Guilt Free Relaxation as a Mom
Motherhood can be wild- it’s beautiful, exhausting and messy. Some days you’re on top of it all, but that can’t be every day. You might feel like rest is something other people get to have. But the thing is, if you don’t take a break (even tiny ones) you’ll run yourself into the ground so quickly. And when so much rides on you being present, being a tired, overwhelmed mom helps no one.
Nap Time and Bedtime- A Chance to Breathe
Nap time comes, and the to do list is screaming at you. The washing, the emails, the crumbs all over the floor. But some days, that can wait. Sitting down, even for five minutes can do more for your sanity than ticking another chore off the list. And bedtime when the house finally goes quiet, your instinct might be to jump straight into getting things done. But maybe you need to take a second first. Lie down, breathe and just o nothing for just a moment. The dishes won’t explode if you pause before tackling them.
The Magic of a Hot Bath
A bath doesn’t have to be some long, candlelit affair to be worth it. Even ten minutes with warm water, a deep breath, and the bathroom door firmly shut can reset your whole mood.
A hot shower with the door locked (yes, locked) can be just as good. Something about standing under running water makes it feel like the world slows down for a minute. And if you throw in some fancy smelling soap and pampering products then even better.
Tiny Escapes That Keep You Sane
Not every break has to be a full on rest. Sometimes, you just need a tiny escape. A few pages of a book, scrolling for a couple of guilt free minutes, a quick game of something on your phone like Hearts or Wordle, those little moments matter. They remind you that you’re still you, not just mom. Even a quick kitchen dance party while making dinner can turn a stressful evening into something fun. Small things add up.
Letting Go of the Guilt
The hardest part can be relaxing and not feeling bad about it. Society loves to make moms feel guilty for sitting down, but exhaustion isn’t a badge of honour and pushing yourself to the limit doesn’t make you a better mom. It just makes you a tired one.You’re allowed to rest. Even when the house is messy. Even when there’s more to do. Even when you feel like you shouldn’t. But it’s not always easy, is it? That little voice in your head kicks in the second you sit down. Shouldn’t you be doing something useful? Shouldn’t you be making the most of this time? But here’s a thought, what if resting is useful? What if taking a break actually makes you a better mom? Because it does. A well rested, calmer you is a better you, and your family will feel the difference. It doesn’t mean ignoring responsibilities and it doesn’t mean letting everything pile up forever. It just means recognising that running on empty doesn’t serve anyone. You don’t have to earn rest or have to justify it. Think about how much patience you give your kids, you don’t expect them to go, go, go without a moment to recharge. You tell them to take breaks when they’re overwhelmed. You let them rest when they’re tired. Why wouldn’t you deserve the same thing?
