Hi guys - I'm writing a story for WD called 20 Ways to Slow Down. Do you have any special ways you "put the brakes on?" My deadline is Thursday. Thanks! C.
Thanks everyone! I've turned in the article and I'll let you know when it runs. I would have used more of you as experts since you all had such good advice but WD only wants 1 from each area. Thanks again!
With a 3yo, 2yo, and 8 mo, my days are always busy; but sometimes the hectic nature of having such little ones and trying to keep the house organized can be overwhelming. To slow down, rejuvenate, and put things into perspective, I turn on the stereo and start to dance with my children. They love it! The whines immediately curb, and we all get some much needed endorfins!
I lock the bathroom door, fill the tub with a hot bubble bath, light a couple of candles, turn on a radio with some soft music, and just lie back and relax for a bit. In my house, no one dares to even knock on the door while I'm relaxing :-)!
C.,
I am a full time working mom with one child in daycare and one in my belly. I designate a day during a week for myself. My husband picks up our 18-month boy from daycare and takes him to dinner. I have about 90 minutes for myself at home. I read and take a power nap. I have a salad for dinner and go to sleep early. My husband takes care of our baby until his bedtime.
I picture numbers in my head starting at 100 and go backwords. Many times my mind gets distracted but I just keep starting over, eventually I fall asleep.
Kim
Slowing down is the hardest thing for me. Just recently I have decided to that I have to stop moving so fast. Here are a few ways that I am slowing down:
1) Taking at least 10 minutes to breathe and meditate before I begin my day.
2) Letting my daughter assist me with cooking meals
3) Taking time to read a good book
4) Making a mental decision that everything does not to happen today.
5) Taking an aromatherapy bath has always helped me to put the breaks on.
6) Making shorter "to do" lists
7) Listening to relaxing music
8) Taking time to think about how blessed we are
9) Writing in a journal can be a great way to slow down
10) Going to the park
I am still working on doing these...hope they help.
knit! knitting really has amazing results, better than yoga! and you can take it anywhere:~)
My library offers ceramics classes on Tuesday nights. That is my night. My daughter goes to my Mom's and I happily paint for about 2 hours. Sometimes less, but always at least one hour.
Hi C., I love Woman's Day and subscribe to it. I just read your piece in the current issue . I could identify with a lot of what your article talks about! I am interested in reading the article about slowing down and will be keeping an eye out for it. Unfortunately I can't contribute because I need the advice! Jen L.
