Recharging your batteries with a bit of time to yourself is completely normal. However, what you do to recharge might be totally different from what your friends do – and that’s okay! Everyone is different so finding your perfect way to unwind is really important.
For some people, a spa day is just the thing and lying back in a bubble bath with a face mask and a glass of bubbly is the perfect way to chill. For others, a quick visit to ganja express provides all they need for an evening of meditation and relaxation. But what is your idea of a perfect day?
Why ‘Me’ Time is Unique for Everyone
What Does Relaxation Look Like to You?
For most parents, an afternoon of relaxation begins with knowing that the kids are well cared for and won’t bother you for a few hours! But from there, you might have very different ideas. For some people, exercise can provide a brilliant outlet and anything from a yoga session to a run can boost your dopamine. For others, a simple day spent wrapped up in blankets on the sofa watching trashy TV sounds much more appealing!
Understanding what relaxation looks like for you is a really good starting point. However, you should also remain open to doing different things. There are lots of ways to relax so there’s no need to limit your options. Sometimes, having a day where you do exactly what you want – even if it doesn’t seem particularly relaxing – can have a great effect.
Organizing and cleaning are usually thought of as a chore but sometimes, the effect of sorting out your stuff can have a big impact. The sense of not having enough time to take care of your home can be really stressful so while getting it back up to scratch might take a lot of effort and energy, seeing your home looking perfect again will have a calming effect.
What Are Your Interests?
Of course, ‘me’ time doesn’t necessarily have to be relaxing. Sometimes, pursuing an interest or a particular hobby is just what you need to feel more like yourself. Taking on a personal challenge by yourself is a fantastic way to find out what you are capable of and give a sense of achievement too.
You could try learning a new skill or joining a club so that you can make a new set of friends. Perhaps there’s a group that already pursues similar interests to you that you could join. Maybe you could set up a new group and invite others to join in. While this might not lead to solitary ‘me’ time, it does give you a chance to be someone outside your role at home.
‘Me’ time can often sound selfish but actually, it’s more like putting on an oxygen mask before you can help everyone else. Giving yourself time to express your ideas and emotions, and time to let your brain completely unwind is essential. You will be a better parent and, indeed, a better person for it.
