This article contains 10 outlets for parents to unwind and relax.
Being a stay-at-home parent is a tough gig. Being a working parent is a tough gig.
Being a parent is a tough gig! Amen?
Overall I truly love being a stay-at-home mom, but our good and bad days go in ebbs and flows as they do with any paid job. Some day are smooth sailing and immensely enjoyable, and other days I feel like begging Jamie to trade places with me just so that I could enjoy his 30 minute drive each way to work to have some peace and quiet. I have several close girlfriends around the country who are also stay-at-home moms, and we absolutely, positively need each other as sounding boards when things are straight bananas at home. It truly takes a village!
I think there’s a reason “mom groups” on Facebook are so popular. We need solidarity. We need to know that others are struggling with this or that and that we’re understood. Having someone tell you on your hardest days of parenthood that you’re actually a rockstar parent is one of the most powerful things one could ever hear.
As for me and my girlfriends, we often fall into emotional ruts when we’re not doing anything to focus on ourselves. If you’re a stay-at-home parent whose heart is searching for something to recharge your batteries, consider these 10 outlets as a means of doing something you enjoy that’s (mostly) for you. It’s hard to give your children the best of you if you don’t have the best of you to give.
1.) Join a gym and attend regular classes.
2.) Train for a specific fitness event.
3.) Volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Boys and Girls Club, or another organization/charity in need.
4.) Serve on a leadership committee with your church, MOPS group, etc.
5.) Get involved with a direct sales company that sells products you’re interested in or passionate about.
6.) If you enjoy being crafty, set up an Etsy shop.
7.) Take an online fitness instructor certification course and consider teaching classes at a gym that also offers childcare.
8.) Start a blog or a book club.
9.) Pick up a new hobby, such as photography, crocheting, playing piano, etc.
10.) Find a mom’s group or play group that you enjoy.
Let’s chat!
How do you take care of yourself by making time for yourself?
PS: Just a Mom Trying Her Best Over Here
Hi! I’m Erica, and I absolutely adore sharing my life on this website with you! I come here almost daily to blab about all of the things related to being a regular wife and mother in today’s ever-evolving society. I share about our new home, what’s on our kitchen table, what we’re hanging in our closets, where we’re traveling to next, my crazy 5 a.m. work outs, how I make time for girlfriends, our faith, and much more. We always have a lot of balls in the air and somewhat thrive on the chaos. I believe in the power of story-telling as a form of inspiration and entertainment, so I’m here to do both! I was born and raised in north Alabama and recently re-planted roots here again after my husband transitioned out of the Army (he is now in the Reserve and it’s going so well!) I’m a super proud mom to three little girls (ages 7, 4, and 1) who seem to be the stars of the show around here (for good reason – they’re pretty great!) I’m so glad you found me and are here reading! I hope we can get to know each other here on the blog as well as Facebook and/or Instagram. xoxo