With school in full swing and daylight growing shorter, many of us are feeling the time crunch more acutely. Now with the holiday season on deck, we’ll be adding shopping, family gatherings and Christmas caroling to the calendar, too. How can we find a moment of retreat in our busy schedules? Look to this list of 20 ways for moms and dads to feel refreshed in 20 minutes:
1. Start a daily gratitude journal.
You or your whole family can contribute to this idea. Focusing on what’s positive helps our overall wellness and reminds us that there is much to be thankful for.
2. Go to bed earlier.
Whether you’re surfing the Internet, checking up on Facebook or watching TV, tune out these distractions a little earlier in exchange for some much needed rest.
3. Snack smarter.
Snacking isn’t our problem; it’s what we’re snacking on. Choose whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy and protein, which leave you feeling fuller longer and more energetic.
4. Savor the moments.
Play with your preschooler, kiss your spouse, listen to your teenager. These moments (and people) are special gifts – don’t miss them!
5. Reconnect with your spouse.
You fell in love for a reason, and it most likely did not involve your kids or your work. Pursue each other just as you did when you were dating, and keep the romance alive.
6. Do something that makes you feel alive.
Whether it’s biking, volunteering, scrapbooking, praying or singing, make time for what you enjoy.
7. Eat green.
Green leafy vegetables are low in fat, high in fiber, provide calcium and iron, contain powerful antioxidants that have cancer-protective properties and can improve our immune system. Grandma was right. Eat your greens.
8. Engage in moderate exercise.
You don’t have to be a marathon runner to work out for 30 minutes three times a week. Set moderate goals and work to achieve them.
9. Make time to play.
Nothing beats a good game of red rover, tag or hide-and-go-seek. For older kids, try racquetball, Frisbee, or hit the trails with your bikes.
10. Be spontaneous.
Our calendars generally rule our lives; why not take a night off and do something unplanned? You may enjoy it more than you think.
11. Reconnect with an old friend.
Make a phone call, grab coffee, write a letter or go for a walk. Reconnecting leaves us feeling happy and whole.
12. Find time for daily meditation or reflection.
Daily reflection and prayer can provide us with wisdom, peace and motivation to finish out the rest of the day strong.
13. Plan your weekly dinner menu over the weekend.
Spend 20 minutes over the weekend figuring out meals for the week, and everyone’s tummy will thank you later.
14. Limit technology usage at home.
Cell phones, texting, Facebook, Twitter, iPads and more. Too much technology can leave us feeling drained and over-extended. Unplug the devices and plug in to your family.
15. Pass the baby.
Release the Mom grasp and let your aunt hold your baby. She’ll love the opportunity to bond with your baby, and you could use the break.
16. Accept reliable help when offered.
The 10-year-old who offers to play with your 3-year-old while you make dinner may create double work for you, so be discerning.
17. Make family dinners a priority.
Preserve this time as much as you can. It’s a way to catch up from the day, build memories and strengthen your relationships.
18. Figure out your boundary lines and keep them.
You don’t have to be Super Mom. Someone else can head a committee at school. Your kids really don’t have to be in three fall sports. Learn to say no.
19. Schedule date nights now.
Busy lives tend to keep making time to be busy. Make date nights a priority for your marriage and your family and schedule one today.
20. Make time for yourself.
Go for a walk, catch up on a book, take a nap. You need to be healthy and happy to function well for the family you’re working so hard for.
Marisa Frymire lives with her husband and two children in Overland Park.