20 Ways for Busy Moms to Relax NOW

If you had a moment to relax, what would you do?

This week I've been thinking about this question a lot. It's the end of a school year of 4 kids in 4 schools, completing a book, shopping another book around to publishers. All worthy things... and yet God knows we all need rest too. He offers it to us today:

"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." - Deuteronomy 33:12

How can we manage a little R & R in the midst of life as mom? Here are a few things I always go back to:

1. Stop moving. Check this out: Do Nothing for 2 Minutes
2. Start moving. Walk. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Dance.
3. Notice your breathing. Take a nice deep breath in and out while you're at it.
4. Notice your posture. Standing straight keeps everything aligned properly so you can function well.
5. Feel the warm sunshine on your skin.
6. Notice and enjoy the smell of your favorite moisturizer or other products.
7. Taste your food. 
8. Chew your food (it gives your digestive system a rest).
9. Pee when you need to instead of holding it half the day.
10. Enjoy a task you finished before moving to the next one.
11. Smile. It takes less muscles than any other expression.
12. Stretch.
13. Hug your kids. It releases relaxation hormones, which they can probably use too!
14. Listen to a great song.
15. Better yet, sing it. That steady in-out breathing is great for you!
16. Read good fiction. It stimulates your mind the same way to read about things you love as it does to experience them.
17. Daydream. People who do enjoy life more and are more productive in the moment* (go figure!)
18. Have sex. 
19. Eat chocolate. It sends endorphines (happy, relaxing chemicals) through your system.
20. Say thank you. Thankful people are more relaxed and happy.**

What would life be like if you let yourself rest a little today?

Why wait to find out?


-Laurie

Is rest easy for you? Or is it a struggle? If you need a jump-start to figure out how to be mom and relax again, I'd love to help. Email today to find out more about coaching with me.

*The Educational Value of Daydreaming
**Practicing Gratitude Can Increase Happiness By 25%

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