I’m taking a good 3 days OFF from parenting.   I can hear the gasps of horror alongside the moans of wanting this sooo bad…

Time off is a way to stay fresh, self connected and through that, more available for those you love. It is also one of the most uncomfortable activities to settle into and get used too.  We never stop!  We are most often doing for others and getting a lot out of the feel good parts of being busy activities. ( search chemical oxytocyn)

We have a part of the brain that says – How could you? and that triggers the guilty thinking to continue just as you are.  As a parent you know it is an ongoing relentless demand on the mind and body – parents need a break! Parents need to choose taking a break for their health and the health of the family.

How to get through he 1st 24

- you need to tell your mind to shut up and white knuckle yourself to go through with your time off!

- choose the purpose/ higher values you will honor by practicing self care

- get support of friends you can call as you take your first day/days off  (mine were filled with tears
because I just didn’t know what to do with myself- that’s the point to do nothing)

- chores, task lists, home reno’s are not taking time off; sleep, reading, sex, walking, sleep, sitting with
feelings, journaling, crafting, sleep, eating are all time off  activities.

- choosing to practice time off once a month , bi-monthly and at some regular interval.  Book it in and
make is a part of family life.

My time’s up now – back to the couch to nap, enjoy some uniterupetd TV and do a little meditation.