We know parents don’t get much time to relax, so we’ve pulled together 15 easy ways to turn even 20 spare minutes into time for you. Whether it’s after the kids are in bed or during your lunch break, make every minute count with these sure-fire ways to relax and de-stress.
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As parents, we live busy lives with little time to catch our breath. Taking just a few minutes each day to relax matters for our own mental health and stress levels, and it also improves how we interact with those around us.
Having a hobby is one of the best ways to relax, but if you don’t have time to immerse yourself in a full activity, these easy ideas offer proven benefits in a fraction of the time.
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Quick and Easy Ways to Relax
#1. Catch Some Rays
Even during the autumn and winter months, sitting outside in natural light can do wonders for your mood. Sunlight can lift our spirits, so step outside for an effective dose of vitamin D whenever you get the chance.
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#2. Breathe Deep
Pop on your trainers and head out for a walk or jog. The benefits stack up – fresh air to boost your mood, physical exercise, and some quiet time to think. Even a quick walk around the block can work wonders for stress relief.
#3. Practice Yoga
Even as a complete beginner, you can reap real rewards from stretches and breathing exercises designed to help you unwind. Take a class, or find a beginner-friendly video online to get you started.
#4. Turn Up the Volume
Put on your favourite album or playlist and get moving! Dance around the kitchen, sing in the shower, or just sit and relax. Something upbeat is a great mood-booster, while something chilled or classical can be calming and perfect for winding down.
#5. Read a Good Book
Immerse yourself in the pages of a good book and you’ll feel your tension slip away.
#6. Listen to a Podcast
There are informative and entertaining podcasts on just about every topic – whatever you’re interested in, you’ll find plenty to choose from. Download or stream your favourites and dip in whenever you have a spare moment, even while doing the weekly shop.
#7. Stick to Screen Time
Pick your favourite TV show or revisit an old favourite you haven’t watched in years, and put your feet up. Losing yourself in the drama, action or comedy of TV-land is a simple, reliable way to de-stress.
#8. Try Some Aromatherapy
The power of scent can be genuinely therapeutic, with certain smells acting as the perfect antidote to a stressful, busy or tiring day. Lavender, chamomile and rose are relaxing, while citrus scents feel invigorating.
Pure essential oils can be added to a bath, or a few drops mixed into a carrier oil for massage. Alternatively, an essential oil diffuser can transform your home with soothing scent.
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#9. Meditate
Meditation helps you focus on your body and your breathing, setting everything else aside for a while. If you haven’t tried it before, plenty of podcasts and apps can help – some offer soothing background sounds, others walk you through guided meditations.
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#10. Give Yourself a Facial
One favourite way to relax is to get into your pyjamas and treat yourself to a facial. Start with a good cleanse and a gentle scrub using your favourite products, then apply a face mask while you watch TV or overnight while you sleep.
#11. Paint Your Nails
Ever rushed a nail-painting job and ended up with smudged, wonky nails? It usually happens when you try to squeeze it in around bedtime, dinner or the dog’s walk. Instead, set aside 20 minutes: file and paint your nails properly, with a magazine to hand while they dry. Keep a good hand cream nearby to finish your home manicure in style.
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#12. Talk to a Friend
Skip the text message – pick up the phone and call a friend for a proper chat, or arrange to meet for a coffee. Face-to-face time has huge benefits, especially when you can use each other as a sounding board for worries and stress.
#13. Take a Power Nap
Sneak off for a quick power nap to recharge. Even 20 or 30 minutes can give you enough of an energy boost to feel capable and calm again.
#14. Be Creative
Drawing, painting and other creative hobbies are particularly good for relieving tension. If you’ve never tried it, an adult colouring book is a great place to start – pick one up cheaply along with a few pencils or markers and you’re ready to go.
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#15. Get Organised
This one might not sound like the most relaxing way to spend your time, but there’s nothing worse than the nagging feeling of “mess” – clutter really is proven to cause stress.
Do you have a room where you just close the door and forget what’s piled up inside, or a kitchen counter buried under junk mail, abandoned craft projects and paperwork? Take a few minutes to tackle the piles and you’ll feel that burden lift in no time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I relax when I only have a few minutes free?
Even 10–20 minutes can help. Simple options like stepping outside for natural light, doing a short breathing exercise, listening to a podcast, or having a quick chat with a friend all fit easily into a short break.
What’s the quickest way to de-stress during a busy day?
A short walk, a few minutes of deep breathing, or stepping outside into natural light are among the fastest ways to lower stress in the moment, with no equipment or planning needed.
Do I need special equipment to try these relaxation methods?
No. Most of the ideas here – reading, walking, breathing exercises, listening to music or a podcast, chatting with a friend – need little more than a few spare minutes.
Can meditation help if I’ve never tried it before?
Yes. Many free apps and podcasts offer guided meditations designed specifically for beginners, walking you through the process step by step.
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Before You Go
Looking for more everyday ideas for you and your family? Browse our lifestyle section for more quick tips, or save this article to come back to whenever you need a 20-minute reset.
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