For parents, life can often feel like it is in constant motion with most of your time and energy serving your kids, job, and the upkeep of your home. We are reminded of the old “oxygen mask” rule: To care for others, you first have to care for yourself.
But how do you refill your own cup when you can hardly catch a minute to sit down? As a parent of two very young kids, I have been asking this question a lot lately, just about as often as I utter the phrase “This is why we can’t have nice things.” Here are five ways to recharge as a busy parent.
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1. Do an Old Hobby or Try Something New
In the early years of parenthood, it’s easy to drift away from the activities we used to love or always wanted to try. For me, it is a watercolor set that has not seen the light of day since last summer. The good news is that Denton has many options for one-time or recurring classes, whatever you are into.
- Bust a move at a weeknight dance class at Diva Dance.
- Get a class pass to try a new fitness class at gyms all over the city.
- Tap into your inner artist during a watercolor or figure drawing class at Art House in Highland Village and Southlake.
- The adult workshops at Wildflower Art Studio in Denton are beginner-friendly and include coffee and light snacks.
2. Pamper Yourself at Home
Sometimes you need a little reset, but you can’t (or don’t want to) organize an outing. Try these quick “me time” moments at home.
- Use bath time as a way to steal a few minutes for yourself. Spend that time doing a face mask or a full bedtime beauty routine. I’m talking cleanser, serum, moisturizer — the whole nine yards.
- Give yourself a mani or pedi. My go-to self-care moment is treating myself to a quick mani with Sally Hansen’s Xtremewear in Uptown Pearls because it holds up to anything and makes my nails appear healthier than they probably are.
- Create a secret stash of your favorite treats. Don’t tell my three year old, but I currently have tiny Ritter chocolate squares squirreled away in my jewelry drawer.
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3. Splurge on a Luxurious Day Out
When sneaky chocolate breaks and interrupted bubble baths aren’t enough, put your self care into the hands of the professionals with a spa treatment or luxurious lunch outing.
- Book a daytime getaway at the Adolphus. Reserve tea for one at the French Room or indulge in a latte at Otto, and, for goodness sake, visit the spa. When they offer you the free champagne while you are lounging around the spa, take it.
- Book a stay solo or with your loved one at the Brownlow House bed and breakfast in Denton. The owners play music and serve a cheese board with wine by night and a European-style continental breakfast by morning.
- Make a day of visiting Grandscape in The Colony solo or with a friend. Sip on a glass at The Colony Wine Bar Patio, dip yourself in the mineral pools at WorldSprings, and take time to notice the beautiful greenery and art at the Homestead.
4. Find Some Peace and Quiet
Denton has ample opportunities to get away and connect with nature. Here are a couple places to stop and breathe in fresh air.
- Ride or run the 12-mile Denton Katy Rail Trail along Lewisville Lake. The trail runs parallel to the A-Train from the downtown Denton transit center to Hebron station in Lewisville, where you can hop on with your bike to make the trek home.
- Grab a book and sunscreen and head to Little Elm Beach for a therapeutic dose of vitamin D. For $10 per vehicle, you can spend the entire day with your toes in the sand. This beach day might provide just the mental reset you need.
- Hike one of six trails at Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area. Search for native birds along the seven miles of birding, hiking, and walking trails near ponds, grasslands, and trees. You can also go kayaking and canoeing.
5. Get Inspired
For me as a parent, conversations at home always seem to find their way back to logistics. Who is getting the kids? What do we have going on this weekend? I find myself craving an interesting rabbit hole to dive into and then share with my husband over dinner. Whether it’s a book, a podcast, or a Spotify playlist, find something that makes your brain do a happy dance.
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- Visit Recycled Books, Records & CDs in the historic Wright Opera House on Locust Street. Peruse the used books and thousands of vinyls sure to spark a new dinnertime conversation. Bonus: Recycled Books is down the street from Jupiter House café and the patio at Barley & Board.
- Try a few months of Audible for a little escape while doing mundane tasks like dishes. Since becoming a parent, I’ve learned that a good belly laugh is the emotional equivalent of a hot shower. Instant reset. For that, my favorite listens are anything by Hellen Ellis or David Sedaris.
- Visit the Patterson-Appleton Arts Center and get lost in the incredible detail of the works on display. Admission is free.
