Relaxed motherhood: 3 tips from Laura Louise, De Online Yogajuf
More relaxation in motherhood starts small: choose an easy, accessible way to relax, make it a habit and do it together with someone else. Those are the three tips from Laura Louise, De Online Yogajuf. Ten minutes for yourself is better than none, and you don't need to spend hours on the yoga mat to get there.
Why is relaxation so important for mothers?
Motherhood is a full-time and part-time job rolled into one. It's deeply rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Nowhere is the duality greater than in parenthood: you watch the time pass and, at the same time, it slips through your fingers.
You want the best for your children, we all believe that, and everything you do comes from that powerful motherly love. But does that mean you have to keep running yourself ragged? We don't think so. To borrow the metaphor from the aeroplane: you put your own oxygen mask on first, before you can help others.
So it's in the interest of your family, your relatives, your partner and yourself that you take good care of yourself. The better you feel, the better you can care for the people around you. But how do you do that when you seem to be structurally short of hours in the day?
Tip 1: choose an easy, accessible way to relax
As a brand-new mother, a day at the spa sounds heavenly. Or a night away, or a festival. But being away from home for a whole day can feel daunting, and finding a babysitter for your child or children is sometimes a challenge. So choose an accessible option that suits you:
- Love dancing? Dance in the living room to your favourite music.
- Join a creative workshop near you. Often you're only away from home for an hour or two.
- Sit in a coffee shop on your own with a book.
Bet you relax straight away?
Tip 2: make relaxing a habit
We're often inclined to relax only once all the other chores are done. That's a shame, because it's precisely by making relaxation a habit that life becomes lighter and more enjoyable.
So start the day straight away with a moment of relaxation for yourself. Even if it's just a cup of tea outside in the garden, or a chapter of a book. Relaxation doesn't have to be grand and sweeping (though of course it can be). We often lose ourselves in the everyday and forget to relax altogether.
Tip 3: do it together
Do you find it hard to relax on a regular basis? Then it's a good idea to do it together, for example with a good friend. Relaxing with your partner is a good idea too.
Book a massage together, come to a retreat day especially for mothers or plan an offline day with your family. Doing it together makes it easier to stick to. You've not only made an appointment with yourself, but with someone else as well.
Do you have to spend hours on the yoga mat?
Laura Louise, De Online Yogajuf, is happy to help you find more relaxation in your day. She knows from experience what it's like to be busy:
"I know better than anyone what it's like to be busy. Because besides being a mum, I also run my own business. Being always on is the new sitting, as I sometimes say."
Laura Louise
So do you have to spend hours on the yoga mat? Laura Louise doesn't think so. That's why she works with self-care yoga:
"Of course it's wonderful to find more than an hour for yourself every day. But it's simply not feasible for young mothers. That's why I help through self-care yoga. Because it's better to have 10 minutes for yourself than 0 minutes."
Laura Louise
Ten quick ways to relax
Laura Louise also lists ten ways you can try today. Relaxation really is for everyone; often you just have to allow yourself to have it. These simple moments of relaxation make it easy for you.
- Follow an online yoga class. You can easily follow a yoga class from home. Laura Louise has a free 60-minute self-care yoga class ready for you, which you receive by email.
- Do a short meditation. Take 5 minutes to meditate while the children are busy with an activity. Use a meditation app for guidance if you like, or put on some relaxing music.
- Focus on your breathing. You don't need to change your breathing. By focusing on it, you'll notice that you breathe more easily and more deeply. Do a few minutes of deep breathing exercises, for example, while you empty the dishwasher or wait while cooking.
- Drink your cup of tea or coffee in silence. Take a break to sit quietly and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee without distraction. Laura Louise herself prefers to sit in the garden.
- Take a mini walk. Walk a lap around the house or through the garden while the children nap or play.
- Listen to music or a podcast. Put on your favourite music or an interesting podcast while you potter about the house.
- Write in a journal. Take a few minutes to write down your thoughts and feelings. This can help clear your mind. Not sure what to write? Join meditative writing: every day you receive an inspiring question to journal about.
- Cuddle time. Take the time for a quiet cuddle with your children. It's relaxing for you and for your children too.
- Take a warm bath or a relaxing shower. If you have the time, take a warm bath or a shower without rushing. Feel the water flowing over your body and, here too, focus on your breathing.
- Pick up some old-fashioned handicraft. Do something small for yourself, such as knitting, crochet or another hobby, for a few minutes whenever you get the chance. Handicraft in particular is a way to relax: because your hands and your head are focused on the work, there's no room for other thoughts for a while.
Also watch the video Daily check-in - intuitive exercise.
Want to know more about Laura Louise?
Would you like to know more about Laura Louise, De Online Yogajuf? Then visit her website for more information: deonlineyogajuf.nl. Also follow her on Instagram for the latest updates and inspiring yoga content: @deonlineyogajuf.
Summary
- Take good care of yourself: the better you feel, the better you can care for your family.
- Tip 1: choose an easy, accessible way to relax that suits you and can be done close to home.
- Tip 2: make relaxing a habit and start the day with it, instead of waiting until all the chores are done.
- Tip 3: relax together with a friend, your partner or your family, so you keep it up.
- Ten minutes for yourself is better than none: self-care yoga and small moments like tea in the garden or a short walk already help.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to do hours of yoga to relax?
No. According to Laura Louise, more than an hour a day for yourself is simply not feasible for young mothers. Ten minutes is better than none, which is why she works with self-care yoga.
What if I can't find a babysitter?
Then choose something accessible close to home: dancing in the living room, a creative workshop nearby or sitting alone in a coffee shop with a book. That way you're away from home for an hour or two at most.
How do I keep up relaxing?
Make it a habit by starting the day with it, and do it together with a friend or your partner. An appointment with someone else is easier to keep than an appointment with just yourself.
