As parents with busy, full lives, one of the biggest challenges to self-care can be the perception that you don’t have enough time. The misconception that nurturing yourself requires several hours, a trip to the spa, a babysitter and a wad of cash can be so overwhelming that it’s easier to just say, forget it!

It doesn’t have to be so hard. Do you have 30 minutes?

In 30 minutes you can:

• soak in the tub


• read a chapter of a book


• go for a walk


• meditate


• stretch


• dance to five or six songs (almost a whole CD!)


• have a meaningful conversation with a friend on the phone


• ride your bike around the block


• sit in the sun and daydream

Think about the last time you had a free 30 minutes. You probably answered emails, did a sink load of dishes, worried over bills or had an annoying phone conversation with your insurance company. It is so easy to fill the free moments with the business of life and as parents, we often have the feeling that we should be productive every time we have a break.

Setting aside time every day to nourish yourself is vital to being a present, healthy parent. You will feel calmer and more centered after these short recharge breaks and more productive with your daily tasks. And if you find yourself feeling guilty while you relax in the tub, listening to your favorite CD, just remember: the better care you take of yourself, the more you have to give your loved ones.

What simple activities do you enjoy? The most important elements of the 30-minute recharge are:

1. Set aside the time when you are undisturbed. After the kids go to school, are in bed or being cared for by someone else.


2. Commit to letting go of the to-do lists (mental or written), the worries of the day and the chatter of your mind for the entire 30 minutes.


3. Do something that is simple but that truly nurtures you.


4. Make this a regular ritual in your life (at least three times per week) to really feel the benefits.

So go ahead - seize each moment, all thirty of them!