In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find a moment of peace and quiet, especially for parents. Our calendars are filled with appointments, meetings, after-school activities and social obligations that leave very little time for ourselves. However, taking breaks from our busy schedules and enjoying our downtime is crucial for us and our children’s physical and mental well-being. Downtime gives our bodies a chance to rest and recharge, and it allows our minds to relax from the constant stimulation of technology. How is a busy family supposed to balance all the sports, activities, work and school obligations that fill our calendars while still enjoying some much needed downtime? Here are some easy tips for families that will give you a chance to rest and recharge.
Plan for nothing
One way to incorporate more downtime into our schedules is by planning for nothing. This may seem counterintuitive, but by intentionally leaving gaps in our calendars, we create opportunities for spontaneity and relaxation. These unscheduled moments allow us to decompress and escape from the demands of our everyday lives. It can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, reading a book, snuggling while watching a movie, playing outside or simply doing nothing at all. Whether it’s once a week or once a day, add something you enjoy to your calendar.
Reduce screen time
Downtime doesn’t just mean physical rest; it also encompasses mental rest. In today’s digital age, we are constantly bombarded with notifications and distractions from our screens. Planning for nothing gives us the chance to disconnect from technology and give our minds a much needed break. It’s not just our kids who are addicted to texting, checking their phones and playing video games. Adults face the same challenge to set their electronics down. Allowing for screen-free time for you and your kids can improve focus, creativity and overall well-being.
Schedule social downtime
Keep in mind that downtime doesn’t have to be a solo activity. It can also be a chance to connect with loved ones or engage in meaningful conversations without distractions. In fact, scheduling times for social downtime can strengthen relationships and improve overall communication within our busy lives. Being intentional about spending downtime with your spouse and children is important for building and maintaining your relationship and making long-lasting memories.
Pass along good habits
It’s important for we parents to teach our children the value of downtime. In a world where they are constantly bombarded with stimuli and activities, it’s crucial to give them the opportunity to unwind and recharge. This can be achieved by setting boundaries around screen time and encouraging outdoor play or creative activities. By instilling these habits early on, we can help our children develop a healthy relationship with technology and understand the importance of taking breaks. When you place value on quality time together, exercise, spending time outdoors, reading or other screen-free activities that encourage time to rest and recharge, your kids will see the value in it as they grow and mature into adulthood.
Do nothing
It’s easy to feel guilty about letting some of the chores go, lying around on the couch binging a TV show or spending the day reading a book. Although this may not be realistic on a daily basis, it’s perfectly OK to let things go for a few hours so that you can feel rested and recharged to continue to function at your family’s normal, busy pace. Allowing some time to play as a family and showing your kids that downtime and family time are priorities are more important than having a clean and organized home.
Treat these moments as nonnegotiable appointments with yourself, just like you would with any other important commitment. This will help prioritize your well-being, as well as your children’s and ensure you don’t neglect downtime in favor of constantly being busy. Additionally, mix up your downtime activities to keep things interesting and refreshing. Options could be trying new hobbies or simply stepping out of your comfort zone. Don’t feel guilty for taking some time for yourself. Remember that rest is essential for our physical and mental health, and by taking care of ourselves, we can ultimately be better parents, partners and individuals. Go ahead, put down your phone, turn off your computer and embrace some well-deserved downtime.
Screen-Free Downtime Ideas
Find an activity that both is fun and leaves you feeling refreshed. For some people, gardening or baking cookies is fun and relaxing, and for others, these activities sound stressful. Choose a downtime activity that fits you and your family and helps you feel relaxed. Here are some ideas:
- Read a book or magazine or listen to an audiobook.
- Journal or write a story.
- Work on a jigsaw puzzle.
- Play a board game.
- Sew, make a craft, build your scrapbook, draw or create something.
- Cook or bake a family recipe.
- Take a nap.
- Take a walk, sit outside in the sunshine or ride a bike.
- Go out for lunch, dinner or coffee with family or friends.
- Call a friend and chat.
- Meditate, pray or do yoga.
- Organize your space.
- Spend time snuggling your kids, pets or partner.
- Go shopping.
- Listen to music or play an instrument.
- Go watch a sporting event or play your favorite sport.
- Dance, sing and be silly.
- Go to the spa or create one at home.
- Put off chores and let the house be messy for a day or two.
- Get takeout and take a break from cooking.
- Go to the park and have a picnic.
Sarah Lyons is a busy freelance writer and mom of six kids, including triplets. Her favorite downtime activities are reading and spending time outside with her kids. Sarah and her family live in Olathe.