As parents, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs. I don't know about you, but I've found all that "need" eventually makes me burn out if I don't make the effort to take care of myself too.
It's certainly a lot harder to fill your little one's emotional needs if your own emotional bank account is on empty.
So now that school is back in session and life is returning (thankfully!) to routine, I'm planning on focusing more on me. Here are eight ideas on how you can find that important time for yourself in on the Olympic Peninsula too:
1. Enjoy lunch with a friend
Whether you stay at home or work outside the home, lunch is a great time to meet a friend. It helps break up the day and gives you renewed energy to face the rest of your day. Grab a sunny spot on the deck at Howell's Sandwich Shop in Port Townsend! Affordable, beautiful, and exceptional service and delicious food. You can't go wrong.
2. Find your "people"
Join a local parenting group on Facebook, get together with other parents from your child's school, or find a local club or organization that matches your interests.
3. Schedule a spa day
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a spa day at Soak on the Sound in Port Townsend. A 45 minute soak will change your mood and be just what you need to clear your head. Your newly energized self will thank you.
4. Spend time outdoors
In 1845, Henry David Thoreau wrote "Walden" while secluded in the woods of Massachusetts. More than 50 years later, many scientists agree that Thoreau's meditation on life and nature is spot on. Give nature a try; you won't regret it. Some of my favorite trails for a beautiful meditative walk are found here on the Jefferson Land Trust web site: https://saveland.org/protected-properties/property-map/
5. Try a new hobby or activity
It's easy to get bogged down with all of life's "busyness." Take a little time away and explore an activity or hobby you've always wanted to try. From individual hobbies like photography or quilting to group activities like paint nights, running, or cycling groups, there's something for everyone. Keep posted on our schedule here on Macaroni Kid as I worked diligently to post events for adults only too so you can find something for just you!
6. Plan a romantic date night
Enlist the help of grandparents or exchange date night babysitting with a friend. Have dinner at your favorite restaurant, enjoy a movie or theater performance, or take a walk outdoors at sunset. Some of my favorite date night places are Kokopelli in PA, Kuh Larb or Silverwater in Port Townsend, C'est Si Bon in PA, Ajax in Chimacum, or The Fireside in Port Ludlow. Where you go doesn't matter, but having your partner along will make the night special.
7. Savor the solitude
Spending time alone is good for the soul. Read a book after the kids are in bed or at school, take a walk in your neighborhood alone, or go for a drive to nowhere special. Don't feel like you always have to be doing something "productive." This is probably the hardest thing for me to do because I feel such guilt if I'm sitting idle. But, rest is what our bodies and minds crave the most.
8. Check the Olympic Peninsula Macaroni Kid calendar
There are so many fun family-friendly events on the Olympic Peninsula, many of which are also perfect to attend alone, with a friend, or with your partner. Take a few minutes out of your busy life and charge your emotional battery by doing something you enjoy -- even if you don't take the kids!
Taking care of yourself is so important, and not something to be overlooked. I've found that taking care of myself helps make me happier and healthier -- which, in turn, makes me a better parent at the end of the day.
