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For many parents it’s tough to find the right balance between getting the day to day tasks done and maintaining their physical and mental wellness. During the summer months many families are adjusting to new routines. If you have multiple children you might notice that there is more squabbling than usual. They too are adjusting to being around each other more.
In order to bring some balance back into your life here are some 5 minutes for mom mini breaks.
6 Mini Breaks For Balance <—–Tweet This!
- Listen to Music
Music is a very powerful tool when it comes to bringing you balance. Your mood can change in an instant depending how you relate to a particular song. My suggestion would be to make a variety of playlists for yourself. If you need five minutes of calm then play your favorites song that puts you at ease. If you need more pep in your step try a playlist that makes you want to get up and dance! Plug your head phones in and choose the playlist that is best for you at that moment. Spotify is my personal go to music site and it’s free.
- Get Outdoors
There are days when we spend a lot of time in our homes doing housework, cooking and blogging. If you can take five minutes to take a walk alone with no demands on you it can refresh you. If you have a had a really high stress day you could also take that time and sprint! That’s right, lace up your shoes and go for it because those endorphins will kick in leaving you with more energy not less.
- Feed Your Brain
Use one of your mini breaks to read. You could have a favorite scripture or quote. Choose something that inspires and motivates you to get in a good frame of mind. Maybe you are in the middle of a good book and could get through a few uninterrupted pages.
- List Your Accomplishments Today
Grab a pen and paper and list out all the thing that you accomplished that day. No matter how small or trivial they might seem, write it down and reflect on your achievements. If you have been slacking off maybe you could use this time to write a to-do list instead.
- Unconditional Love
If you have a pet grab your furry baby and give them attention. Spend five minutes petting your animal and take that time to express and receive unconditional love. Animals have been known to uplift our spirits.
- Freshen Up
You don’t have pets? Don’t worry take this time to run a brush through your hair. You could brush your teeth and maybe put some lipstick on. Take five minutes to pamper yourself in some way to get that refreshed feeling.
Never underestimate what can be done in five minutes.
Do you have any mini breaks you would add to the list?
Thank you for reading, I’m Pamela M. Kramer one of the summer interns and as a multitasking mom I’m always sharing little nuggets of information to help you stay healthy and fit. Please let me know in the comment section if there are any health and fitness topics that you would like to see more information about.
Ned says
spending time with pets always lifts my spirits on a bad day!
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
Me too! If I get really crazy I will take them to the dog park. The love it there. They are very social dogs too, it’s so fun to watch.
Ned says
mini breaks like sitting in the porch for a while or petting my dog keeps me sane….:)
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
You are so right Ned! Sometimes that breath of fresh air is all it takes.
Lauren says
Sounds nice! i would love a porch swing!
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
Me too! That sounds wonderful and relaxing. 🙂
Lauren says
I find that getting outside and appreciating nature … whether it’s on a walk or in my backyard garden, are great mini breaks for me!
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
Lauren you are so right! When I have a backyard garden that is where I’m going to go. 🙂 I really enjoy swinging on one of those porch swings. Those are really nice.
Bonnie Way says
These are great tips! I know I always feel better after I’ve gone for a walk. I also like to tickle or be silly with my daughters – and they love it too, especially if I’ve been busy with cleaning/working/cooking and they want some time. 🙂
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
Tickle time! Now that is a good one. I’m always up for giggles.
Candy says
What fabulous tips!! Thanks Pamela! I would definitely get some yoga in if it’s only 5 minutes that’s 5 minutes of stretching the mind and body.
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
Thank you Candy! Yoga is a great tip to add. Thanks for letting readers know.
Theresa says
I find getting myself a drink of something cold in the summer and a 5 minute phone call to a friend can make all the difference!
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
You are not kidding Theresa but I when I get the phone I know that call is going to be longer than 5 minutes. lol – I’m a bit of a chatty Cathy!
Laurie says
Good stuff. My kids are grown now but I appreciate the suggestions because I do remember those times. I Tweeted you!
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
Why thank you Laurie! I appreciate you sharing it with your followers. 🙂
Rhian says
These are good recommendations. I also take a few minutes when I get home from work just to sit and pet my dog and it really helps me clear my head from the day!
@PamelaMKramer - A Renaissance Woman says
You know what Rhian? I just sat outside and bathed my dogs on the porch and it was ridiculously calming and therapeutic. Maybe it’s because it’s in the evening and it’s not so hot outside. It was more than 5 minutes but I really did enjoy it and they did too. I know because they didn’t try to bolt every time the water hose came near them. 🙂