Just relax, breathe

Hectic lifestyles often interfere with leisure time, but setting aside time to relax can be the perfect cure for busy women on the go.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, single professional or working mother, taking a break from your busy schedule can help manage stress and improve your well-being.

•If you have children, consider taking advantage of your community’s summer day-camp programs. These programs are affordable and often run from mid-morning to early afternoon. With that schedule, you can enjoy some “me” time in the morning and quality time with the kids in the afternoon.

•If your community doesn’t offer a summer program, ask a local high-school student looking to earn some money to baby sit. Consider setting up a babysitting date once a week to give you time to run errands, catch up with friends or simply relax.

•When you do have some time to yourself, schedule a fun gathering with friends. Even if you just meet for lunch, connecting with friends who can both sympathize with your problems and celebrate your achievements will help you relax and re-energize.

•If you aren’t in the mood for a social outing, enjoying a quiet day at home can offer similar benefits. If the kids are at a friend’s house or if you’ve finally earned a day off at work, stay home and curl up with your favorite book, catch up on those TV shows you’ve missed or organize things around the house. While these activities might not be glamorous, they will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Although leisure time probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list, learning to value relaxation will give you more energy. And with this increased energy, you’ll tackle your tasks more efficiently and effectively every day.