Moms Chat: Relaxing in NYC, At Yoga Class

Whether you work inside or outside of the home (or both) moms are very busy people.  The demands of raising children and managing a family are numerous and often competing.  It’s hard to find time to take care of yourself, but, oh, so necessary. 

Even if it’s just a few minutes of solitude late in the day, having time to oneself helps to create a better environment for everyone.  Moms need time to recharge their batteries and connect with their inner selves.

Below, our McLean Patch Moms relate what they do in order to take care of themselves.  Please let us what you do to take care of yourself too!

Kathleen Weil, McLean resident, married with three daughters and a sheltie.

I recently took my  first trip away from the kids.  I was surprised at how rejuvenating it was!  I was away for just one night, but it was heavenly not having to answer to someone nearly every minute.  I had time to walk around NYC, window shop, enjoy dinner and a show with my sisters, and crawl in to bed having  brushed  only my own teeth!

  I didn’t have to tell anyone what to do for a little over 24 hours and I was very happy.   I turns out it was really good for my children too.  I think it was empowering for them to realize they could handle some time away from Mama, and even have fun just with their Dad.  They did go to our favorite restaurant without me which was taking the advice to be creative and enjoy the weekend a little to far!

I can’t get away for a night every weekend but my weekly yoga class provides some of the stress relief and good feeling that my time away did.  I find yoga to be both challenging and calming, and each week I walk out of class feeling energized and relaxed.  I think it also creates a mental space that allows me to review the week away from all my normal distractions. 

Taking our dog, Coco, for walks down by the neighborhood stream is another way I nurture myself.  I love how happy it makes Coco to get this outing and it’s a pleasure to hear the sounds of our little forest as we walk.  Many times the whole family comes along and this is just fine.  The girls are really enthusiastic about taking a hike and have taken to naming different trees and flowers, plus an occasional bird.