Simple Parenting

Self-Care Activities Parents Can Squeeze In

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Recharging our energy (and patience!) is so important for parents—and yet, WHO HAS THE TIME?!? We’re always so busy handling family responsibilities, “self-care” rarely makes it onto our to-do lists.

Here are 8 easy ways to recharge that you can actually DO, even if all you have is two minutes between breakfast and finding your kid’s shoes. 🙌

These 8 activities are quick enough to squeeze into a spare moment—but can really breathe new life into your day.

1️⃣ Record a quick & honest voice memo to capture how you’re feeling that day. (Or scribble it on paper, or type it on your phone—whatever’s easier.) Talking it out can help you manage negative emotions (and release them).

2️⃣ Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Count to four on the inhale, and count to four on the exhale. Keep doing this as you think about relaxing each part of your body, from your toes to the top of your head.

3️⃣ Fit in the world’s fastest exercise routine for a pick-me-up: run up and down the stairs 10 times, do 30 jumping jacks, or do a few yoga poses.

4️⃣ Take 30 seconds to stretch your muscles. Roll your neck, wrists, and ankles. Lean against a doorframe to stretch your calves. Press your palms together to relieve stress from your forearms.

5️⃣ Listen to a song that makes you happy! 🎶 Create playlists for emotions you frequently feel or want to feel throughout the day, like “Get Some Rage Out,” “Energy Boost,” or my personal favorite, “Give Me Patience.”

6️⃣ Get in a laugh to release those feel-good chemicals in your body. Watch a funny parenting video (look up “La Guardia Cross” or “The BreakWomb” on YouTube) or re-read a hilarious text convo with your bestie.

7️⃣ Try a gratitude exercise. It’s really simple: just think of three things you’re thankful for in your life right now. It’ll make some of your stress recede into the background for a while.

8️⃣ Lastly, think of something you’re good at, and write a quick note of praise for yourself to stick on your mirror. (My latest one was, “You’re the most organized person on the planet!” Hey, it’s okay to exaggerate a little! 😂)

These activities have been like a little oasis of calm in my day, even amidst the chaos that is life with two kiddos!

Robyn is Editor-in-Chief at ParentsTogether and is co-author of several NYTimes bestselling anthologies. She lives in southern Michigan with her husband and five children.