We keep saying parenting is exhausting but no one forced you, right? So, let’s make it fun and not feel pressurized.
Ok, I can say this because it’s almost 10 years now and I have learnt it the hard way – After cribbing about parenting and shedding numerous tears when the going got tough.
I am a stay at home mom so most of my time of the day is spent in the role of a mother. Mornings go in preparing breakfast and lunch. Afternoon goes in taking up studies, evenings go in pick up and drop to classes. In between all this madness, I have now a dedicated time for myself.
After 8:00 A.M, it’s me and my laptop. No one interferes. Other people at home know I am writing. I might not publish a post daily on the blog but that’s the time I am writing because Mishti is at school.
It’s only at 12:00 noon that I get up from the hot seat to eat lunch, finish the remaining household chores and then I spend my time in taking a nap; preparing myself for Mishti’s arrival from school because after this I will be running on the tick of the clock.
So, how I keep myself energized and look forward to the next morning with hope?
Here’s how-
I’ll tell you today about 3 ways I energize myself when I feel exhausted with parenting.
Exercise:
This is my favourite. I exercise daily so that daily chores and parenting duties do not become stressful. After dropping Mishti for her swim class in the evening, I head to the gym. I do not work out at home. Going to the gym is an opportunity for me to go out of the home, meet people- especially meet young people and workout with them. I miss my teaching days only because I miss the interaction with young people, going to the gym gives me that happiness. When one is approaching the 40’s, it’s always fun to be with people 10-15 years younger to you. I take it as a learning opportunity. I get to know about the new songs that are liked and loved by the millennials, the books they are reading, the new restaurants they are visiting (yes, we discuss food too while exercising) and many more things. Also, when I lift weights similar to them, when I see I have developed stamina and strength which is no less than them, it increases my confidence. I love myself more whenever I experience this.
I am not sure if you have checked my post on my CrossFit workout. If not, do click the hyperlink. (some boosting is allowed, right?)
Saturday movie date:
First, let’s talk about facts.
- Life in a metro is hectic.
- Parents do not have time to spend alone without kids.
- Homes in a city like Mumbai are small. So, there is a lack of privacy.
- Spouses are workaholics.
- A lot of travelling for work. Solo parenting is routine.
This is my life story. But I am not complaining. I treasure my Marriage and am enjoying each day. But to keep the romance brewing after more than 20 years of being in a relationship can be challenging. So, we devised a plan. Whenever hubby is in town on weekends (yes, like I said there is a lot of travelling for work) we go for a movie for the last show on Saturdays. We relive our dating years and those non-parenting years. And Sunday’s are for family because they need time with him too.
This way parenting and daughter in law duties do not become exhausting for me.
Spending time alone:
More than parenting all the other roles along with parenting makes parenting more exhausting. Because our kids become our punching bags. It’s easy to remove our frustrations on them because we feel powerful before them.
If you experience this, please introspect. I have gone through such emotional turmoil a few years ago. It spoils your relationship with the child, it hampers your child’s self-esteem and your child loses his trust in you.
So, whenever I feel lost, exhausted or unhappy, I leave home a bit early before I have to reach to pick up daughter from school, visit a mall, or grab a coffee and observe people around me. I need only 10-15 minutes to feel re-energized. So, once I am back home with her, I am happy and can get on with all the daily tasks.
I also have my books for a company and I know that my friends who are just a phone call away so that’s what I do when parenting takes up all my energies.
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What do you do? Tell me in comments, I could try it too.
This post is a part of Momology blog train hosted by Thoughts by Geethica, Slimexpectations, Mummasaurus and Truly Yours Roma sponsored by FirstCry Intellikit, Instacuppa, Diet Funda, Hugs n tugs, Tina Basu, Unorthodoxpeeps, Lotus Herbals baby and Shumee toys.
Read my first post in #momology series My Parenting Mantras for Pre-Teens
You can read about other ways to feel re-energised written for #momology blog train on Monika’s blog Alu Bhujia and Roopali’s blog Hello Momy
Until then,
Happy Parenting!