Taking Me Time at the End of a Work Day

I’ve learned recently that I most definitely identify as an extroverted-introvert. Literally, I cannot think of a better way to describe myself than just that. I spend my entire work day as a registered nurse in the clinic meeting with patients and talking to patients on the phone regarding various health concerns, medication changes, and questions they have for their doctor. I find a little time to de-compress on my ride home from work with some music or one of my favorite podcasts, but the second I get in the door it’s right back at it. Time to make dinner, spend some time with Cory, Alea, and Mckenna, and then get the kiddos to bed.

After the kiddos go to bed, though, is the time when I can finally breathe that deep sigh of relief. I’ve conquered yet another day as a working mom. Ya’ll it’s never easy, but it’s always worth it. Since both Cory and I spend a majority of our days talking to other people, we tend to fill each other in on our days and then give each other some space. He usually catches up on his shows and I’m off to do one of the following to decompress and reflect on my day:

1. 4-7-8 Breathing + Meditation: If you’ve never tried 4-7-8 breathing, you’ve been missing out. It’s the ultimate breathing exercise if you’re looking to center yourself, relieve that anxious tension in your chest after a long day at work, and it always just completely relaxes me. You breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. You hold your breath for a count of 7 and then you slowly blow the air out of your mouth for a count of 8. No, seriously. Try it. I do this for at least 4-6 cycles before going to bed every night.

2. Yoplait Oui Yogurt: If anything is going to make me forget about my troubles, it’s this yogurt. Oui from Walmart is a new French-style yogurt by Yoplait and I’m definitely feeling it. If I close my eyes while slowly savoring the taste I almost feel as though I’m in France. It’s the perfect creamy texture, just the right amount of sweet, it’s made with whole milk, and it’s actually created to enjoy slowly– the perfect excuse to slowly savor every bite and really slow down at the end of the day! Strawberry is my favorite, but I’m on the hunt for coconut next.

3. A Hot Shower: Sometimes it’s gotta be a quick one, but even just a few minutes of hot water on my back can help relax me after a stressful day at work.

4. Watch Instagram Stories: Sometimes other people’s lives are just far more interesting than my own and for that reason, I’ve fallen in love with Instagram Stories. A few of my favorites are Lauren McBride and Collin Kartchner. Lauren’s my dose of real-life motherhood and Collin is just too hilarious! Check them out if you haven’t already!

Whether your time to de-stress and decompress at the end of the day includes reading, watching some TV, or eating delicious French Style Oui yogurt, taking the time to allow yourself to truly relax after a long, hard, busy day at work is key to being a good mom, a good wife, and good at whatever you do for a living!

Side note: Of course, as I’m photographing my Yoplait Oui yogurt, Alea immediately asked, “Mommy can I have one?” Can’t us moms just have one thing all to ourselves? Am I right?

How do you take time for yourself after a busy day at work?