Monday, May 21, 2012

7 Summer Relaxation Tips for Busy Moms


Longer daylight hours, warmer weather, children out of school – depending on how you view it, summer can be either a wonderful time, or one filled with overwhelming stress.  If you’re tending toward the latter, stop and think about how you can make this summer the best ever.  Learn to relax. 

Here are some ideas that will get you started:

Get in vacation mode as often as you can.  Rather than rushing to get everything done, slow down your pace, quit watching the clock and enjoy the moment.

Create a list of simple pleasures and do one every day.  Ride a bicycle, fly a kite, take photos of butterflies, make cookies, blow bubbles, read, or whatever you like. It only takes a few minutes to do something that will brighten your whole day.

Keep a “Relax Kit” in the trunk of the car. When you see a beautiful spot, pull over, get the blanket and nonperishable snacks out, and have a spur of the moment picnic.  A Relax Kit can include a book you want to read, a ball or card games for the kids to play with, sunscreen, a blanket, inflatable pillows with cloth covers to recline comfortably, and nonperishable snacks.  Always carry water to drink when traveling, and you’re set!

Treat yourself to a home spa.  Give yourself a hair treatment, skin-brightening mask, herbal bubble bath surrounded by candles, natural manicure, or facial massage.  Moms especially need time alone to be refreshed.

Create special occasions out of the ordinary.  Instead of simply putting in a movie, create imaginative tickets for your family (besides the movie title and seat assignment, list on each why you love that person), decorate the TV room with streamers, make caramel popcorn, and turn out the lights.  Or make dinnertime special by using your good china, light candles, and play background music. Have your children dress up as waiters and let them serve according to their ability.  And if you have it catered, it’s a real treat.

Laugh every day.  How long has it been since you’ve had a good laugh?  They say laughter is the best medicine, so take a healthy dose.  Check out humorous writers, funny movies, take your children to play with farm animals, visit a circus, and most important learn to laugh at your own mistakes.

Put up a hammock, swing on a swing set, or get a rocking chair for your patio.  There’s something about the rocking motion that calms.  And, when you combine that with being outside in the fresh air, it’s wonderfully relaxing.

It’s really the simple pleasures of life that help us relax. The beginning of summer is a great time to make a mental list of what you really want to do.  Feel free to contact us at Simplify to see how our Home Concierge Services can free up your time to do the things that make the difference between a stressed out summer and one that’s filled with fun!


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