As much as I love the go-go-go of life and flitting from here to there, in my heart, I am really a homebody.
As Jane Austen wrote in Emma, “Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.”
As we move into the less-structured summer months, a time when I really struggle to find balance as a work-at-home mom, I am making this my mantra.
Summer break is a wonderful thing, and I’m lucky to have a job that allows me the flexibility to enjoy it at home with my child.
But I often find myself overwhelmed and overworked, trying to make memories, fill our days with fun and enriching activities, keep the house in order and get my work done.
Again with the go, go, go.
I’m trying to make a point to give myself a small break every day, if only for just 10 minutes. And in that time, I plan to enjoy the comfort my home provides. There’s no reason to go elsewhere searching for that feeling. I can find all the comfort I need right here at home.
I just need to allow myself…
A few minutes to get lost in a good book. (I’m reading The Girl on the Train right now, and those breaks are getting longer as I get into the page-turning parts of the story!)
A few minutes to sit and chat with the other neighborhood moms in the cul-de-sac.
A long soak in the bathtub, instead of my normal quick morning shower.
A leisurely walk around the neighborhood to clear my head and enjoy the beautiful flip-flop weather.
A 10-minute power nap when I need to recharge.
Ten minutes to listen to a favorite podcast or spend some time puttering around aimlessly online.
A few minutes of stolen time to relax on the porch and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
A few minutes to savor an International Delight iced coffee, which is every bit as good as a coffeehouse drink, without the expense or hassle of leaving my house.
Working moms, stay-at-home moms, work-at-home moms — we all deserve a coffee break!
To help keep me on track with those daily breaks within the comfort of my home, I created a free chalkboard sign printable featuring the Jane Austen quote.
You can download an 8X10 copy of the free chalkboard sign printable here. It’s suitable for framing, or you can mount it on scrapbook paper, like I did.
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What’s your favorite 10-minute way to relax and recharge during a hectic day?
This conversation is sponsored by International Delight. The opinions and text are all mine.