Great Escape: Downtime for Moms

Anyone who does carpooling in the area knows that the lines are enormous.  To get a “good” spot you need to be there early, especially at the middle and high schools. If you need to pick up your child and exit immediately to a practice or doctor's appointment, early can mean up to an  hour. My relaxation tip for the week involves getting to school early for pickup and using the half hour for some coveted “me” time.

1. Stop by and get your favorite treat. Get to school, find your spot and crank the tunes on a station playing classic songs from your glory days.  Go back in time for that half hour and enjoy the memories!

2. Bring a neck pillow, preferably one with massager in it.  Close your eyes and drift.  You’ll be awake when either the kids start knocking or the horns start honking.

3. Give yourself a mini-manicure.  Bring a little kit with an emery board, cuticle stick, a fragrant trial-size moisturizer and quick-dry polish. It’s not the same as having a professional manicure, but you won’t be embarrassed when you look at those paws. The fragrance of the moisturizer will hopefully overpower the remnants of on the floor behind you.

4. Bring a book or magazine and escape for half an hour.

5.  You are parked, so call your best friend. Bring out the phone, and hook up with those friends you always keep meaning to connect with but never do. 

6. Get out of your parked car and talk with another mom.  Sometimes having an adult conversation is all you need.  It helps to know you are not alone in the crazy schedule of drop-off, pickup and wiping runny noses.

There are many things you can do in the car for a half hour.  I know many moms who make business calls, pay bills, clean out the car and work on school fundraisers. Do something for yourself instead. It is a great way to recharge your battery before those hours of driving to practice, shopping for school projects, making dinner, starting baths, doing dishes, picking up the house and reading bedtime stories.