Top Tips for Relaxing After the Kids Go to Bed

Once the kids are finally tucked in and silence has settled over the house, the toys are picked up and the dishes are out of sight, it’s your time. It’s a small window of time after the kids go to bed and before you go to bed. That might only be the quiet part of your day. Making the most of it does wonders for your mental health.

Some parents have a glass of wine, others like medical marijuana to help them to ease tension and unwind. If it’s been a high stress day, especially, turning to these options is often very tempting. There are many other ways though, that you can relax and reclaim some peace for yourself. Here are some top tips to help you to fully decompress after the kids go to bed.

1. Create a transition ritual. Before you can settle yourself into relaxation mode, you need to give yourself a few minutes to mentally shift gears. Sometimes this is as simple as lighting a candle and putting on your pajamas. Other times, you might turn on a calming playlist and breathe for a while. The goal here is to signal to your brain that parenting duties are paused and it’s time to focus on you. It doesn’t have to be an elaborate ritual, it just needs to be consistent.
2. Come away from screens. If you work at a screen and then you watch TV on a screen and then you scroll on your phone, you’re constantly staring at a screen. It’s tempting to go into a streaming marathon or scroll on your phone for a few hours, but try giving yourself at least half an hour of screen free time first. Your mind is in overdrive all day responding to questions, solving problems and multitasking. It needs a chance to settle before it starts to try and take in content in bite sized pieces. Read a book or write in your journal or do a puzzle. This break can lower stimulation and help you to sleep better.
3. Move your body. After a whole day of being on, your body holds tension, even if you haven’t noticed it. Gentle stretching, a short yoga flow, or even a 5 minute walk around the block can help you to release built up stress. If you’ve been hunching over during playtime or carrying the kids, your muscles will thank you.
4. Indulge in something that’s just for you. This is your time to be a person and not just a parent. Whether it’s painting, knitting, baking, or playing guitar, spending even a little bit of time on a hobby that you enjoy can help you to reconnect with your identity outside of caregiving. It doesn’t have to be productive here, it just needs to be something that makes you feel good and brings a sense of joy or accomplishment.
5. Do absolutely nothing. If you really want to relax after the kids go to bed, do absolutely nothing and do it guilt free. Be still. Lie on the couch, slob out on the carpet, Daydream and breathe. The constant demand of parenting can leave you feeling like you always need to be doing something, but rest is a productive thing to do. Give yourself permission to not check off a To Do List. You’ve really earned it. 

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.