9 Relaxing Ideas do to at home (with kids too!)
You might be getting tired of binge-watching Netflix series, Instagram stalking or other passive activities which are not contributing to your overall wellbeing? Here are some great alternatives so you can explore something a little bit different, and maybe even feel good about it!
-Set up a Home Spa-
This might sound obvious and simple, but for those who are still having back to back meetings with children running around, enjoying a "Spa time" can sound like an old luxury dream...
Clear your schedule and take a long bubble bath, give some TLC to your hair by making a natural leave in conditioner, paint your nails, make a DIY face mask with natural ingredients from your fridge! Make the most of having time to relax and focus on your hair & beauty regime: and when your skin is glowing to perfection and your hair looking super lush, you will feel physically and mentally relaxed and ready to fight another day!
-Move stuff around-
Because our minds quickly adapt to our surroundings, switching up your interior can make a big impact when trying to refocus you creative energy. Try moving furniture around your home to force yourself to look at things in a new and different light—the fresh atmosphere (and thought behind it) is sure to inspire your creativity.
-Give your garden some TLC-
The sun is out! The perfect time to start on the garden and even get a little creative…
Who needs to spend hundreds in a planter when you can do it yourself?
My father reused planks of wood that he had lying around in the garage and built 2 planter boxes with 3 tools; a saw, nails and a hammer. A great little hobby for him in the garden :)
Planting some seeds and watch flowers, herbs or vegetables grow in the next coming months. The new growth will be a reminder that life is going on outside and it will also make your home look great and smell great too. Shop here!
-Learn to Meditate-
If you can learn to calm your mind then you will never be stressed or worried about the changing news again. Find a comfortable place where you can sit down, close your eyes and focus only on your breathing: taking deep breaths in and out.
I also find it nice to capture myself sitting on a beach, white sands and clear water and focusing on the waves (my breathing).
Find some guidance on meditation here
-Write a Gratitude List-
Most people are feeling scared and anxious about the virus, and the impact it may have on them and their family. Writing a gratitude list of the things that you still have to be thankful for can be a great tool for calming and reassuring yourself, whilst maintaining a positive mental attitude.
A great book to purchase which sends abundance of positivity your way: “Good vibes, Good life” by Vex King.Order here.
GETTING THE KIDS INVOLVED
When you are a parent, or simply have to share your environment with kids, it might be a bit more difficult to find relaxing time for yourself, and to be able to stay focuses and productive. Doing something with the children might actually be your solution, to share a positive moment and feel calmer after.
-New recipes in the kitchen-
My eldest sister loves to get my little nephews involved in the kitchen. This is a way for children to enhance their skills and it is fun for both. It also helps getting them (and you!) focused and calm for a good time!
They recently made pizza and the kids loved choosing their own toppings on their individual mini pizza’s. I get most of my recipes from Laura Vitale - a chef originally from Italy, who in my opinion makes the best starters, mains and desserts. I’ve made quesadillas to meat and onion pie to chocolate fudge brownies!
My all time favourite recipe which goes down a treat for adults and kids: strawberry turnovers. You can find the recipe and more on her website
She also has her own cook book.
-Create a space just for your pet-
Your pets are literally a part of the family, so why not create a special place just for them. Get your kids involved and make it into a mini project with them. Think pet teepees, DIY felt cat toys, and sweater pet beds, making life just a little bit brighter for your favourite furry friend.
-Camp Out Indoors kids-
Get your sleeping bags together, a tent and a stack of board games and snacks. You can enjoy an indoors camping trip (or even outside in the garden). This is a simple way to unplug the TV, leave your phones on the table and reconnect with your family.
-Activities for kids in the garden-
Don’t have a football net- no problem. Draw one with chalk or use props instead. Let your imagination go wild. You can also use chalk to draw a hopscotch on the floor, use big pebbles in the garden as a multiplication and subtraction game. Turn your garden into a fun maths lesson.
Sometimes it’s the smallest of changes in your home that make the biggest impacts!