According to the Oxford American Dictionaries, relaxation is “the state of being free from tension or anxiety”. While it does not take much to become stressed, it may require some effort to master the art of relaxation. For most moms, knowing how to relax is not the problem – it’s finding the time and the space to do it in.

Here are ten out of the box relaxation suggestions that are easy to invoke:

1. Play. When your children return from school and go outside to unwind from their day, join them. Kick
the ball around. Start a game of tag. Move, laugh, and enjoy a few moments with your children. You
will find that the burst of energy is revitalizing!

2. Nap. A brief nap during the day can positively impact your productivity. The key to
napping is to lie down for twenty minutes. This will ensure you do not enter deep
sleep which can make you feel groggy upon waking up. It may take a little
experimentation to uncover the perfect naptime and nap environment that works best
for you.

3. Invite yourself over. We all have friends who we can call when we are in our worst
moments. Why not use the friendship for relaxation? Your girlfriend will understand
exactly what you need when you say “I need some pampering”. Let her make you
lunch and relax together!

4. Garden. If you have a garden, get in it. Pull weeds. Decorate the walls. Taste the
vegetables. Smell the flowers. If you don’t have a garden, visit the botanical gardens
or find a community garden where you can sit, watch, or even help out.

5. Put on music. Sometimes, it’s just that simple. If you need a pick me up, play music
that makes you dance. If your anxiety is high, find some peaceful music. When
overwhelmed with housework, play something that will motivate and provide you
with energy.

6. Engage in intercourse. When it’s good, it’s followed by a natural relaxation response.
The relaxation is a result of rising and falling hormones – like dopamine. More recent
research is showing that individuals who have sex more often maintain lower blood
pressure in stressful situations.

7. Bake. The mixing. The stirring. The measuring. The methodical pleasure of baking
can help ease tension (not to mention the end product that is an added gift). Bake
bread. Bake cookies. Invent something. Follow a recipe. For some, baking leads to a Zen-like
relaxation.

8. Blow bubbles. Return to simple pleasures. What our children find delight in, so – too
– can we. Bubbles are sold at any Target, dollar store, and many grocery stores. You
can even make your own. Watch them float and allow peace to enter.

9. Shower massage. Do you have one of those showerheads with the adjustable settings?
Take a ten-minute shower, and use the high-powered setting on your back. Quick relief, instant
relaxation, and you’re ready to face your next task head on.

10. Use aroma. It’s hard to believe that a simple smell can ease tension. A few aromas
that are known for their calming attributes are: chamomile, cinnamon, basil, lavender,
and vanilla – to name a few. You can use essential oils in a bath, to make a spritzer,
or in a face mask or directly on your pillow.

Reaching states free of tension and anxiety is essential to mom’s management of stress. Quite often, mom needs to think on her feet and be creative with her resources. I encourage you to use some of the above suggestions in your daily relaxation and to think outside of the box to come up with additional possibilities.