Mom’s Off Duty! 5 Ways to Enjoy Some Truly Indulgent Me-Time Tonight (And Most Nights)
Ever talk to another mom friend and realize that, even if you live states away or your kids go to bed at totally different times, the nightly grind is always the same? Get the kids to sleep (story, water, nightlight—check), load the dishwasher, put away the magnetic tiles/crayons/stuffed animals for what feels like the tenth time that day, and then, when it’s all said and done, you end up getting sucked into a social media vortex instead of maximizing that much-needed me-time. The truth is, we all need an escape (even just for a few minutes) from routine to fuel the soul. Fortunately, you don’t have to leave home to get away. Instead, try one of these easy ways to shake up the every day and treat yourself to sweet relief on repeat.
Have a new hobby
Want to learn how to knit? Or do tai chi? Or perfect your photography so you can finally take your camera off auto mode? Use that hour or two between the kids’ bedtime and your own to try something new. A set period of time at night won’t feel too overwhelming—plus, you can find tons of videos, how-tos, or even online classes to help you go at your own pace. “Learning, dreaming, and planning keeps you grounded and growing,” says Ann McKitrick, a parenting coach and host of the Parenting in the First 3 Years podcast. It’s a way to wind down with something that makes you happy. “Being ‘on’ all day is exhausting. We need to turn down the volume on that alert system to re-energize both physically and emotionally,” McKitrick says.
Eat dessert
Because life is too short, and you should always treat yo’self. And really, what could be better than some decadent ice cream? Well, ice cream inspired by sweet street eats from around the world, naturally. The new Häagen-Dazs City Sweets Collection features five scrumptious flavors. Think, combos like Black & White Cookie, a phenomenal mix of, yup, iconic cookie chunks, Vanilla Bean ice cream, and chocolate frosting ribbon. Another winner: Summer Berry Cake Pop, a swirl of Strawberry and Sweet Cream ice creams, fluffy cake bites, and tangy raspberry sauce that also comes in bar form—for sweet satisfaction anytime and anywhere.
Get your ohm on
McKitrick calls meditation the perfect relaxer and exactly what’s needed to help restore sanity at the end of a long day. If you’re new to the practice, there are a number of meditation apps available to get you started (many of which are free). Or follow McKitrick’s easy tips: Sit comfortably (in a chair or on a floor cushion) and count to four as you breathe in; hold four counts, exhale slowly while you count to four; hold four counts at the bottom, and then repeat. This simple process is proven to bust stress, help you snooze more soundly, and refocus, McKitrick says. Real talk: We know, sitting in stillness is H.A.R.D. when you have a thousand thoughts rushing in, so why not give yourself an incentive for completing the challenge–in ice cream form? A bowl of Häagen-Dazs City Sweets Coffee Chocolate Brownie, which mixes Coffee ice cream, gooey brownie pieces, espresso fudge sauce, and crunchy cocoa nibs, is exactly the kind of reward that would rev up mojo for just about anything.
Do dinner and dessert late(r)
It’s a familiar scene for parents of young kids: Every time you sit down to dinner and attempt an adult convo with your partner, as if on cue, a little voice pipes up with questions or stories they have to tell you right.that.second. So, use their bedtime to your advantage—by waiting until after they turn in to have dinner, followed by the best part: a bowl of Häagen-Dazs City Sweets Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Ice Cream, a combo of Chocolate ice cream, peanut butter, and pretzel pieces (it also comes in bar form, just saying). “Once the kids go to bed, take time for uninterrupted conversation and connection,” McKitrick says. Or you could skip dinner altogether once in a while and get right to the dessert. Even if you’re simply sharing spoonfuls from the carton, it’s a chance to catch up and connect.
Soak in the benefits
When in doubt, a bath is always a good idea. Maybe you don’t feel like waiting for the water to run (we feel you), but all you need to do is catch up on some reading while you wait. While bubbles are indulgent, add in some lavender essential oil to induce sleep and soothing Epsom salt. The magnesium and sulfate ions in the salt are thought to ease everything from stress and anxiety to sore muscles, according to the Cleveland Clinic. But, to truly make the experience even sweeter? Savor a little treat, like, say, a Häagen-Dazs City Sweets Dulce de Leche Churro Ice Cream Bar, a blend of Dulce de Leche ice cream, crunchy cinnamon-dusted churro bits, and dulce de leche sauce (in addition to the bar form, it comes in a container, too). Bliss, delivered.
Find luxury where you are —dip into creamy, dreamy magic from the City Sweets collection at Haägen-Dazs.com.
This article was created by SheKnows for Haagen-Dazs.
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