5 Things You Can Do If Your Usual Relaxation Routine Doesn’t Seem to Work Anymore

In today’s hectic world, rest and relaxation is a must, however busy you are, your body keeps track and you deserve time out. It’s a human right as far as I’m concerned.

I’m determined to relax more, despite how busy life is with three children. Burning out because I’ve not factored in any down time for myself is not ‘the one’! It’s ‘penny foolish’ as my Mum would say and costs you more in the long run. I’m definitely in a place now (at almsot 46) where I want to prioritise my health more: follow a better diet (limiting sugar and carbs), doing more exercise (walking as much as possible) and sleeping well (switching off tech a few hours before sleep and practicing deep breathing before bed). I’ve spent the last year becoming more intentional about these changes and whilst it’s often fallen short, I do feel better overall for prioritising more self-care. 

I wanted to share what I’ve discovered prioritising self-care, more, incase it helps you!

Check Whether Your Current Routine Aligns With What You Need Right Now

Work out what you need to change or implement in your day. Can you fit in yoga or pilates, either a class or a YouTube video and be consistent with it? Are you able to take a 30 minute walk when you might usually drive? Small steps can lead to great change. I know that watching online content for fun at night is distributing my sleep so I’ve been switching off my phone earlier on a night time and it’s really helped. I love to read so have set myself a goal to read 2 books a month, which I’ve followed consistently this year, expanding my mind and happiness thanks to fiction and non fiction.

I also reflect on the pace of my day and what’s in the diary, always looking for space where I can fill it with acts of self-care whether that’s a short lunchtime walk or alternataing who does bedtime with my youngest, so my husband and I get evenings free on alternate days, leaving room to watch TV, draw or game.

I now factor in relaxation as if it’s part of my job! For example, on days where I have lots of Zoom meetings where I’ll be chatting a lot, I try to ensure I have a quieter evening to compensate. I’ll practice mindfulness or I’ll bake something (usually healthy) we can all enjoy the following day. I’ve also recently taken up an art class on a Wednesday morning which allows me to something I love, simply for me.

I picked up my paint brushes again during the Pandemic (art is my first love) but going on to have a baby in 2021 meant having little time to myself, until now. Now that my youngest child is in school, I’m able to carve out more ‘me time’ and returning to painting has reconnected me to my inner child and brought me immense joy.  

Try a Different Activity Without Overhauling Your Routine

Which leads me onto my next point. Give yourself permission to try something you loved as a child, or something completely new, for the fun of it. This doesn’t mean abandoning a hobby you’ve enjoyed for years or filling every day with unfamiliar experiences, it simply means working out what you love again and doing something to feed the soul. For instance, you could replace one evening of television with drawing in a sketch book (online tutorials can help you start if this is new to you), you could journal, learn a musical instrument or even try a dance class (a friend of mine recently started ballet after finding an adult beginners class near her). Or you might want to do something solitary from home such as gaming. You can use this online casino guide for inspiration.

Start small by devoting a few minutes of your downtime to experimenting so that it doesn’t feel like another demanding commitment on the to-do list. Choose something that interests you and work out how you can make time for it in your schedule. 

Create a Clear Transition Between Responsibilities and Rest

I’ve created a work nook in my home so I can seperate my work and home life. This distinction makes relaxing far easier for me. I also like to leave books in the car (I read several on the go at the same time) so if the weather suits and I’m able I’ll take a walk in the park near the school and will read on a bench or nearby cafe. Knowing my books are with me, means I can read with ease.

Adjust the Environment Where You Unwind

I’ve found cafes near school drop off I know have quiet spaces, or I might go and read in our local library. I discovered a wellbeing centre near my school last year, where I commit to classes either yoga or pilates, which work around school drop off and collection times. I aim to attend twice a week but once at the very least and in doing so, I’ve supported both my physical and mental wellbeing, making me a more relaxed and present mum.

Give Yourself Some Time Without a Planned Activity

If your evenings follow a strict schedule, consider leaving a small part of your downtime open. A schedule might provide structure, but feeling obligated to follow it exactly can make relaxing feel burdensome. Rather than automatically beginning a planned activity, give yourself a brief pause before deciding how to spend the rest of your evening.

During that pause, you might sit comfortably and notice how you feel without immediately starting anything. Just taking the time to be mindful is a luxury so utilise it. You could also try a few minutes of gentle breathing (in for 4, out for 7). The purpose here is to give yourself room to self soothe and choose what you want to do next, intentionally. 

A relaxation routine is an essential part of self-care and maintaining overall wellness, especially in a world that frequently prioritizes productivity. That said, a relaxation routine is most helpful when it provides the relief that you need without adding pressure to an already demanding day. By carefully evaluating how you spend your leisure time, considering how you feel after an activity, and giving yourself the freedom and flexibility to explore experiences, allows you to feel more rested and also excited about life!