10 Simple Ways to Unwind

It doesn’t matter what your circumstances are, whether you’re a working mum, SAHM, WAHM, married, single, rich, poor, being a parent is hard work. It doesn’t matter how much you love those little humans you created, there are times when they will drive you crazy. We all have so many things we are trying to juggle, and people who rely on us, that’s it’s easy to put ourselves last. But do it long enough and you’ll be wound so tight something will snap. It’s important to take some time for yourself, to unwind and regain some form of peace.

I’ve listed 10 simple ways to unwind below. Some can be done every day, others may take a bit of planning, but try and set aside some time this week to accomplish at least one. You’ll feel so much better for it.

Feeling a little stressed? Wound-tight? Kid's driving you crazy? Check out these 10 simple ways to unwind ...

1. Curl up with a good book

I’ve always been a huge bookworm and pre-kids I could happily get through several books a week and have been known to read whole books in one sitting. This past eight years however I never seem to find the time and one book can take months to get through. Because I’m not reading it regularly enough I get bored and I’ll start a new one without finishing the last. Books were always my go to when I needed to relax and escape my mind for a while and I’ve missed them. This last month or so I have decided the ‘not enough time’ excuse wasn’t good enough anymore. Even if it was just ten minutes at a time, I would start reading again. And it’s been amazing. I generally only manage a chapter a day but I always feel so much more relaxed afterwards.

 

2. Spa Treatment

I’ve been for a few massage and reflexology treatments in the past and they are the most amazing way to unwind. This one definitely takes a bit of forward planning and possibly some saving up but perhaps you could ask for vouchers for your birthday or Christmas. This is definitely something I want to do more often. If you really want to push the boat out you could arrange a whole spa day.

Lady lying down having a back massage

3. Have a Bath

Not just any old bath. If you’re going to have to empty the bath of a million plastic toys you want to make sure it’s worthwhile. Rope in the other-half to keep an eye on the kids (making sure everyone has been to the toilet before you get in), or wait till they’re in bed. Light some candles, use your favourite bubbles or bath oil and relax. You could even take a book or a glass of wine (or both) with you. I recently discovered Olverum Bath Oil (read my review here), and the smell is divine, almost like being in a spa.

4. Take a long walk

There’s nothing like a bit of fresh air to clear the head. If you can’t manage a long walk at least try and get outdoors for ten minutes. And if you can’t manage it alone head somewhere the kids can have a good run around in relative safety so you’re not getting stressed about them running into the road or disappearing in a crowd. The freedom will do you all some good.

5. Enjoy a glass of wine

I’m not talking about mindlessly grabbing for the nearest bottle and mindlessly guzzling it down (although I’m sure we all feel like doing that on occasion). I’m talking about buying your favourite wine and sitting down to really enjoy it. If you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for you could combine this with point 1 and read W(h)ine – 50 Perfect Wines To Pair with Your Child’s Rotten Behavior by Jennifer Todryk. Go a step further and combine it with point 3 as well, I did the other night and it was bliss.

Glass of red wine and bottle of olverum bath oil on edge of full white bath

6. Watch a Film/Favourite Series

Sometimes there is nothing better than curling up on the sofa and putting on one of your favourite films or catching up on a series you’re behind on. Pop your phone on silent and give it your full attention.

7. Meditate

I was given the opportunity to review a mindfulness meditation app called Welzen back in February and since then have tried to make it part of my daily routine. I slip occasionally but I know that on the days I make the effort I start the day feeling so much more refreshed. And when things get on top of me throughout the day I return to the breathing techniques it has taught me to regain control.

8. have an Early night

This one may be a little boring but as parents it’s highly likely we are more than a little sleep deprived a good chunk of the time. so having a catch up session every now and then could be just what is needed.

woman sleeping in a bed with white sheets bathed in sunlight

9. Dance/Sing

I’ve written about the importance of dancing before (here) and I still believe it can be a great stress reliever. If things are getting on top of you turn up the music and have a dance party. It doesn’t matter whether you are on your own (some may prefer it that way) or with the kids (they will love it!). Just dance around your living room and let go for a while, you can even sing along (although if your kids are like mine they’ll instantly beg you to stop). I guarantee that it will leave you feeling lighter, happier and more energised. Here are 10 Feel Good Songs To Get You Dancing.

10. Have a Date night

It can be so easy to lose sight of each other as a couple when you have kids to look after, as everything will revolve around them. So it’s really important to make time for each other too. This can be something as simple as having one night a week where you switch off all your phones and iPads and just watch something together without any other distractions (point 6), perhaps with a glass of wine or two (point 5). Or perhaps you could get a babysitter so you can have a meal out. Even better you could rope the grandparents into having the kids sleepover and go away somewhere overnight (see A Romantic Stay at Crab Manor Hotel). If your single make a date night with friend’s and have a good catch up. Go mad and go out dancing (point 9).

I should really add another point for exercise as we all know it’s meant to be a great way to unwind, but I don’t really practice what I preach there so until I do I’ll leave it off 😉

How about you? Do you have any great ways to unwind that I have missed? Pass on your tips below x

ethannevelyn.com
You Baby Me MummyMonday Stumble LinkyMe, Being Mummy

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26 thoughts on “10 Simple Ways to Unwind

  1. What fabulous ideas! I’m going to try a bath tonight!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
    #FabFridayPost

    Posted on 15 September, 2017 at 1:18 pm
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  2. Books, bath, walks and dates are my go to ideas for unwinding! Art/ crafts can sometimes work too; as long as the project is going well. Great suggestions and ideas.
    Mother of 3 recently posted…Weekly Wrap- Up: The Week We Officially Started Back to SchoolMy Profile

    Posted on 15 September, 2017 at 9:37 pm
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  3. Yes to all of these tips! Like you, I was a devoured books before my kids were born. Now I really have to plan some time to read, but I love it when I do! It’s taken me many years to realize I’m a much better mom when I make the time do something for me – and all these things count!
    ~Jess
    #FabFridayPost
    Jessica – A Modern Mom’s Life recently posted…Book Review: The Reflections of Queen Snow WhiteMy Profile

    Posted on 16 September, 2017 at 2:17 am
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  4. Love all of these things, they’re such luxuries when you have kids sometimes but you just need to make time for you whenever you can. Great ideas for doing things to make us parents feel a bit more human! X #thelistlinky

    Posted on 17 September, 2017 at 10:18 am
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  5. Definitely would love the spa treatment, my ideal would be to have one once a month! #Listlinky

    Posted on 17 September, 2017 at 7:28 pm
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  6. Great tips. They all sound fantastic. Spa treatments, long walks, watching a film and date nights are my favourite ways to unwind 😊 #FamilyFunLinky

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 7:57 am
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  7. I agree that having a hot bubble bath followed by an early night is the best way to vunwind, it works for me

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 10:12 am
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  8. I definitely need to do some of these, I’m rubbish at relaxing haha! #familyfunlinky

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 10:17 am
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  9. I like the combination of bath/wine/book for the ultimate relax! #familyfunlinky

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 11:05 am
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  10. Hi, thanks for sharing some great tips. I personally find that a long walk and a bath work for me #fabfridaypost

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 4:51 pm
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  11. This is a great list, Alanna, thanks for sharing! I am a big fan of points 4 and 10, among others. As for the exercise bit, I discovered outdoor swimming (or dipping, depending on the weather and my mood) only a few months ago, and I find it the best anti-stress remedy. I always come out of the water feeling so relaxed and revived, it’s amazing.
    #FamilyFun

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 5:33 pm
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  12. He he, im definitely practicing baths, early nights and reading a book! Everything else is out the window but I’m looking forward to putting exercise or long walks back on my list over the coming months. There is nowt like pregnancy to mess with how fit you feel. Ff

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 6:18 pm
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  13. I love to read but just never have the time these days. Except when on holiday. Hopefully when we are away in a few weeks time I will get through a couple! #familyfun

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 8:06 pm
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  14. Oh yes I am with you on most of these but must admit that I am really crap at meditating and I’m with you on the exercise too, although I have started walking. Thank you for hosting 🌟 #familyfun

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 8:38 pm
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  15. i absolutely LOVE every single option! I want all 10! Brilliant! #MondayStumble

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 9:39 pm
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  16. Going for a walk always helps me to unwind and I do love a glass of wine too. We should make time for ourselves regularly, so important x
    #Familyfunlinky

    Posted on 18 September, 2017 at 9:59 pm
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  17. I like the combination of a book and a bath! I did a home spa day with my daughter in the holidays, despite having to tidy up the mess it was relaxing.
    #FamilyFun

    Posted on 19 September, 2017 at 4:07 pm
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  18. There’s so many of these I need to do, I can’t decide what I miss most. Is it having the time and mental space to read? Spending time with my husband? I have to say, one thing I enjoyed about returning to work last week was listening to the radio as loud as I wanted and singing along, not having to worry about waking a sleeping baby, heaven! #FamilyFunLinky
    Emma recently posted…Our Summer Holiday Update – Part TwoMy Profile

    Posted on 19 September, 2017 at 9:55 pm
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  19. I love all of these! There’s something unique and different about all these experiences and sometimes you really know which one you need. Thanks for the reminder. #FamilyFunLinky

    Posted on 20 September, 2017 at 5:33 pm
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  20. I love these! I think my ultimate combination would be go on a spa date with hubby, with a glass of wine at lunch, followed by a bath reading my book back in the hotel room! #familyfunlinky

    Posted on 20 September, 2017 at 9:19 pm
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  21. I love all these suggestions. I really want to do everything on this list all in one day if I’m lucky. My fav is spa time.

    Thank you so much for linking up with us on #fabFridayPost

    Posted on 21 September, 2017 at 8:02 pm
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  22. We’ve just got back from a 6 day holiday without the kids & I’d highly recommend it!! #thelistlinky

    Posted on 21 September, 2017 at 8:31 pm
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  23. I hear you. I think listening to music, a good book, a country walk and a little shopping for yourself are great ways to unwind. #FamilyFunLinky

    Posted on 23 September, 2017 at 1:31 pm
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  24. These are all good tips. I’m definitely one for a bath and an early night and a box set or something good on the TV. And today I was shattered and so could have just stayed in but we decided to make the most of the nice weather and head out for a walk by the beach and I felt so much better by lunchtime. Knackered now though!! #FamilyFunLinky

    Posted on 24 September, 2017 at 7:04 pm
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  25. Some great ideas here! I’m obviously quite greedy as I like to combine a glass of wine in the bath followed by a book in bed and an early night #FamilyFunLinky
    daydreams of a mum recently posted…When did you stop holding my hand?My Profile

    Posted on 24 September, 2017 at 8:21 pm
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