Tips for Mom to Wind Down

Do you know how to relax after a long day with kids? While children are one of the greatest joys in the world, and they bring laughter, innocence, and happiness wherever they go they can also be a handful. They run around, they require a lot of attention, and they require a lot of physical and emotional care. After they go to bed and you have a few hours to yourself, take the time to wind down and care for yourself so that you can replenish your energy and be ready to do it all over again tomorrow. Sometimes it is okay to have earlier bedtimes if you need a few extra moments.

Here are a few effective ways to relax after a long day with kids. Doing just one simple thing a day can make a big difference for you and your whole family.

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Tips for Relaxing After a Long Day with Kids

Drink Something Warm

A cup of tea, hot chocolate, or decaffeinated coffee are all great ways to “treat yourself.” If you want to drink a hot beverage to wind down after a long day remember the warmness of the drink soothes you from the inside out and can allow your brain to calm itself through herbs, sweetness, and taste. The warmth acquired from the drink also calms you down and makes you feel relaxed. 

Herbal teas are the best choice to wind down, and the best place to drink this drink is in a dimly lit room of your home where you can stare out the window and organize your thoughts. This is a great way to take the edge off the weariness of the day.

Use Oils or Aromatherapy

Essential oils and aromatherapy are all great to use because the scents from the oils can go right to your brain and help calm your racing mind. Oils can also be used on your skin to make little aches and pains from the day go away as well. Oils like CBD oil can target the area of pain and soothe it. CBD also has the same effect as herbs in that it can calm your mind and help you relax after an active day. 

Aromas like tea tree and eucalyptus and lavender all work their magic when you use them in a diffuser. The air will be filled with their calming scent and you can take some time at the end of your day to relax before bed giving you a better sleep. Practice deep breathing and take in the wonderful scents that the essential oil diffuser puts out into the air.

Prayer or Meditation

Prayer or meditation is great for the mind because it allows you to think all of your thoughts and get them out of your head so you can sleep at the end of a busy day. Many people think you need to quiet your mind during mediation and think about nothing, but in fact, it is better to let your thoughts run through your head so that your brain stops thinking about them and then your head will be empty. 

Having a quiet time with God allows you to relax at the end of the day. Once your mind feels void of all thoughts, and you have thought just about everything through, you can then rest your head on your pillow and drift off into a peaceful sleep. 

Practice Gratitude

Even though you had a long day, being grateful for your family and friends will make you feel settled and grounded. Gratitude helps us to really feel proud of ourselves and all that we do, and when you are feeling okay with yourself, you will not be so anxious and feel relaxed.

Play Your Favorite Board Games

Invite a few friends or a family member over and act like a kid again. The laughter and fellowship while playing your favorite games is a great way to relax after you put the kids down for the evening. Spending time with friends also helps your mental health after a stressful day taking care of others.

Call A Friend

Your best friend is only a phone call away. While you may be used to texting friends, there is nothing like hearing the voice of a great friend to reduce your stress levels. While we want to think that connecting with others on social media, this cannot replace actual conversations with a friend. Too often we allow social media to take the place of talking with friends. Making a phone call really is a simple way to reach out and have a heart-to-heart conversation.

Play Some Music

Listening to your favorite song and belting out the lyrics is a good idea to wind down after a long day. This is a favorite way to spend a few moments letting off steam. I prefer to listen to worship music and have a dance party, but you should listen to whatever helps you let go of some steam.

Take a Hot Bath

While a warm (or cool) shower helps to wake you up at the start of the day. However, there is nothing like a warm bath at the end of the day to relax those tired muscles and get rid of the stress of the day. Lighting candles in the bathroom, sipping a delightful beverage, and reading a good book in the tub are some of the best ways I can think of to spend a little special time to yourself.

Take Up a New Hobby

Learn something that you have never done before. There are so many fun activities that can help you blow off some steam such as crocheting, knitting, making cards, learning classical music, buying some art supplies and learning watercolor or oil painting, putting together jigsaw puzzles, or reading a good book all are good choices for winding down after a long day.

Whatever you decide to do to relax after a long day, there are so many different ways to relax after a long day with kids. Ultimately, you want to spend a little time at the end of each day winding down so you can get a good night’s sleep. This ensures you can get back up the next day and be fresh to tackle a new day.