Ten Ways I Get a Mental Break

The last four and a half months have been hard on everyone. There are stresses of all kinds, there’s not much relief, someone is always underfoot. But it’s really important to find ways to give yourself a break, and for most of us, the spa isn’t really a feasible option right now. I'm sharing 10 ways I give myself a break - whether it's with or without the kids. 

1. Read - I've already shared how reading is an escape for me, and sometimes while the kids are watching TV or playing at my feet, I'll pick up my current read and read a chapter or two. 
2. Sit outside - Sometimes I'll let the kids go in the pool and I will just sit outside and watch them, or doodle in a notebook. I'll bring a fan out with me and just enjoy the change in scenery for a little bit.
3. Dance - I don't do this often enough, but every once in a while, the kids and I will have a dance party. We'll put on some fun tunes and just jump around together. 
4. Go for a walk/run/do yoga - Anything to get moving. My preference is always to get out and go for a walk or run because it changes up the scenery for me, but anything that gets my body moving is helpful. 
5. Go for a drive - When I'm really feeling desperate, I will load the kids into the car (because they are contained in their car seats, and I will take a drive. Early on in this pandemic, after about 3 weeks of not leaving the house, I loaded the kids in the car and drove around for about 2 hours. I drove through my favorite streets in our neighborhood, and then headed to the ocean. Just seeing that the world around us was still moving and alive was a huge relief for me. 
6. Watch something lighthearted - I've been consuming all the cheesy Netflix titles I can find. I've enjoyed a few series, too. Sweet Magnolias has been a favorite! 
7. Listen to music - On the days when the kids go to the grandparents' houses, I usually shut off the TV and just turn on a playlist. It helps with my productivity because I'm not constantly getting caught up in what's on the TV. But it's also nice when I'm not working because it keeps my mood up. 
8. Play/bake/swim with the kids and don’t worry about messes. This is a tough one for me. I'm not the kind of mom who likes to sit on the floor and play with my kids - it's just not me. But sometimes, I'll just sit with them and play with them, or jump in the pool with them, and enjoy the time. You can worry about everything else later. 
9. Drink your coffee while it's HOT. 
10. After you pick up a room, sit in there and enjoy it while it's picked up. ​

I hope these give you some ideas of ways you can get a mental break without spending much (if anything), and while keeping yourself and your family safe. 

xoxo, 

​Jenise