Life with children can be very stressful.

As parents we are on a constant treadmill of morning mayhem, breakfast, nursery, school, shopping, cooking, refereeing disagreements, arranging meet-ups, going to activities, meals, homework, clearing–up, evening routine, washing, ironing and cleaning. The list goes on and on

As parents we dedicate most of our waking hours to looking after our children, earning money for our family and meeting our children’s every need. But for some of us, when it comes to taking time for ourselves, we feel guilty.

So, why is it important to recharge?

1. You set a healthy example to your children that being a parent does not mean you have to give up your fun and relaxation time
2. It helps maintain your energy levels to keep going without burn-out or making yourself ill
3. You keep your mood up and are happier –and a happy parent means a happy child
4. You can maintain our interests and relationships with adults which gives you a more balanced perspective on life without everything being child-focused
5. You’re less likely to suffer from depression or over-eating
6. You give yourself a short break from caring, which allows you to return with renewed enthusiasm for attending to your children

How can you find time away from the children?

For many parents, time and money are an issue, so finding time away from your caring responsibilities is hard. If you can afford it, finding someone to take-over caring for your pre-school children for a few hours a week is ideal. This could be a nanny, au-pair, paid help, crèche, nursery or child-minder. For many, this is a luxury you can’t afford – so you need to get creative.

Partners and extended family are usually the best people to care for your children. (And a great way for your child to spend time and bond with them – a win-win for everyone) Alternatively swap with a friend. You look after their children in return for them looking after yours. When your children reach school-age it is good to set aside a morning or afternoon a week just to stop and do something for yourself.

50 ways to renew your energy levels

Look through the following list and see what you could try.

1. Go out for a walk in nature
2. Spend time in a beautiful environment –seaside, country view, lakeside, etc.
3. Have a good workout or gym session
4. Have a long bath
5. Light some scented candles
6. Curl up with a really good book
7. Phone or meet up with a good friend
8. Savour a lovely mug of hot chocolate, tea or coffee
9. Lie on a beach in the sun, just listening to the waves
10. Sit quietly and clear your mind
11. Follow a guided visualisation (find a CD in the library)
12. Watch your favourite TV programme or movie
13. Watch a comedy on TV or live
14. Listen to some great music
15. De-clutter a room
16. Snuggle up with your partner or get friends round and watch a DVD together
17. Bake a cake
18. Practice long slow breathing
19. Get your partner or masseuse to give you a foot, hand, scalp or full body massage
20. Go for a swim
21. Do some gentle gardening in your garden
22. Play with your pet
23. Write in a notebook everything you can be grateful for.
24. Spend time with a friend who is positive and fun
25. Spend half an hour gazing at the stars
26. Do something you know makes you smile
27. Watch a sunrise or sunset
28. Do something creative such as painting, drawing, pottery or photography
29. Pamper yourself with a manicure, pedicure or facial
30. Read an inspiring poem, article or book of quotes
31. Sun-bathe in your garden
32. Go to bed early or sleep in in the morning
33. Gaze at some beautiful flowers, a candle or a lovely photo
34. Read your favourite magazine
35. Go for a bike ride
36. Paint your nails or get someone to paint them for you
37. Spend time in a book shop or library
38. Volunteer in your local community doing something you enjoy
39. Surf the internet, find sites that you love and bookmark them
40. Go to a disco or dance
41. Have a candle-lit meal
42. Go to the cinema or theatre
43. Write a diary
44. Eat a piece of cake (or something you love) really slowly, savouring every bite.
45. Sing in your shower or car
46. Put on your favourite music and dance in your living room
47. Wrap up with fuzzy socks and a warm, soft blanket or dressing gown
48. Give yourself a makeover or try a new hairstyle
49. Write your goals for the week, month and year.
50. Learn something new like a language, instrument, painting or cooking
51. Visit an art gallery or museum. Go round & choose your favourite piece in each room
52. Buy yourself something small –flowers, a plant, a bracelet, poster or book
53. Clear up the room where you spend the most time
54. Do some spring cleaning
55. Research and book a holiday
56. Think of your favourite meal then plan when you can have it (eat at home/ restaurant)

Some of these suggestions will take minutes, and some will need a few hours. Plan to spend some time EVERY DAY doing little things you enjoy and some time EACH WEEK doing something bigger which will really give you a boost.

If you find yourself thinking ‘I haven’t got time’, have a look at the start of this article and remind yourself of all the reasons why you need to make time!