Last updated on December 4, 2016 by Liza Hawkins
Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies sponsored this post about taking time to unwind and transition to calm after a busy day.
If your day is anything like mine, you probably feel like a cross between “Taz” the Tasmanian Devil and Wonder Woman. I (thankfully) have a husband who’s willing to pitch in with the housework, and yet I still burn the candle at both ends on a daily basis.
- I’m sure I can squeeze one. more. load. of laundry in before bed.
- I should really unload the dishwasher before I sit down.
- I’ll edit one more series of blog photos before calling it a night.
- I can definitely squeeze in a mid-week grocery trip between dropping the eldest off at dance and picking her up two hours later.
Why sit when I can do ALL the things ALL the time? I actually don’t have a great answer. It’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone. My husband knows how to decompress.
I have girlfriends who understand the importance of carving out “me” time that doesn’t involve freelance work (<— me).
The only time I’ve been able to figure out how to pull away from the day-to-day chaos and savor a simple, disconnected life has been during recent family vacations. But that’s merely a break for a week or two. I believe this transition can (should!) also be applied to my normal days, not just my vacation days.
3 Simple Ways To Unwind
1. Close the laptop. (At least for a while.)
It’s not realistic for me to close my laptop after work for the whole evening. After my day job, my freelance work begins, and unless I want to start my day at 4 a.m., some of that needs to happen at night. What I’ve started doing, however, is keeping the personal laptop closed until after dinner during the week. When I get home from work it’s all about making dinner (which I happen to find relaxing and fun), hanging with the family, and not staring at a screen. I even {GASP!} try to leave my phone in the other room – close enough to still hear it ring, or chirp with a text, but far enough away that I’m not swiping to check updates ALL. THE. TIME.
2. Leave the dishes and don’t worry about the laundry.
The Type-A in me wants all the counters clean, dishes unloaded and loaded into the dishwasher, and that last (well, almost last) load of laundry started before heading to bed for the night. Sure, it’s nice to have a clean kitchen. But not at the expense of relaxing a bit in the evening or going to bed at 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. A year ago I would’ve given myself side eyes for even thinking about a leaving a dirty kitchen until the next day. Like any habit, I’ve grown to not mind so much. Sure, I might have to re-wash a load of laundry that didn’t make it to the dryer in the same day, but the world WILL NOT END because of it. Truly. (And, it means I can get to bed earlier. Zzzzz…..)
3. Enjoy a special treat each night and really savor it.
I love a glass of wine in the evening after the kids go to bed (okay, it’s often just after I get home from work – same difference). But what I enjoy even more these days is a little habit I’ve developed to transition from mom, freelancer, marketer, friend, wife, etc. to just having a little time to myself. The introvert in me needs it. It’s called: MILK and COOKIES. And sometimes: WINE and COOKIES. Yes, I bake cookies weekly. But not all the cookies I love are baked from scratch – I’m not a homemade cookie snob! Take Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies, for example. I love the soft cookie mixed with a thin chocolate center – sweet, but not too sweet. It’s nostalgic; my parents used to buy them when I was a kid. My current favorite is the Orange Milano. The light citrus-y scent spills out of the bag as soon as it’s opened, and yet the orange doesn’t overwhelm. It’s delightful!
Milk and Milano cookies are the perfect book-reading companions, great for decompressing and enjoying alone time. I can get sucked into a novel sooooo easily, which can be a problem when it comes to hitting that 10 p.m. bedtime. HA! I also take time to watch my favorite shows once the kids are in bed (Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland) or a great movie (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Julie and Julia), and settling in with milk (or wine!) and cookies. It’s a great transition from hectic juggling of all the things, into a little space for myself. To pause and reflect upon how great life is, and to truly appreciate the small things.
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How do you unwind and grab some “me time” after a chaotic day? Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.
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I like to relax by going on a nature walk or by enjoying a cup of coffee.
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/595345052689420288
I take time for myself by making healthy smoothies, and spending time doing my yoga and meditation. It really helps me stay focused!
Tweet entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/595357938450993152
I take a walk and then enjoy an iced tea.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/595365049826410496
I like to take hot bubble band to relax
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/595390530567077888
I relax with a hot bubble bath and these cookies.
A good nap and music always makes me happy, but so does a good cookie.
I love to take a long hot shower and then savor some tasty dessert such as ice cream and cookies.
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/595564132583211008
I unwind and grab some “me time” after a chaotic day by sitting out on the patio with a good book and a nice glass of wine.
I tweeted about this promotion. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/595614373521059840
I will run to get some me time, but I reward myself with double chocolate Milanos! Frozen are my favorite!
Love this! As moms we’re eternally multitasking. I rarely take “me” time, but I love a glass of wine at night and something sweet. My guilty pleasure is anything with “housewives” in the title…no thinking required.
What great ways to unwind and I would add read a good book to this for myself, too 😉
I like reading a good book
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/596030961063690240
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/596051995674472448
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Reading (just about anything) or writing in one of my many journals.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Enjoy the peace and quiet tranquility of our screened in back porch. Watching the cardinals and the squirrels play too.
I unwind and grab some “me time” by taking a long hot bath after a chaotic day.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/596170536503259136
After getting the children bathed and settled down, I put my feet up and have a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
A bubble bath along with a candle burning and a glass of wine sitting next to the tub. I feel like I’m the only person in the World and nothing can take that away from me while I’m taking a tubby!
I like to make a cup of coffee, grab a good book, and read a bit in the quiet of my bedroom.
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/596328081507295232
I like to unwind at night with some good music and a stiff drink.
Tweet- https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/596398970705838082
I sneak away when my kids are sleeping OR when my husband comes home I will take a bath with my book and lock the door just for a little break !:)
Thanks! xoxoxo
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/596407819726770176
I find time for myself with a good book or a movie.
tweeted https://twitter.com/mom22girlz/status/596563626334392321
I love to savor a sweet treat as well!!
I like to take a hot shower and sing at the top of my lungs
I like to take a hot bath and read a good book.
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/596900451737407488
I unwind and grab some “me time” after a chaotic day by enjoying my backyard by relaxing out on the patio with a good book.
My tweet posted here: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/597275663360339968
I like to take a coffee break in the afternoon.
i like to relax on my patio with a cup of iced coffee.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/600320939352563714
When I need a little me time I make a cup of coffee and enter my giveaways and read up on the latest blog post!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/602266986375041026
I have a glass of hot cocoa and watch the hummingbird feeders
I like to unwind by pouring myself a cup of tea (very soothing) and have my favorite treat, either cookies, cake, or ice cream. And…watch my favorite TV show. 🙂 My favorite time of the day!
amy [at] utry [dot] it
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/605254183013384192
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I unwind with a long spin class session all by myself. It feels great to work out and refresh my body!
My favorite way to take time for myself is a cup of tea, a cookie and a nice magazine
I love to go out running. It helps me clear my mind and I like getting lost in the music.
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/610191784321372160
I love to curl up with a treat, something to drink and catch up on the tv shows or movies I’ve been wanting to watch 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/610358876727185409
I like to do yoga 🙂
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Sitting outside with my hubby enjoying the fresh air and a peaceful moment in nature together
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/610444577858813953
I like to take time out to take a hot bath and relax afterwards with hot chocolate and cookies.
A nice glass of iced tea and a book on the deck is all I need.
I enjoy relaxing with a good book. Thanks so much.
I like reading a good book
I love taking time for myself by going hiking. It’s my favorite way of getting in touch with nature. 🙂
I like to unwind with a good book and a glass of wine, or a cup of hot cocoa.
I like to unwind with a cold glass of iced tea, a good book and maybe a cookie!
tweet https://twitter.com/suburbsanity/status/610555243559059459
I take a stress relief bath with no phone, kids, or noise.
Love something in quiet – like a facial, massage or steam with my favorite milk chocolate Milano afterwards! Been years but a tired, working mom can dream! tvollowitz at aol dot com
I love to unwind by doing some at home spa treatments or taking a nice run on a pretty day
My favorite way to unwind is to play games on my iPad Mini after the kids have gone to bed.
Of course I also want an iced coffee!
thank you
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/610672489178402816
I unwind by reading in bed in the evening.
I love to lay around watching movies or TV with my favorite snack.
I like to unwind by watching a little brainless television
To find me time I go in a quiet room and read.
I unwind with a long hot shower and a cup of tea.
kport207 at gmail dot com
I leave the dishes after dinner and just watch TV.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/612779466813775872
I like to read a book while drinking coffee.
A long, hot shower.
I spend me time reading a good book to unwind.
I unwind by going for a walk in the park, it gives me time to clear my head and relax.
I like to unwind at the end of the day on my computer with a hot cup of coffee.
I like to sit in my backyard with cool glass of iced tea.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/614525960323371013
i unwind after work each day by relaxing in my recliner and watching my soap operas!
I posted a tweet here; https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/614603758643744768
Sometimes I just need a good book to get lost in. 🙂
pixelberrypie at yahoo dot com
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/614648130173276160
In winter I go for a nice hot bath with a glass of wine.
In summer, a glass of tea and that weeks New Yorker.
My me time is sitting on my balcony reading a good book and drinking a glass of wine.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/614826719028056064
I watch a movie and eat some chocolate.
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/614846577404944385
I like to watch some good shows or movies on netflix
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/614939710708940800
I like me time that I can read a book – sometimes I play hide and seek with the kids and find a few moments of peace since I’m such a good hider.
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/614945430942580736
I like having a coffee and a cookie on my porch swing.
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/614999284476444672
I like to have coffee and read a book.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/615194543441494016
read a chapter or 2 of a good book
A cup of coffee on the back porch with my dogs, that is my “me” time
I like to sit in the sun with a good book!
I like to drink a cup of tea and read a little before bed
tweet https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/615400424619704320
After a chaotic day I seclude myself in my room and listen to music.
I unwind with some great music and a sweet treat.
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/615583137507213313
I will find an enjoyable read.
I find time when the baby is asleep, I relax with a book and some treats!
https://twitter.com/Stephanie64030/status/615648782798053376
I like to sit back and have a caramel latte.
If I have the time I like to soak in the tub and read for just a little while. Thank y ou!
I like to unwind by reading in my favorite chair
My favorite “me time” is with a cup of coffee sitting out on our patio enjoying the birds.
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/615737969903800320
https://twitter.com/c5519/status/615754546661339136
I sit back and do a crossword puzzle.
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/615834817352081408
What better pairing than Milano’s and Italian wine! I usually make it till after dinner but start thinking about it at work around noon :).
I love a good hike!
I like to have a cup of really good coffee while reading a really good book.
tweeted https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/615943557581373440
I unwind with a hot bath, a good book, and a glass of sweet iced tea.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/615950451163332608
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/615958973112524804
Nothing beats a soak in the hot tub! I only wish that I had one at my house! LOL
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/615964967020417024
I take a moment for myself when I go cycling solo.
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/615982487257354241
I like to sneak in a bubble bath,with my book or kindle and a glass of sweet tea
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/615982387357483008
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I like to read before bed.
I unwind and grab some me time late in the evening when everything is done for the day. I like to just go outside and look at the stars and hear the crickets.
I like to have “me” time so I don’t completely go insane, and go swimming.
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/616019234297131008
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/616023513040875520
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
I like to unwind by relaxing on my sunny porch with a good book or some magazines, a hot beverage (tea) & some Milano cookies!
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
chocolate anything, is my favorite indulgence
I like to relax by reading a good book, having a hot cup of tea and enjoying some Milano cooikes with it!