Simple Things You Can Do To Relax

I don't know about you, but I have a very hard time relaxing. I can't understand why it is, but I have been this way since I was a kid. If you are a mom with a lot on your plate, you might also have a hard time trying to relax. I have tried pretty much everything I have read about or researched online, and only a handful of things seem to do the trick for me. Check out my list below. 

Gardening & Houseplant Care

Gardening has really been a great activity that helps to calm my mind, while giving my body a great workout. Even the act of repotting a plant gives me such a sense of peace and enjoyment. I have about 30 houseplants all over my home. Each day I start by checking the leaves, and watering and spritzing as as needed. It's really such a peaceful way to start my day. 

Doing Jigsaw Puzzles

While this might seem like an old lady type of activity, it is actually very relaxing. I keep a card table set up in my living area that we keep for doing puzzles or playing board or card games. Sometimes other family members will join in to do a puzzle together and it's a great time for casual conversation and a lot of laughs. 

Playing Solitaire and other Online Games

I have been playing solitaire on my laptop for several years now. I don't know what it is, but I feel so relaxed and at peace while I am playing. Sometimes I play while streaming one of my favorite comfort shows on Hulu or Netflix. I like challenging myself to try and beat my best score. Solitaire is like a brain bender and brain break all in one. I can say that I definitely get a lot of enjoyment out of a classic game of solitaire. I always find myself saying, "Just one more game!"

I recently discovered another fun online game that involves finding hidden objects in a garden. It's right up my alley! 

Doing House Chores

Yeah, I know it might sound crazy, but cleaning and laundry work so well to calm my nerves. There is a a lot of satisfaction (at least for me) in folding and putting away a fresh load of laundry, hand-washing a sink full of dishes, or even bleaching down my kitchen countertops at night. Who doesn't appreciate a fresh-smelling home? 

Getting Outdoors

Sometimes a little sunshine and fresh air does the trick. Whether I am lounging on my back porch or taking a drive with the sunroof open and the windows down, being outside can definitely relax me. It's even better when the weather is more fall-like. I could sit outside for hours and do some birdwatching or just listen to the sounds of nature all around me. My favorite outdoor space outside of my own back yard is definitely the beach. How can you not be relaxed by the sounds of the waves crashing into the shore while breathing in that delicious salty air? Ahh! 

Now that I have shared some tips on how I relax, I want to hear from you. What do you do to relax? 

Tips On How To Become A Morning Person

Do you have issues falling asleep or staying asleep? Lucky for me, I'm the type of person who passes out the minute my head hits the pillow. My husband is so jealous of this special power I have. He has to go through a series of drinking bedtime tea, meditation, or listens to soothing music to get him relaxed enough to fall asleep. 

Below are some simple tips to help you get a better night's sleep, from Leesa, an online mattress provider. You might even become a morning person in the process.

Graphic courtesy of Leesa.com.

There Is Beauty Everywhere

Lately I have been feeling very overwhelmed with social media. I'm sure many of you can relate. Seeing the same horrible stories circulating over and over again gets nauseating. Even worse when everyone and their mother decides they need to do their own "news reporting" on their site. I have made it a point to completely log off and turn away from the garbage, even if it's for an hour or two.  One of the things that I find very soothing and even rejuvenating is by immersing myself in nature. I don't necessarily sit outside all day, but I do look outside my back window and take in the scenery. We have planted several trees and shrubs and it is cool watching them grow. My favorite thing I do from the moment I wake up is to look for the hummingbirds that feed at our window feeder. We have a few regulars that stop by for the sweet, homemade nectar. 

This particular ruby-throated beauty loves to perch on top of our weeping cherry tree and fly up to the feeder throughout the day. It's amazing how these tiny creatures can capture your attention and make you feel so relaxed. Just call me the #CrazyBirdLady :) 

I don't have photos right now, but we also have several other feeders for all of the other birds that visit each day. It's not unusual to see up to 8 types of birds at once. My husband often jokes that he needs to start charging for rent and food. We have factored in the cost of bird seed into our grocery budget. Hey, it's still waaaaay cheaper than kids!

Overall, taking time out to relax and enjoy watching God's creatures is a great cure for the social media funk. I highly recommend it.

The Best Relaxation Methods

One of the hardest things about being a homemaker is knowing when to stop with all of the household tasks and learn to give yourself a little ‘me-time’.

So if you’re looking for some simple ways to relax, then check out these tips that show that whether it’s doing some simple artwork, or even playing online games, there’s plenty of ways you can take some time out in a fun way!

One of the biggest trends in recent years is regarding something called ‘wellness’. This kind of alternative medication has been with us for decades, but it has only really became trendy in the past couple of years for the way that it encourages us to get a healthy balance between mind, body and spirit.

The practice of wellness works in a similar way to meditation as it helps you forget the day-to-day worries by focusing your thoughts on a specific activity rather than manically multitasking!

This is why there’s been such an amazing popularity regarding adult coloring books as they can really help focus your mind and pass the time making some beautiful images.

Focusing your mind on a specific task has also led to the increased visibility of many simple, yet aesthetically-pleasing online games like Monument Valley that provide a soothing way to unwind. And scientists have also proven that engaging your mind in a puzzle game like Color Switch and Swiperoo can have a variety of brain-enhancing benefits. Furthermore Lucky Nugget Casino give you chance to improve your strategic abilities by testing your blackjack techniques thanks to the site’s user-friendly gaming interface that also includes roulette and slots, and can be easily accessed whilst curled up on the couch!

But as well as taking it easy, there’s been many who point to powers of light exercise as being a great way to relax. Even something as simple as walking is a proven stress-reducer as it encourages the production of endorphins which make us feel better, and it can help shed a few pounds too!

If that all sounds a little too energetic then simply having a nice, long bath can work wonders in helping you feel rejuvenated and refreshed for the next day. Just make sure to get some good exfoliating salts, and you’ll feel like a new person in no time!

Of course, it’s important to treat ourselves every now and then, and whether it’s a trip to the local health spa, or a quick weekend break away, there’s nothing like a treat to give you a little perspective.

So whether it’s a few rounds of online blackjack, or just doing some coloring in with the kids, there’s plenty of fun ways to relax.

Four Ways For Moms to Relax and Unwind During The Christmas Season

It’s officially Christmas season. As the lights go up, the to-do list just seems to keep growing and growing. Whether it’s remembering to buy everybody’s presents, ordering the turkey in time or simply keeping on top of the Christmas decorations – it is a particularly hectic period for mums. There’s no escaping your usual everyday chores and responsibilities, instead you’re left with twice as much to do with the same amount of time. Consequently it is of utmost importance that you remember to put aside some time just for relaxing – whether it’s a bubble bath, relaxing with your favorite online games or reading a good book. Here are four ways for moms to relax and unwind amidst the stress of the Christmas season:

Treat yourself to a spa day
It might seem impossible but taking one day dedicated to treating yourself can provide the much needed rejuvenation to help you recharge your batteries and keep battling through this stressful period. A spa day is the perfect way to do this. If money is tight, using sites like Groupon can mean that you save a lot of money on the face value of the spa treatment.

Embrace your competitive side with a bit of online bingo
It can be easy to forget to embrace your competitive side as you battle your way through caring for your family and preparing the home for Christmas. Online bingo gets busier over the Christmas period as more people find themselves avoiding the cold and choosing to unwind with a game or two. By visiting the likes of Coral, you could chat to your fellow players and forget the stresses of the day before you by sharing jokes and anecdotes whilst playing a game or two of bingo. If you’re lucky you may even win a few games and have some extra cash for the kitty, which is notoriously short around this time of year.

Lose yourself in a film or book
One of the best things about this time of year is the amount of brilliant quality films and books being released on to the market. As production companies release films in time for the Academy Awards judging, there is no end to the excellent quality entertainment on offer. Brooklyn by Colm Toibin, for instance, has recently been made into a film – whether you want to read the book or watch the film, it’s another way to relax and unwind away from the stress.

Just do nothing
Yes, you read correctly. Keeping aside as little as fifteen minutes to simply sit and reflect on your day can help you maintain a sense of perspective that will help counter the mounting stress. The key is to ensure that you keep this time to yourself and don’t let other tasks encroach upon this time.

There you have it – four ways for moms to relax in the Christmas season to ensure that you don’t feel too overwhelmed by the festive season.