What do you do to unwind?

[Hybrid Mom]

We have a lot on our plates. Some of us are starting businesses while others are working full-time outside the home. Some of us are stay-at-home mothers and others of us homeschool our children.

When do you find time to unwind? What do you do?

[Kelly - Macaroni and Glue]

Great topic! I'm looking forward to some great advice on this one...

As a creative type, I find that making something with my hands is the best way for me to "let go" of all the daily stresses that come with being a SAHM. In fact, although it adds some stresses of its own, running my business is probably the most important thing I do to "unwind," or to separate myself a bit from role as homemaker. For me there is nothing more relaxing than sitting down with a repetitive task that results in something pretty and handmade, i.e. a large invitation order or a stack of handcrafted greeting cards.

Once upon a time, I would have told you that I enjoy a nice warm bath now and then, but truthfully, I don't slow down enough for that anymore. What do others do to stay mellow?

[MicheleD]

There are two things I must do just about every day or else my day is completely stressful, 1) read my bible and pray/meditate and 2) run or workout. I usually do these activities first thing in the morning (I wake up at 4:30-5 am) before anyone wakes up. If I've had an especially tough day and need to immediately unwind, I'll do either of these activities again during the day, but afterward I take a long shower and go straight to bed.

[EJ Suh]

I read entrepreneurial books or magazines or O the Oprah mag and draw a bath with candles and drink tea. I also do puzzles with my youngest or do my daughter's nails. We all pet our cat Zuki until she gets annoyed with all the attention and moves to another part of the house lol.

Also I indulge every couple of months by getting a pedicure. It's really the simple things in life that help me refocus. I catch up on emails as my kids read silently. I write bits of my memoir and meditate on life.

[Shauna]

Watched the lion ing with the hubbty!! Beautiiful story!!!

[Amy Clary]

That's easy. I grab my iPod, make a huge cup of hot chocolate, and lounge on the couch or lazyboy with a magazine.

[Julie Mitchell]

I listen to classical music while I wash the dishes and I drink one glass of wine with dinner. Really helps. I also talk to and pet my two cats. And I watch TV on demand which may make me shallow but I love it. Then I read in bed...

[Lucky Kiona]

I read, read read read read and read. I have a huge 'to read' book list and it's absolutely my favorite way to get transported into a world that is not my own. I read before I go to bed, while I work out (on the treadmill), when I need a break, after my kid goes to bed, and when I am lucky I even get a few pages in before getting up in the morning while my hubby gives the little man his breakfast. Even a page or two does the trick for me.

[Carole@hippostoes]

I love to read. I wish I had more time right now. Even if I go to bed at midnight, which happens frequently, I try to squeeze in 15-20 minutes. I also like to go for a run. That helps to clear my head and sometimes allows me to see things in a different way.