Relaxation, a Parent's Secret Weapon

By Donna Stark

The day you become a parent is the day when you realize that it’s no longer just about you anymore. It’s the day when you accept the fact that inevitably, your child’s needs and wants will always come first. However, the demands that come from having children still seem to take us by surprise, don’t they? It’s not until we are completely sleep deprived and totally immersed in diapers, carpools, orthodontics, and college funding that it truly hits us. It is no secret that parenting is demanding, and if anyone deserves a break, it’s us.

Health Benefits From Relaxation

Busy parents can cope with the demands of child-rearing by learning how to tap into the power of relaxation. They can also reap some incredible health benefits as well, such as lower levels of stress, anxiety, and mental distress. In addition to those, parents can also expect to have fewer incidents of anger and frustration, and improved sleep and weight management. Learning how to relax is definitely a key factor in living a balanced and healthy life.

How to Relax as a Parent

Relaxation isn’t a complex process and certainly doesn’t have to be difficult to achieve. There are ways to keep it simple. Here are some suggestions.

• Designate a spot for yourself - This can be anywhere in your home … a bedroom, a study, or an outside garden … you just want to choose a spot that is quiet and peaceful, so I would suggest you don’t choose the kitchen! Fill this area with things that bring calm to your life such as colors, scents, music, books, and comfortable seating. When you want to relax, come to this spot and turn off all of your outside distractions.
• Be open to relaxation while on the move - You don’t always need to lie down in a secluded, quiet place for relaxation. You can use mini-sessions throughout the day as well! These moments can occur when you are enjoying a quiet lunch, taking a walk, or driving to pick up your child. Use these times to focus on your breathing, enjoy your favorite music, or to simply sit in silence.
• Utilize the internet - Adding one more thing to our list, in order to relax, can sometimes create the opposite effect. So if joining a yoga class or meditation group sounds amazing to you, but stresses you out even more because you can’t fit it into your schedule, then head to your computer. There are plenty of online yoga and meditation videos that are created simply for the sole purpose of relaxing and de-stressing. Check them out!

Learning how to relax is an important tool for parents to get through the challenging years of raising children. So make it a priority in your life and ensure that your needs are being met so that you can then meet the needs of your children.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bellevue, Wash.