This post is sponsored by MobilityWare but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Do you ever find yourself feeling like you just need a minute for yourself? I feel you! Some days when I’m stretched to the limit, or my patience has worn thin or I’m on the brink of completely losing my crap, I take a “mommy minute”.

What’s a mommy minute?

A mommy minute is when I take a break when I’m feeling overwhelmed, exhausted or that I’m going to lose my cool to gather and give myself a minute to pull it together. Most often I use it when my kids are driving me bonkers and I don’t want to lash out at them because I’m having a hard time dealing with my feelings. Most often, I remove myself from the situation and take a minute to do something just for myself.

This minute (or two), allows me to take a moment to pull myself together so that I can respond to the situation around me more fairly and pragmatically. This also allows me to show my children ways of cooling and calming down in moments of overwhelm, frustration or anger.

Below are just a few of my Mommy Minute techniques that I use. Hopefully they can help you to!

Deep Breathing

Taking a moment to stop and focus on your breathing is a great way to calm the mind and ease the nerves. First, find a comfortable spot to sit or lay and close your eyes.  Take a deep breath through your nose and then exhale slowly for 2 to 3 counts longer than your inhale. Continue for 60-90 seconds.

Lengthening and focusing on your exhales is a great way to balance emotions and calm your nervous system, allowing you to feel more at peace and calmer. Slower breathing leads to a quieter mind and less stressed-out mama!

Play a Game 

When I’m feeling edgy, sometimes I grab my phone and zone for a minute playing a game. Just getting my mind off of whatever is stressing me out for a minute or two or changing my focus is what I need to shake the funk.

One of my favorite games is Pyramid Solitaire by MobilityWare. Pyramid Solitaire brings me back to my high school days of playing on a clunky desktop computer, but now able to do some from my mobile via an app! I love that each game takes just a few minutes and spending that time matching up cards to equal 13 gives me time to cool down.  It’s the perfect amount of time and distraction to help me shake the mommy madness and get back to my day. Don’t be surprised if you see me playing on it in the preschool pick-up line too. 😉 You can download it here:

Step Outside

Stimulating the senses is a great way to start anew. Step outside for a breath of fresh air, change of scenery (and temperature) and listen to the world around you.

Aromatherapy

Add some scent into your life. Whether that means diffusing a calming scent (I love lavender, eucalyptus and orange blends), rubbing your favorite lotion into your hands and nails, essential oil rollers, or lighting a candle, adding an uplifting and calming scent can lift your senses and mind into a better mood.

Dance It Out

Put on your favorite song and dance it out. Even if you’re not feeling it, fake it. Upbeat tempos and fun vibes, help kick out the grumpies. It’s even better if you have the kiddos join in. It’s a great “reset” for everyone.

Read

I love to keep magazines and books with short excerpts around. When I’m feeling in a funk, picking one up to read an article or short story is a great way to change my vibe.

Watch a Funny Video

Hit up YouTube and find your favorite comedian (or any funny video) and find some funnies. Not only does laughter boost morale and diffuses stress, but it also increases productivity and elevates moods. Use those guffaws to blast away the stress and boost your energy!


When you feel stressed or overwhelmed, what’s your go-to way to chill out?

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