15 Ideas for Unwinding After a Long Week
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or a working parent, or whether you have one kid or 10 kids, I guarantee you’re exhausted by the time Friday comes around. In fact, I am posting this article a bit later than usual for this exact reason. There’s just something about raising tiny humans that can make you want to kick up your feet once in a while. That, coupled with the fact that we are finally past the busy, unrelenting holiday season, makes me want to hibernate for the rest of 2025.
It doesn’t help that everyone is finally “circling back” on things at work now that we’re in January, and my daughter has suffered at least 10 minor ailments in the past month. Bebe’s daycare, ever helpful, calls me to pick her up every time she so much as sneezes. Good lord.
But fortunately and unfortunately, the show must go on when it comes to being a parent. So, I’ve come up with some ideas on how to unwind after a long week (or month, or year).
Have a “spa night” at home. You can create a calming atmosphere with candles, essential oils, and music that you love. Both moms and dads can treat themselves with DIY facials, a relaxing bath, or even a foot soak. If you have a spouse or partner, it never hurts to give each other full body massages.
Binge-watch some movies or TV shows. My latest cinematic obsession is Wicked, of course. I’ve watched it once and fully plan to watch it again. Right after watching that, we also watched the Wizard of Oz to brush up on some context. I cannot wait for Part II to come out.
I also love to re-watch the Harry Potter movies, Twilight saga, and Gone with the Wind.
Enjoy quiet reading time. After the kids go to sleep, turn off all the noise sources in your home and dive into a good book, whether it's fiction, self-help, or something lighthearted. Having an uninterrupted hour (or three) to read can be a great way to escape and unwind. When I was a teenager and had all the time in the world on my hands, I always had my nose stuck in a book. Those were simpler times.
Take an outdoor walk or hike. A gentle walk in a nearby park, trail, or nature reserve can provide fresh air, calm the mind, and help shake off the stress of the week. Many different sources confirm that walking is excellent for mental health and physical health.
Cook or bake something with your spouse/partner. It can be so much fun to take the time to cook or bake something together as a couple. It could be a new recipe or a favorite comfort food. Cooking/baking can be therapeutic, and sharing a meal afterward adds to the relaxation of the evening. Over the holidays, I baked some cupcakes for the first time in probably more than a decade, and I found myself wondering why I don’t do it more often.
Engage in mindfulness or meditation. You can find any number of YouTube videos or podcasts that provide guided meditation. Granted, meditation and mindfulness is not for everyone but nearly everyone can benefit from just being still and focusing on your breathing for a few minutes. This can help clear the mind and promote relaxation, especially if stress levels are high.
Consider trying a new hobby. As a working parent, I can’t imagine taking very much time to engage in a hobby but that doesn’t mean starting a new hobby would be altogether impossible. Things like crafting, scrapbooking, knitting, or putting together 1,000-piece puzzles can certainly take your mind off of a stressful day and you don’t have to spend very much time doing them.
Have a game night. You can have a game night just with your spouse/partner or invite some friends over after the kids go to sleep. It’s rare that we do this since everyone we know is busy themselves, but when we do, we whip out Cards Against Humanity and have a shot or two for some lighthearted adult fun.
Unplug and disconnect. Admittedly, I don’t do this nearly often enough. It’s so important to take a break from screens (phones, computers, and especially social media) for a few hours. I would even unplug for a few days if I could. Disconnecting can help create a sense of calm and focus on the present moment.
Embrace your old age and go to sleep as early as humanly possible. There is no shame in taking a hot shower, putting on your warmest, coziest pajamas, and crawling into bed before 9:00 p.m. When the kids inevitably wake up way too early, you’ll be thanking yourself for the restful night of sleep.
Plan a date night with your spouse/partner, even if it’s at home with the kids in the next room. Think a nice candlelit dinner, music (low volume, of course), and intimate conversation. Bonus points if you can try not to talk about the kids!
Socialize with friends or family, in person or virtually. It can be rejuvenating to catch up with people you love, if only for a short while. It’s so easy to kind of get lost in your daily routine, but taking a step back and maintaining your relationships outside of your immediate family can take you out of your box. I love to plan dinners and nights out with friends once in a while.
Do some gentle yoga or stretching. A slow and relaxing yoga practice or some simple stretches can help release physical tension and clear the mind. If you’re not sure how to do this yourself, there are millions of yoga-related YouTube videos to show you how.
A classic bubble bath with a bottle of wine. I can’t believe I left this one out until almost the end. I can’t imagine anything better than a quiet bubble bath, candles lit, a great-smelling bath bomb, and some kind of beverage to make me relax and get my mind off of everyday life.
Watch something really funny. Whether it’s stand-up comedy or some funny TikTok videos, laughter heals the soul.
XOXO, Alexis.