Downtime for parents. I know what you are thinking, “Are you kidding? My kids are like tiny tornadoes, and I’m the eye of the storm!”

 Bubble Bath Bliss: I have two children that I raised. If I wanted downtime such as taking a bath which was a luxury without the kids, I asked my husband to watch the kids for 20-30 minutes. He was a great husband and dad. Of course, he said yes. Albeit it wasn’t too often but I did get my bathtime about once per month. It’s better than nothing!

Reading. Another thing I love to do is read. If you are a reader, tell your significant other that you need to schedule time to read. Make it a must and not just a want. If both of you read, then schedule the time after putting the kids to bed. Or read while they nap if you are a stay-at- home parent.

A night out without the kids would do you good after you had a stressful busy week. It’s important to plan a time so you can get a babysitter.

Make it a priority. I know some couples that have date nights every Friday night. Your downtime might be exercising. Tell your significant other that you need to exercise daily for your health and energy. If you have a membership, one of you can go and the other one can stay home with the kids. Or you can both go together and get a babysitter.

 Exercising at the gym is not the only way to get healthy. You don’t have to spend any money if you just go walking. Even a walk around the block is a fantastic way to let your mind wander and be free.

 Meditation. This is an awesome way to get relaxed. Again, tell your significant other that you are going to meditate for just 20 minutes. Longer if you have the time. I put a note on my door, “Meditating”.

Plan a hike with a couple of friends. It’s important to also do this with the whole family. But for downtime for yourself, this will reduce stress and anxiety. Nature does that to us. Take deep breaths while walking and soaking in the beauty of nature.

 Sit outside. Even just going outside to your front porch or backyard while sipping on your favorite drink can help calm your nerves.

 Be creative. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive or elaborate.  If you have a hobby such as crafting or building things, tell your significant other how important it is for you to work on those projects a little each day. If you can’t every day, try doing it three times per week or only on weekends.

 Journaling is a great way to get things off your head and organize your thoughts. You can buy a pretty journal that really attracts you. There is also the good old yellow legal pad. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It is nice to have a journal book to put on your bookshelf and add to it with other journals. Sometimes, once you get started writing, you can’t stop.

 Schedule it! It’s essential to make parents’ downtime a priority. It will make you a more calm, energetic, focused, and patient parent. Now, go to your calendar and write down what you will do this week. Maybe next week you can change your activity. Make your life fun and take control of your time. Don’t let time control you.