I am a big believer in decompressing after a long day. Prior to having my son, I practiced these methods of stress relief regularly and they truly made me feel more relaxed. Now, after having my son, these things are much more important than ever before.

Becoming a mother is one of the most rewarding and magical feelings in the world. But it is definitely one of the hardest jobs out there. It’s a 24 hour/day job. That’s why its important to have some “you” time. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you give your babies your best?

Here are five of my favorite things to do for stress relief and total relaxation.

TAKE A HOT BUBBLE BATH

This is one I CHERISH. There is something extremely relaxing about hot water, bubbles, and my Ipad. Sitting in hot water always softens tense muscles from the day of playing with my son and carrying him around. I also think there is something therapeutic about breathing in hot steam. Isn’t that one of the reasons people go to saunas??

This is the best time to have peace and quiet, rest, and read things I can’t read all day. I plan our menus for the week, pay bills, read articles… It can be productive! Only if you can relax at the same time.

SNUGGLE UP ON THE COUCH WITH FUZZY PJS AND A HOT CUP OF TEA

This is also a big favorite of mine even if it’s not winter time. Warm beverages are really relaxing to me as well. Teas come in all flavors for summer time, winter time, or holidays. When I do this, I like to put on a funny show and just veg out.

Now that I’m a mom, this time only happens after baby goes to sleep and I feel like it’s really important. This is the time my husband and I get to laugh together and relax. We laugh at baby boy quite a bit (because yes, he is quite the comedian), but knowing you don’t have to constantly watch and worry about your little one makes it easier to get into your show and drink your tea while it’s actually hot. Because as parents, when do we actually consume anything while it’s hot?!

LAY WITH MY DOGS

Yes, I mean get down in the floor beside your pup and snuggle. This is so relaxing to me. We have two retired greyhounds and they are the absolute sweetest snugglers. They love being next to you and being hugged and kissed. But what relaxes me most is when I’m laying with them, their breathing is SO SLOW. It is well known that greyhounds breath much slower than other breeds and it soothes me seeing them so relaxed and snuggled. Especially knowing about all the running, kennel sleeping, and minimal people time they got. Seeing them so calm and happy brings me such joy.

LISTEN TO CLASSICAL MUSIC

Listening to classical music happens frequently throughout the day in our home. I want my son to know classical music. Eric and I always play George Winston and Four Seasons radio stations. Music does something to the soul. Just shutting your eyes and listening to classical music can take you to ultimate relaxation.

I’m always amazed at how well musicians play. And how their music can create a certain feeling in someone or make you think of a certain place. It’s quite incredible. If you don’t listen to classical music, I challenge you to put it on while you cook. That is one of my absolute favorite things to do. Honestly, cooking is fairly therapeutic for me too, so the combination works pretty well for relaxation. But, if cooking is a chore for you, add some classical music and see if it changes how you feel about it!

BEING OUTSIDE

Being out in the woods hiking or going on a walk around the neighborhood just makes you feel good. I usually put baby boy in a stroller and head out when the weather allows. He absolutely loves it too. Sometimes we chit chat with neighbors or I call my grandparents to see how they are doing. When it comes to hiking, I just wear my son in a