As mothers, we juggle plenty of responsibilities each day. We go to work, run errands, complete house chores, feed the children and keep them entertained … the list is endless. Why do relaxing and taking breaks end up at the bottom of our list? Taking breaks is a must for renewed energy and replenished PATIENCE! Make it a priority to see the benefits it will bring to your life and set a great example for your kids when they become adults.

SLOW DOWN
Our brains process incredible amounts of information every second. Taking a break requires you to slow down the pace for a moment and quiet down the mental chatter. We’ve come up with a list of things moms can do to relax and renew their energy. Try some of these after your children go to sleep at night, during a work break, even when you use the bathroom! Take a few minutes to explore the suggestions to see what works for you:

1. Spend 5-10 minutes in a silent (or quieter) area –  Find an area that feels comfortable to you. Close your eyes. Use this time to breathe easy and clear your thoughts.
   
   
2. Take a Quick Nap – People think naps should last an hour or longer, but in reality, just 15-30 minutes of sleep can give you a quick boost and help to continue your day on a better note.
   
   
3. Look Closer – We are so rushed to do the next thing we forget to appreciate our experiences. Watch your children as they sleep. Find new details in the homes or buildings surrounding you, watch the clouds moving along the sky, anything that can help slow you down and appreciate the present moment.
   
   
4. Decorate with Flowers – Flowers can brighten up the day for many of us. Buy flowers twice a month. Put them in a vase and pick a visible area of your home to display them. Make it a rule to keep the area around them uncluttered. Take a few seconds throughout your day to look at them, take in their colors, shapes, and textures.
   
   
5. Take a Walk in Nature – This is something you can do alone or with your family. Take a long look at the trees, birds, water, anything you encounter during your walk.
   
   
6. Write out Thank Yous – It can be easy to lose track of the good things when you are juggling so many things in a day. Write out thank you cards to someone who is there for you or just a letter thanking a higher power for the good things in your life.
   
   
7. Take a Warm Bath – Nothing more relaxing than taking a warm bath after a long day.
   
   
8. Light a Candle or Burn Incense – Nowadays fragrant candles are available everywhere. Pick a scent you like. At the end of the day, when the kids are asleep, light or burn your incense. Take a few minutes to watch the light burn the candle or smell the fragrant smoke as it comes up.
   
   
9. Focus On The Good Things – Thinking for hours about what’s not working in your life only brings on more stress. Take a few minutes a couple times a day to only think about the good things you experience. Need ideas? Be grateful for the food you eat, the clothes you wear, your home, electricity, running water, your favorite song, your children, etc.
   
   
10. Get Moving – Just a few minutes of moving your body can make a big difference. You don’t need any special equipment. From jogging in place to jumping jacks or sit-ups there’s a lot you can do at home to help energize your body.
    
    
11. Get or Give Big Hugs – These don’t take long and are available for free from friends, relatives, and your children all of the time!

Taking a break is important especially for moms. Don’t just think of all the excuses for not trying this. Make a commitment that you will take care of yourself. You will notice positive changes in your mood, how you cope with your children, and even your outlook on the responsibilities you juggle every day. Try it, you are worth it!