Try these slightly longer practices to soothe yourself, recharge, and take care of your own needs, with ideas from Dr. Rick Hanson’s book A Happy, Healthy Mom.
Fifteen-Minute Soothers
• Take a long shower.
• Read a magazine.
• Go for a short walk and look for beauty.
• Arrange flowers in a vase.
• Cuddle up with your children or your partner.
• Call a friend for a quick chat.
• Be especially loving with someone.
• Lie down for a brief nap.
• Meditate for fifteen minutes.
• Exercise, dance, stretch, or do yoga.
Thirty-Minute Soothers
• Read a good book.
• Take a bath – maybe with bubbles.
• Watch a TV show.
• Go for a walk.
• Treat yourself to a good nap.
• Trade a neck rub or foot massage with your partner.
• Do some art or a craft.
• Play a musical instrument.
• Put some flowers in every room in the house.
• Call a friend and really talk.
• Make love with your partner (or yourself, as long as that’s not in conflict with your beliefs).
One Hour Soothers
• Go for a run, swim, or bike ride, even if you have to arrange special childcare to get an hour to yourself.
• Get a manicure.
• Go out to lunch with your partner, a friend, or a good book.
• Visit your church or temple.
• Browse through a bookstore.
• Provide a simple charitable service to someone in more need than you.
• Go for a walk in a park.
• Prepare a really nice meal just for yourself or treat yourself to a special lunch.
