Crystal Merritt 
Slow down.
Slow down and relax. As the holidays wind down, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But once the dust settles, you’ll find yourself with extra time on your hands. Don’t waste this opportunity by rushing around trying to get everything done at once! Instead, take some time off from work or chores so you can relax and rejuvenate your mind and body.
If you’re feeling stressed out, try taking a few minutes out of your day to just breathe and relax. This could mean meditating or doing yoga, but even just going for a walk around the block can help ease your mind and give you time to clear your head.
Unplug.
Unplug from electronics. With the rise of social media, it’s easy to find yourself spending hours on end scrolling through your phone or computer. If you’re trying to unplug from technology, set a timer and stick with it! You’ll find there’s nothing wrong with being off-line every once in a while! According to a study by HealthDay News, “the more time people spend on Facebook or other social media sites, the greater their risk for depression.” It’s important to limit the time you spend on social media and electronics so that you can focus on what really matters — your family!
I know this is easier said than done, but try your best to unplug from technology at least one hour before bedtime each night. If you don’t have time for a full hour or if it’s difficult to fall asleep when you do unplug, then set a timer and allow yourself only 20 minutes of online time before turning off all devices. You’ll be surprised how much more restful your sleep will be!
Volunteer.
Volunteer at your kid’s school. This is a great way to meet other parents and get involved. You’re probably already thinking about how you can volunteer at your kid’s school. You could help out in the classroom, or maybe coach a sports team. But what if you did something totally different? What if you decided to volunteer at the front desk of your child’s school? If you’re like most parents, this sounds like a boring way to spend an hour or two each week. But think about it: The front office is where all the kids come when they get hurt and need bandages; it’s where parents come when their child has forgotten their lunch money; it’s where teachers go when they want more pencils or paper clips. You can help out during events, like field day or the holiday parade. You can also volunteer in the classroom by reading a story each morning or helping with homework.
Volunteer as a family. Find a local soup kitchen or animal shelter in your community. Volunteering helps kids develop empathy and compassion for others. The time you spend volunteering will make you a better parent, and it will also give your child an opportunity to see what being a responsible adult looks like.
Volunteer for a cause. Volunteer at a local charity. If you don’t know where to start, check out this list of volunteer opportunities from the United Way. This month, I am stepping out of my comfort zone and attending a local book club meetup called So Booked Up. Every month, the club selects a book to read and discuss, but also a charity to support. January’s book is Watch Out for Her, a book by Samantha M. Bailey, who chose Planned Parenthood as their charity. Find out how to volunteer for the Planned Parenthood cause on delivering vital reproductive healthcare, sex education, and information.
Focus on you.
The busy mom’s life is filled with activities and responsibilities, but it’s important to make time for yourself as well. Create a relaxing space in your home where you can unwind after a long day of work and parenting. Put on your favorite music or light some candles to help set the mood. Take some time each day (even if it’s only 15 minutes) to recharge your batteries so you’ll have more energy to devote to your family at night and during the day.
Sometimes we get so caught up in taking care of everyone else’s needs that we forget about ourselves. Taking time out of each day for yourself is important because it helps you recharge and gives you something to look forward to when life gets stressful. If you’re constantly running around and always taking care of others’ needs, then it’s easy to run out of energy before the day is over! Take time every day to do something fun just for yourself — whether it’s reading a book or going shopping with friends — these are small things that will make a big difference.
Good luck!