Is it summer yet in your side of the world? Here in South India, we’re nearing the end of summer and it’s been a long, hot one! When summer rolls around we make plans to keep our kids occupied outdoors, go on family vacations and just slow life down a bit. But life hardly slows down for us mothers, does it?!

We spend our summers either planning, packing, unpacking or hustling from one activity to another. In all that running around, we tend to forget that we, as mothers need time to unwind as well. Take a break from your year-round routine and give yourself some time to relax. Be intentional in doing something everyday that will make you feel refreshed and energized.

To get you going, I’ve compiled a list of 20 creative ways for Mom to unwind. Feel free to add your own!

1. Give yourself a foot rub. Soak your feet in a tub of hot water and salt. Scrub it dry, snip your nails and paint them a pretty color.

2. Have a moms night out with friends. Get your husband (or a baby-sitter) to watch the kids for a night. Put on your best dress and have a fun night with your girlfriends.

3. Join a hobby class. Do you like art, pottery, music or dance? Join a class for the summer and let your creative spirit soar.

4. Sleep in. Well, you probably can’t do this everyday, but give yourself one day in the week to squeeze in some extra sleep. Your husband or older kids can take care of the little ones for a couple of hours.

5. Schedule free time into your vacation. Try not to pack your summer vacation with a list of activities to do, and places to see. Schedule in a few free hours where everyone can just do their own thing.

6. Let one of the older kids take charge of a meal. You don’t have to take care of every single meal. Allow your kids to fix up a meal on their own. Even a 4 year old is well capable of putting together a PB & J sandwich.

7. Put on some loud music and dance. Music is a great stress-buster. When the world seems to be caving in around you, turn up the volume, close your eyes, and just sway to the music.

8. Have a long relaxing bubble bath. Even if it is not possible in the day time, try to fix yourself a nice bath after the kids are in bed. It’s a great way to unwind after an exhausting day.

9. Take a long walk. Whether it is in your neighborhood, or a trail near your vacation spot, a walk will help you slow down and savor the beauty of nature.

10. Watch back to back episodes of your favorite TV show. It’s okay to tune out the world once in a while. Fix yourself some popcorn, and enjoy some of your favorite shows.

11. Read a fiction book. Reading non-fiction usually urges us to act on what we’ve read. Not so with fiction; it can just be an entertaining read. Pick up the latest fiction book written by your favorite author and curl up with it outdoors or by a window.

12. Visit a beauty salon. Treat yourself with a visit to your local beauty salon. You can get a relaxing facial, a manicure, pedicure or even try out a new hairstyle.

13. Have a date night with your husband. If your kids can stay with their grandparents for one night, make the best use of it and go out with your husband for a movie and a dinner.

14. Have a long chat with an old friend. Do you have a close friend you haven’t spoken to in a long time? Give her a call, or chat with her on Skype.

15. Work on a jig-saw puzzle. Buy one of those huge puzzles, sit around it with the family and work on it.

16. Read through an old journal. Pick up a journal from a few years ago and browse through it. It’s a great way to see how far you’ve come.

17. Hit the local pool. If you have friends who can go with you, you can take turns watching the kids, so the other can unwind in the water.

18. Play a game. Play a board game or a card game together with the kids on rainy summer days.

19. Have a scrumptious dessert. Enjoy a nice dessert after the kids are in bed, even if it just ice-cream with chocolate and strawberries.

20. Sit down with your Bible and journal. This is a great way to have your daily quiet time and relax your soul.

When you unwind, you will have more strength and patience to deal with all the everyday mom stuff. I do hope you take some time to unwind this summer!

Will you be doing any of these this summer? What would you add to the list?

© 2014, Sunu Philip. All rights reserved. Love it? Please share, pin, tweet or email but do not use my work without permission.