Nurturing Your Energy: Finding Balance While Your Kids Are Off School
How to enjoy the holidays, get stuff done, and not lose your sh*t in the process.
May Bank Holiday fun: Me (far right) on the beach in Devon with my sister, daughter and niece (L-R).
Parenting is a demanding gig (possibly the most demanding) on its own, and working (either employed or self-employed/business owner is a demanding gig on its own, so when your combining two or more of these (I see you side-hustlers!) , it can at times feel impossible, and this feeling can increase ten-fold when school holidays roll around. I want you to know that it's totally normal to have days where you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you're running on empty. Being a working parent can be hard, and as women we often bear the lion’s share of the responsibilities, and put our own needs at the bottom of the list of priorities. Here’s a little not-so-secret secret: If you give your everything to your kids, work, home and partner, all you’ll often be left with is feeling burned-out, stressed and maybe even a little resentful - and there’s no fun in that! The key is to gain and maintain a balance between taking care of yourself and your own energy and taking care of everything else.
By implementing a few simple strategies, you can navigate the school holidays with grace, ensuring your well-being while nurturing your little ones. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips to help you maintain a balanced energy body, keep your sanity and find moments of self-care amidst the joyful chaos of life of a working parent during school holidays.
1. Embrace Imperfection and Prioritise Self-Care:
First and foremost, let go of the idea of perfection (and I’m telling you this as a Virgo!) . Parenting is not about perfection, but about doing your best. Release the pressure of having everything under control and allow yourself to embrace imperfections. Prioritising self-care is crucial during this time. I know it can be challenging to find time for yourself with the kids around, but it's essential for your own sanity and energy levels. Carve out small pockets of time for yourself, even if it means waking up a bit earlier, staying up a little later, seeking support from your partner or loved ones, or even locking yourself in the bathroom for a few minutes of solitude (you’d be amazed at how often I do this and how little my children notice!). Use this time for activities that rejuvenate your soul, such as reading, journaling, a few minutes of meditation, or simply enjoying some a moment of quiet solitude. Self-care doesn’t always need to be grand gestures, these small moments of rejuvenation can work wonders. Nurture your own needs to maintain your energy levels and show up as the best version of yourself for your children.
2. Set Boundaries and Communicate:
Setting boundaries is a powerful act of self-preservation. Clearly communicate your needs to your family and set aside dedicated time for yourself. Establish specific areas or hours when you can have uninterrupted moments of self-care. Communicate your boundaries with love and explain to your family members that these moments are non-negotiable and necessary for you to recharge. Communicate any work/school holiday challenges to others in your business or your upline in advance as far as you are able to and seek advice from your HR department should you need to.
3. Learn to Say No (and be unapologetic about it) :
Now, let's talk about the art of saying "no". As parents, we often feel the need to be superheroes, but here's the truth: you can't do it all, nor should you have to. Understand that it's okay to say no, to prioritise your needs and to set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Learn to assess your energy levels, where your energy may be blocked and what things drain your energy unnecessarily. Be selective about commitments and obligations. This will allow you to protect your time and reserve energy for the things that truly matter. If you’re not used to saying no, it may feel a little uncomfortable the first time but trust me, this discomfort will quickly be replaced by a feeling of empowerment and a sense of peace. Saying no is not a selfish act — it's an act of self-preservation.
4. Seek Support and Build a Community Network:
Remember, you don't have to do it all alone. Reach out to your partner, family, or friends for support without the guilt. If your budget allows, enrol your children into a holiday club and/or outsource household tasks. Holiday clubs are a great way for children to have fun, learn new skills, make new friends or spend time with existing ones, all while being being cared for and enabling you do what you need to do for work, home or yourself. Outsourcing housework such as cleaning, ironing gardening or the weekly food shop (an online shop for delivery is another way to save time) , can create space for you to handle your other responsibilities and engage in more self-care activities.
Having a network of fellow parents who understand the challenges and joys of parenting can be invaluable (plus points if they are like-minded or similarly humoured) . Sharing experiences, offering and receiving support, and exchanging advice can make you feel understood and less alone and can also provide a sense of camaraderie to lighten the load.
5. Create a Routine or Structure:
Now, I understand that schedules can go out the window when the kids are off school, but try your best to establish some sort of routine. A loose structure can provide a sense of stability for both you and the kids. Of course, make sure there's room for flexibility and spontaneous fun, but having a general plan can help keep things in order. Children thrive with routines, and having a structured day can also benefit you. Plan a schedule that includes time for activities with your children, as well as time for yourself.
6. Make Self-Care a Family Affair:
Engage your children in activities that benefit everyone, like going for walks, dancing together, having a pamper morning or afternoon, or taking turns giving each other massages. This not only reinforces the importance of self-care to your children, but also creates beautiful moments of connection and joy with your little ones.
7. Connect with nature:
Spend time outdoors with your children, whether it's going for walks, visiting a park, or simply enjoying your backyard. Nature has a grounding effect and can help restore your energy and expel some of the excess energy your children may have. One of my favourite sayings that I picked up when my daughter was at nursery is “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices”, so if it’s raining get your wellies and waterproofs on and get searching for muddy puddles!
8. Find joy in everyday moments:
Laughter truly is the best medicine. let's not underestimate the power of laughter and play. Find ways to infuse laughter into your daily life, find moments to connect with your kids and let your inner child out. Engage in silly games, have dance parties in the living room, build blanket forts together, share funny stories, watch silly videos, or engage in playful banter with your littles. Not only will this bring joy to your children, but it'll also uplift your own spirits and bring a sense of lightness to the day.
9. Book an Energy Healing Session:
Energy Healing such as Quantum Healing with Reiki promotes a holistic approach to healing, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of the self and so it can be a valuable addition to your self-care activities. By incorporating Quantum Reiki into their schedules, my clients have experienced benefits including deep relaxation, reduction in stress, increased energy, improved emotional wellness, enhanced physical healing and an improvement in their overall well-being - and all without having to leave the house!
10. Practice Mindfulness:
Mindfulness can help you stay present, grounded, and centred. Take a few moments each day to practice deep breathing exercises or meditation. When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few deep breaths. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and then exhale slowly. Deep breathing can help calm your nervous system, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of calm. I engage my children in short meditations or mindful activities suitable for children, so this is something you can do with your family as well as on your own.
11. Foster an Attitude of Gratitude:
Develop an attitude of gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Take a few moments each day to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings and moments of joy, no matter how small.. This mindset shift can bring a sense of positivity and balance to your energy body. You can also incorporate gratitude into your daily routine with your kids. no matter how big or small they are. Encourage them to share something they're grateful for each day, and take a moment to express your own gratitude. This is particularly useful for teenagers when they have their “my life sucks” moments. It’s a simple practice that can shift the focus to the positive aspects of your lives and create a sense of joy and appreciation.
12. Practice Self-Compassion:
Parenting can be demanding, and we are usually our own worst critics, so it's important to practice self-compassion. Be kind and gentle with yourself when things don't go as planned or when you feel overwhelmed. Remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. Treat yourself with the same understanding and forgiveness that you would extend to a close friend. Self-compassion is a powerful tool for maintaining balance in your energy body.
TL;DR: Parenting and working while your kids are off school requires finding a balance between caring for your children and nurturing your own energy. Remember, every parent faces unique challenges, so it's important to find what works best for you and your family. Embrace the imperfections, prioritise self-care, and set boundaries to protect your well-being. Create routines and find joy in everyday moments. Practice self-compassion and connect with other parents who can offer support.
Remember, you are doing an incredible job as a working parent, and by taking care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of your children and your other responsibilities. So my lovely, take a deep breath, embrace the beautiful chaos, and cherish the moments of love and growth on this journey. Trust in your strength and resilience. and know that you've got this! Take care of yourself, and if you ever need a listening ear or more tips, I'm here for you!
Big Love,
Desreen