5 WAYS TO RECHARGE YOUR PARENTING BATTERY

That’s parenting in a nutshell, isn’t it! It’s one of the most stressful, rewarding, terrifying and fun experiences a person can possibly have.

We know how much of yourself you pour into parenting every single moment. Be it time, energy, emotion or patience, you’re giving of yourself freely and unrestrainedly day after day. And at times, it’s natural to feel drained and ready to flop down, crying – “I can’t do this anymore!”

This is why it’s so important to take time off for yourself, to recharge those parenting batteries and revitalize yourself. At thedatingmaven, as we present you with the most stylish kids’ clothing for boys and girls, we want you to be the best versions of parents that you can. So here are our top 5 tips for you to get energized, buzzing, and ready to get back into your parenting shoes with flair and pizzazz!

For times when you’re really under the pump, you’ll love these cool recharging hacks that you can achieve in minimal time:

https://thedatingmaven.com/health/parenting/self-care-strategies-for-parents-no-time 

1. MAKE TIME FOR SOME SELF-LOVE

When you spend most of your time plunged in a whirlwind of kids, household chores and work deadlines, some alone time can be as relaxing as a long hot bath on a snowy winter’s day!

We know it’s not easy to carve out that precious time.  But it’s doable and it’s worth it. The trick is to ease yourself into it – 10 minutes at first, and then a little more each day until you build up to a solid 30-50 minutes daily.

Me-time is simply time when you do things just for you - stuff you enjoy doing and don’t normally get time for. Go on a shopping spree, take a jog in the park, work on a hobby, catch up on your favorite soap opera, or just relax in a bubble bath with some scented candles and relaxing music.

Whatever it is, set aside time on your schedule for that dose of energy and rejuvenation. Remember, it’s all about intentionally creating your own space to decompress, recharge and take care of yourself.

This excellent article talks more about why self-love time is imperative for parents:

https://thedatingmaven.com/education/self-care-for-parents/ 

2. RECONNECT WITH YOUR FAVORITE PEOPLE

Do you know what we often tend to forget as parents? That other people exist!

What we mean is that it can be a power boost to interact with other human beings, preferably adults, on a daily basis. Spending time with people whose company you enjoy can be immensely refreshing. It could be a weekly coffee with a group of other moms, going for an exercise class with a friend, shopping with your bestie, or simply catching up with your mum over brunch.

This could help you in unexpected ways. Sharing mommy war stories with a group of mothers can make you feel more “normal” and also provide a great support system. Having a conversation with a group of friends could open you up to new experiences like a great book or the latest popular Netflix series everyone’s talking about. The point is to have a safe place to spend time and talk about your thoughts and feelings, share what’s going on in your life, or simply vent. So, pick up the phone, call your favorite person, and take that time out to connect!

Check out this article that talks about how connecting with others can help you as a parent:

https://thedatingmaven.com/the-5-strengths/connecting-with-others/ 

3. MOVE THAT BODY

Get grooving, get moving – get exercising! Exercise is an awesome way to recharge those parenting batteries and have you feeling on top of the world in no time with those feel-good hormones!

It’s a known fact that stagnation – lack of movement – can lead to energy depletion and depression. We know, sometimes it might feel like it’s absolutely impossible to fit in exercise, let alone have the energy to take one extra step a day. But if you can manage it, exercise can be an amazing stress reliever and will actually leave you with more energy. Apart from getting you fit and svelte, it’s great for your mental health too, so it’s a win-win.

The key is to choose something you enjoy – we don’t want it to feel like yet another chore, right? You don’t need to run for an hour and then lift weights and do power yoga. Just get your body going by incorporating movement into your routine. It could be a brisk walk, a run, or something fun, like dance aerobics or Zumba. If you can’t get time alone, rope in your kids and turn it into an impromptu dance party!

We love this fun family cardio workout: 

4. COZY COUPLE TIME

Among many other things, parenting changes couple relationships too. Whatever time you have together outside of work is now taken up with parenting duties. Dinners have gone from leisurely and romantic to a scramble just to get the kids fed!

However, spending time as a couple can be one of the most delightful ways to recharge your parenting battery. Just set aside a few hours each week to relax and enjoy each other’s company without the children. Catch the latest flick at the theater with soda and popcorn, or plan that romantic dinner at your favorite restaurant.

If you can manage to swing a weekend away, that’s even better. Vacations as a couple are an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate yourself as a whole. Have kids spend time at their grandparents’ or at a family member’s place, and just take off! Whether it’s a night out or a romantic weekend, a little time away goes a long way.

Terry Gaspard has some highly useful tips on how parents can find couple time together:

https://thedatingmaven.com/blog/4-ways-parents-can-balance-couple-time-family-time/ 

5. NATURE IS THE BEST HEALER

Among all the various energizers out there, the one that tops the list is without doubt – Nature! Research shows that being among trees and plants every day can dramatically lower our stress levels.

Spending time in nature can perk us up like nothing else. Getting that daily dose of fresh air is a vital part of self-rejuvenation. Stepping outside to feel the sun on your face, taking deep breaths, and feasting your eyes on some verdant greenery can enhance your mental health, boost your energy levels, and help you sleep better.

You don’t need to be outside for long. But try to make a deliberate effort each day to enjoy a little outside time and get that Vitamin D! While returning home from an errand or dropping the kids at school, take a stroll through the park or steal a few serene moments on a park bench. After a long day, step out into your garden or backyard with a comforting cup of cocoa and just enjoy the sounds of the rustling leaves or the chirping birds. Look for the brightest star in the night sky and make a wish for peace in yourself and your loved ones.

To know more about how nature can impact our wellbeing, read on:

https://thedatingmaven.com/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing 

The truth is that like anyone else, parents need time to relax and unwind from all the stress of their daily routines. As a parent, we know you want to be at your absolute best. Whether you’re a top corporate honcho or a stay-at-home parent, raising your little one is your most important job. But more often than not, we burn the candle at both ends and end up burnt out.  So, it’s imperative to take the time to recharge our batteries so that we can be the best parents we can be.

And you know the best thing? Taking a break actually makes you a better parent once those batteries are recharged. From all of us at thedatingmaven, your favorite modern kid apparel store online, we encourage you to take care of yourself, respect your own time, and enjoy this beautiful journey called parenting.

Sending love from Be Kind blogs. Happy reading.