How to relax when the kids are asleep

Having time to yourself is important to anyone, but after becoming a parent, a little more planning is involved than before. You need to make the most of the time when you’re least likely to be disturbed.

Of course, you don’t want to wake the kids up, so quiet activities are often best — they’re usually the most relaxing, anyway. If you’re used to channel-hopping or mindlessly browsing the internet in the evenings, then finding a mindful activity to fill the time instead will do wonders for your well being.

Transform your bedroom into a spa for the evening

A spa break is something you might not be able to afford once you have kids, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself. All it takes is a few candles, some relaxing music (if you plan on streaming this, pick a service that doesn’t play ads between songs) and a closed door. Give yourself a massage, pedicure, or facial and shut the world out for an hour. Focus on yourself.

Listen to a podcast

The internet is full of free podcasts, but iTunes is a good place to start if you’re new to this. Get comfortable, pop your headphones in and pick a subject that used to interest you in high-school. Revisit it — there’s joy to be had in learning about something just for fun.

If you like your literature, you can also find plenty of the classics available for free in eBook and audiobook format.

Play bingo

Online bingo is a great way of adding a little excitement to your evening. Tickets are cheap, and most sites give you a sum of money to get you started. This way, if you don’t enjoy it, you haven’t lost anything.

There’s also a social aspect to online bingo — it may be stereotyped as a game for old ladies, but the online bingo community is actually full of young parents looking to unwind.

There’s a game starting every five minutes over at Butlers Bingo, and their help section is brilliant if you want to get to know the game before you play.

Take up knitting

There’s plenty of evidence to suggest that knitting is a therapeutic activity. It can reduce stress, raise self-esteem, and the rhythmic nature of knitting actually lowers stress hormones and increases production of mood-lifting chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

And, seeing you can knit whilst catching up with your partner, listening to the radio or watching television, there’s really no excuse not to give it a go.

Bake something

Baking is another known stress-buster, and is a lot easier without the kids under your feet. Take this time to prepare lunchbox treats for the next day, make yourself a late-night snack, or bake a batch of breakfast muffins. You can find plenty of interesting recipes on the internet, so there’s no need to buy a cookbook. I recommend you check out BBC Good Food

marshmellowcupcakes

Photo Credit: Mrs Magic

If you have to do the school-run in the morning, why not bake some cupcakes and take them over to a friend’s house to have with coffee and a chat?

Comments

  1. When I am stressed I like to bake desserts. Not so good for my waistline, but they taste great and the entire family likes them.
    My recent post Bleu Bar-b-que Bacon Burger #recipe

  2. I love to bake when I am stressed because it helps me to stay busy and keep my mind off of things. Plus, everyone around me is happy when there is good food.

  3. I love these ideas. Baking always makes me happy!
    My recent post Experience Kissimmee #SummerSequel Tweet Up on 8/31

  4. We always sneak away to our bedroom to relax sans kids, lol! Podcasts are a great idea! I have a lot of things I used to love and don't have "time" for but really should make time for again!
    My recent post Easy Dinner Recipes: Stuffed Omelet Burger

  5. I like transforming my bedroom in to a spa! 🙂 Catching up with friends always makes me less stressed.
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  6. bishop62604 says

    Great tips! I do listen to podcasts sometimes. Those cupcakes look yummy with the marshmallows on top!
    My recent post Wordless Wednesday | First Bee Sting and a Natural Remedy

  7. These are some great ideas! I love the idea of baking!
    My recent post Monsters University Is Back in Theatres For Labor Day Weekend

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