5 Ways To Chill Out As a Parent in 2025

5 Ways To Chill Out As a Parent in 2025

I’ve decided to prioritise myself a lot more this year after feeling pretty burnt out over the Christmas holidays. With three kids and a demanding job as a writer and content creator, I really need to carve out more time to chill out and equally have more fun, banking some energy so I have reserves when adversity hits, which it inevitably will whether that’s children becoming unwell or unpredictable weather changes leading to school closures like they have this week! Making deadlines with kids at home demanding snacks and entertainment all day is not for the faint of heart! I also want to make some extra money this year after an expensive few months. I’m going to look for gaming sites (something I enjoy) which make real money payouts.

I hope this post encourages you to take time out as a parent in 2025 too, if we’re not happy and well, everyone in the family suffers right?

 

Taking up nourishing hobbies

I returned to my first love, painting, during the pandemic but quickly abandoned it when I became pregnant became the oil paint fumes were not healthy to inhale and time was short. Last year though, I found a course locally and enjoyed spending a few hours every week learning and painting in a group of others. My mum kindly watched my daughter whilst I attended each week, and it reminded me that doing what makes me happy is critical to my mental health. That I matter too. If you’re unsure of what hobby to take up, reflect on the activities you enjoyed as a child and return to those. It doesn’t matter how proficient you are, that is not the point, all that counts is whether you feel joy when you take part. How about a cookery course or a dance class? Do you research and work out what fits your schedule and budget.

 

Prioritise exercise

Joining a gym has honestly changed my life. Regular exercise be it running or weights has improved both my mental and physical wellbeing. I want to lose weight this year and feel strong and happy and I know that the gym, and walking as much as possible, hitting my 10k step target every day will help me reach my goal. Since having my third child at 40, I’ve yoyo-ed when it comes to weight loss. I started intermittent fasting again in November, fasting for 14 hours most days which has always helped me to lose and maintain weight. This is about being my healthiest self.

Nothing relaxes me more than yoga and mindfulness exercises. There are lots of free apps to help you with mindfulness including Insight Timer, my favourite. You can also access free yoga content on YouTube or why not book a class?

 

Getting outside

We’re an outdoorsy family but finding time to run solo or even walk in the countryside where we live, just myself with my thoughts feels like therapy. In Japan, ‘forest therapy‘ is even prescribed to those feeling stressed. Getting fresh air, a hit of oxygen and simply being in nature has a calming effect.

 

Arranging nights out

This is something I’m desperate to do more of in 2025: dinners and drinks with friends more. Whenever I spend time with my friends, I’m instantly uplifted and I wanted to budget for more fun this year and my kind of fun is great food and fabulous cocktails. I’m a girls’ girl and need more quality time with my friends where we can let our hair down without the responsibility of children.

I hope you chill out more this year, you deserve it and so do I!