7 Easy At-Home Relaxation Tips for Mom

If you are a busy mom, you know how hard it is to find time to treat yourself — but self-care is so important. This Mother’s Day, use these relaxation tips to help you unwind, de-stress and make yourself a priority. You deserve it!

Get Enough Sleep

If you often feel stressed, the reason may be because you are not getting an adequate amount of sleep. Experts recommend that adults get at least seven hours of sleep per night. If you are not usually sleeping this much, it could be helpful to set a bedtime for yourself. You might also want to put your phone away an hour before you shut your eyes, as blue light from a screen suppresses melatonin — the hormone responsible for controlling your sleep cycle. Make sure your room is dark and cool, and play white noise or another soothing sound in the background. If you wake up feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep, you will be much more ready to take on anything the day brings.

Take a Hot Bath

There is nothing more relaxing than soaking in a steamy tub of bubbles after a long day. Not only are baths soothing for the mind, but they also offer many physical health benefits — from improving your heart, brain and muscle function to helping you breathe more easily. Take your bubble bath to the next level by dimming the lights, lighting a scented candle, dropping in a bath bomb, or even setting up a tray with snacks, drinks and a tablet with your favorite TV show.

Meditation and Yoga

Just 20 minutes of intentional mindfulness in the morning can set the tone for your entire day. Find inner peace by tuning into your breathing, sorting your thoughts, and strengthening your body. You do not need to be flexible, as there are many poses and stretches designed for beginners. Even the “Mountain Pose” — standing up tall with your arms outstretched — is sufficient if you are in the right state of mind.

If you do not have enough time to designate to a yoga routine, try taking deep breaths throughout the day instead. Breathe in through your nose, hold it for about five seconds, then exhale through your mouth. Repeat this 6 to 10 times within a minute, and perform this exercise any time you start to feel like you need a little break.

Find a Creative Outlet

Research shows that hobbies can make you feel happier and improve your overall wellbeing. Whether it is painting, crocheting, gardening or singing, there are plenty of around-the-house activities that can help you relax. Which hobbies did you love before becoming a mother that you could pick back up? No matter how busy your schedule is, you should always make time for yourself and your passions.

Get Some Exercise

Exercise releases chemicals like dopamine and endorphins that relieve stress and make us feel content. Adults should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week. The best part is you do not need a gym to stay fit and active. Go for a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood, have a family dance party in your living room, or play soccer in the backyard. Just 30 minutes per day of activities like these will put you in a better mood and give you more energy.

Practice Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a relaxation technique that has the power to relieve headaches and chronic pain, melting your cares away. By activating smell receptors in your nose, different parts of your brain — especially those that deal with your emotions — are stimulated. They then respond to the oil by producing feel-good brain chemicals like serotonin. With soothing scents like lemon and lavender made from flowers, herbs and trees, this is the perfect natural way to unwind. You can either rub the oils directly onto your skin or use a diffuser that distributes the relaxing scent throughout the room.

Pamper Yourself

You should always make self-care a priority. This Mother’s Day, find a little extra time to give yourself the gift of an at-home spa day. Wear a fluffy robe and play relaxing music as you paint your nails, put on a face mask, and soak your feet. And, while you are pampering yourself, you might consider supporting small businesses by purchasing Texas-made beauty products.

These amazing local beauty brands, plus many more, are all hand-crafted right in your city:

• Austin: Vetiver Skin Studio, Olive + M, Curie, and Elevé
• Dallas: Elli Mac Hair Company, Eyllek Skincare, FarmHouse Fresh, and Goods Apothecary.
• Houston: Earth’s Nectar, Minimo Skin Essentials, and Jentry Kelley Cosmetics.
• San Antonio: The Granola Goat, Moss & Co., Harmless Handcrafted, and Sugarbums Body.

Although it can be hard to do with a busy schedule, intentionally setting aside time for yourself is important. If you incorporate just a few of these relaxation techniques into your routine, you will begin to feel more energized and ready to take on the wonders and challenges of motherhood.

Here is another relaxation tip: finding an open, spacious home with lots of natural light and extra storage to conceal clutter can help reduce your stress. Explore Perry Homes’ move-in ready properties in some of Texas’ most desirable neighborhoods to find a home that brings you inner peace.