated - Keep a glass of water or herbal tea nearby to stay hydrated.
By creating a spa-like atmosphere at home, you can indulge in self-care and promote relaxation. It's an excellent way to take a break from the demands of daily life and recharge your batteries. So take some time for yourself and enjoy a spa day at home!
Take a Moment of Silence
In all the busyness of the day, it can be challenging to find large blocks of time for peace and stillness. However, taking a moment of silence every day can be a powerful tool for refreshing your mind and soul. Taking a moment of silence is as simple as it sounds: find a comfortable spot and take two to five minutes of quiet time to relax. Let your mind rest at this moment and focus on the feeling of being present in the here and now.
Here are some of the benefits of taking a moment of silence every day:
Reduce stress and anxiety - By focusing on your breath and clearing your mind of distracting thoughts, you can alleviate stress and anxiety levels.
Improve mental clarity - When you're constantly surrounded by noise and technology, it can be challenging to concentrate. Taking a moment of silence allows you to declutter your mind, improving your mental clarity and focus.
Promote a sense of calm - Daily silence practices can help you build resilience. As you become more familiar with sitting in silence, you may find that you're more able to handle challenging situations and remain calm.
To get started, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down without any distractions. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. If your mind starts to wander, gently redirect your focus back to your breath.
You can take as much time as you need, whether it's just a few minutes or a longer period of time. This simple act of being present and mindful can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mental clarity, and promote a sense of calm.
Incorporating a moment of silence into your daily routine can be a simple yet effective way to refresh your mind and soul.
We hope these tips help you practice better self-care and find a sense of balance in your life as a stay-at-home parent. Remember to make time for yourself and prioritize your mental health — it's an essential part of taking care of your family. By practicing these simple tips, you can ensure that you're able to take on all the responsibilities of being a stay-at-home parent with more ease!
Happy refreshing! :)