Parenting is relentlessly busy. Especially when your children are little and they depend on you for their daily needs. Add in housework and working from home or at a job and you find that there is little time for yourself. But one thing I have learned in the last 12 months of mothering 3 children under 4 is the work will never be done so rather than put pressure on myself to get everything done so I can sit and rest, I need to be kind to myself on what I can do and make time to stop and catch my breath for time out.
This of course is easy said than done, so here are some of my tried and tested peaceful activities for a busy parent that anyone can try when they find themselves overwhelmed with life. They can involve the kids, because let’s face it, it’s rare for them to nap at the same time. But if you can wing it, and have time to yourself, these are some great ideas to calm the mind and soul.
- Go for a walk. Put the kids in the pram and go for a walk. If you have multiple kids which makes walking in the pram difficult or if the kids are asleep, why not walk around the backyard or around the house? It’s amazing how much a good walk and a change of scenery can clear the mind.
- Look for different coloured leaves or flowers outside. Place them in a vase inside.
- Have a coffee and sit outside while the kids have their nap or play.
- Get up early before the kids get up and take time to meditate or pray.
- Go for a drive. Let the kids have their nap in the car while you drive and listen to a podcast or enjoy the silence as your children sleep.
- Read a magazine or book.
- Knitting or other crafting
- Write a gratitude journal
- Do some gardening outside.
- Bake.
- Put your favourite music on and dance. Get your body moving.
- Blow bubbles. There is something tranquil about blowing bubbles.
What activities do you do when you find you are overwhelmed with parental duties?
