Great Escape: Soak Away Your Stress

Every week, Patch comes up with a Great Escape for moms to enjoy. This can be something that she does alone, with girlfriends or with her spouse. The only rule is that no children are allowed. Parents need that time away from the kids. Breaks are needed in order to be a calm and patient person. Patch understands this and offers one idea each week to take this deserved time out. 

Many moms are unable to get away. These could be single moms, those who are nursing, those who have special needs children or those who can not get away for a variety of other reasons. It is because of these moms that we often come up with ideas to get the needed breakaway from the kids without actually leaving the kids, This week is geared towards these ladies. This week, Patch suggests that you fill up the tub and soak away your stresses.

Remember that commercial from many years ago where the lady said "Calgon, take me away?" A good bath can really do this. Those who have a jacuzzi or garden tub get the extra bonus of having jets and bubbles. This is very relaxing. Those who do not, can improvise. There are many nice bubble bath liquids at local stores. Bath and Body Works and Victoria's Secret are two great places to get some nice scents. Anything with lavender or chamomile will be calming. FIll up the tub and add some nice smelling bubbles to sink into. 

Lighting while in your tub can also help relax you. If you have a dimmer on your bathroom lighting fixtures, now is the time to use it. If you do not, consider turning off the nights and lighting some candles. The flickers will cast shadows on the walls and give an atmosphere of peace for you. 

Music can be very calming if you prefer not soak in silence. Pick a soft slower sound for this to de-stress the body. 

If you enjoy wine, pour a glass before you climb in. 

Moms can relax and unwind without having to worry about the kids. Every dad I know can handle the kids for sat least long enough for the moms to take a bubble bath to unwind. The dads will benefit as well since a happy mom is a happy home. If asking Dad just is not an option, hiring a babysitter for an hour will be very inexpensive. Perhaps a pre-teen neighbor could come over and play with the kids while you hide upstairs for a bit.

Getting the stress relief that we need is important fr our physical and psychological health. The happier and more relaxed we are, the better parents we are. Whatever you choose to do this week to take a break from being a mom, be sure you do it. You need to take care of yourself so you can take care of your family.