Don’t Let Stress Rob You 
Or
Your Children of Summer Relaxation and Fun!
Summertime, the season of sun, fun, and relaxation … or is it?
How relaxed are you if your vacation preparations have left you depleted, stressed, and exhausted before you even reach your destination? How much fun are you having if your kids are treading on your last nerve once you arrive? You’re not alone if you feel this way.
It’s easy to fill your (and your children’s) summertime schedule with so many activities that it seems like the routines and confines of school never ended. Your to-do list has no end, technology doesn’t shut down, and it’s easy to clutter your days with busyness. It’s also easy to forget the natural rhythms of rejuvenation, fun, and relaxation that are supposed to come with the summer season. Don’t fall into the trap of robbing yourself and your family of true summer relaxation and renewal.
Many women ask, “How can I take care of myself and my family in a healthier way? How can I calmly raise my family without falling totally off the grid?” As you know there isn’t one simple answer. The good news is summer is a perfect time to make small positive changes and create relaxing and fun rituals that reap huge benefits. You aren’t competing with school-related activities and homework and your children are more relaxed, open, and willing to try new ideas. After practicing these activities over the summer you can carry them into the school year to help relieve the stress of everyday routines.
Relaxation: Play the Wiggle-Still Game
A great way to relax, reconnect with yourself and your child
A favorite game in our family is “Wiggle & Quiet Game.” We play this game after school and Mom and Dad can join in after a busy day at work. Everyone lays on the floor to “get the wiggles out” anyway they want. As you release all your wiggles and giggles the extra energy goes into the ground. You can’t help but laugh at yourself and each other as you do this. Then change the game and see how still you and your child can be—as still as a flower, a rock, a tree. Use your imagination and quiet your mind. With toddlers it may last only a few seconds; but no matter how old you are, you’ll be surprised how just a few minutes of wiggling and laughing followed by quiet time reduces stress and calms the body and mind.
Make a game out of it by tracking the “still” time. Each child has different abilities in this game but everyone wins. Help the little ones count, and at the same time build their math skills. Create a colorful graph of each child’s “still” time and track how much they can increase their “still” time. When you relax, you connect to your inner knowing. As you play this simple game with your child(ren) you’re building self confidence and resilience.
For women who don’t have children (or any at home right now), delight your inner child with some wiggle and quiet time.
Rejuvenation: Create calming rituals as an antidote
for the “new normal”
In light of the “new normal” of our constantly changing, non-stop lives, it’s imperative for our own health and happiness—as well as that of our children—to create regular times of quiet rejuvenation. If you’re a mom, finding the time can be very challenging. However, it’s critical to regularly carve out short periods (even ten minutes) of self-nurturing time for yourself … without the kids.
An opportunity to rejuvenate ( Not for writers only)
You are invited to enhance your relaxation by listening to the Writelighter Radio Spa hosted by Eleyne-Mari on Within Radio. The May 26th radio show features inspiring and relaxing music, a small segment especially for writers, two interviews, a writing detox, a guided meditation, and a beautiful Garden Labyrinth Meditation. Listen to the whole show and check out the spa as Eleyne-Mari’s calming voice guides you through laughter, meditation, and the interviews
I was fortunate to be interviewed about my inspiration for writing the children’s book Angel Violet’s Magic Wings. http://tinyurl.com/inspireradiointerviewonly– (18 minutes). The second interview was with Carla Golden, a massage therapist and a spiritual nutritionist, who shared amazing information about her journey with food.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/within-radio/2014/05/26/writelighter-radio-spa
Download or listen to the complete program, or choose any section for a relaxing summer treat.
How are you relaxing this summer?
Have you found moments of relaxation for yourself and your children? I’d love for you to post your summer fun, quiet, and relaxing rituals. Please post and share your fun time activities and games of the summer!
Enjoying the season of summer fun and relaxation,
Bonnie
PS Please post your comments, ah has and other thoughts about Inspire Radio’s show.
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