Often a mom’s life is so overflowing with stress that peaceful moments are left only to our dreams. As Cher would say, “Snap out of it!” Time-outs aren’t just for kids, and you don’t even have to be bad to get one. We wholeheartedly support you giving yourself a time-out at least once a week (once a day would be even better. In those precious moments force yourself to do something you enjoy — if nothing comes to mind try one of these relaxing ideas.

Cucumber Chill Out.
The next time you’re making a salad for dinner, stash a couple of cucumber slices in the fridge. Pull them out later and place them over both eyes while you lie down for a nap. While this might seem a bit cliche, cucumbers have a calming effect that reduces the appearence of puffy eyes.

Pen Pal.
With all that is hurried about communication today (think PDAs, cellphones, email, it can be incredibly soothing to pull out a nice card or piece of stationery and hand write a letter to a friend. On a similar note, if you’ve been wronged by someone, vent your frustrations in a handwritten never-to-be-mailed letter. This will help you get things out of your mind and off your chest, while preserving delicate relationships.

Purr-fect Stretch.
Borrowed from yoga, practice the Cat Stretch to help relieve tension and improve your breathing. Inspired by the curves of a cat’s back, to do the stretch get down on the floor with your hands placed directly beneath your shoulders and your knees right under your hips (like a table. Breathe out and slowly round your back up and bring your chin to your chest. Continue breathing and hold this position for a count of five. Breathe in again and slowly uncurl your back while raising your head up until you’re looking straight ahead. Hold for a count of five. Repeat the exercise five times.

Private Karaoke.
In the privacy of your own home or bedroom (with our without accompaniment cut loose and belt out the words to your favorite song. While you’re groovin’, we’re pretty sure you won’t be able to help smiling! On second thought, your kids would probably be perfectly happy to indulge with you in a family karaoke session.

More Ideas?