They say you can’t pour from an empty cup. Of course, this begs the question of how to fill your cup as a parent to make sure you have enough to go around? The obvious answer is to take some well-earned me-time, yet even finding 10 minutes for ourselves when we have a family to take care of can be tough! The good news is there are some strategies we can use to top up our cup and stop us from having to run on empty. Read on to find out what they are.
Meditate or do some yoga
Yoga and/or meditation is a great way to spend 10 minutes of your day. Partly because there is so much good that can come of it including a more mindful attitude, better mental health, and more choice when it comes to deciding how we want to act.
Another great reason to practice meditation or yoga is that it gives those around us a very clear signal that we are busy, and we shouldn’t be interrupted, something that can be very useful when we have kids that are always striving for our attention.
Look for yoga classes, and meditations on content platforms online including Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music. There are even specific apps that offer 10-minute sessions that are the perfect length to fit into your busy day.
Have fun with a puzzle
Puzzles are a great way of taking a micro-break during the day. This is because they are not only a lot of fun to do, but they use up our focus, which means we get some respite from whatever is worrying us too.
There are plenty of puzzles to choose from too, including matching games on our phones, as well as online and paper puzzles like word searches, crosswords, and jumbles. The latter being where you are given the answer but the letters are all jumbled up and you have to use the clue to work out what it might be. Don’t panic that it will be stressful if you struggle to solve jumbles either as you can get some help with any clues you’re not sure about online. Thereby ensuring that your 10-minute activity stays fun and helps you top up your cup.
Enjoy a sweet treat
Another great way to top up your cup is to enjoy a sweet treat. Now, I’m not talking about showing a candy bar as you do other tasks here but making some proper time to enjoy what you are eating.
With that in mind, waiting until the kids are busy or are enjoying a nap is the best option. Then choose a cookie, a slice of cake, or a candy bar and put all your attention on it. Experience the rustle of the packaging, and the smell as you first unwrap it. Then take small, slow bites and note the flavors and textures in your mouth. Combine with your favorite hot or cold beverage too, and leave the TV off so all your focus can be directed towards your indulgence, uninterrupted by the kids.