Mom's Weekend Dilemma - Time to Relax or Time Get Ahead?

We watch our children and our husbands do it, but for us as moms it's so hard to do "nothing". It's hard to let go of our to-do list and spend a weekend or even just a few hours really relaxing. You'd like to sit and read a novel, take a bubble bath or play an endless game of Monopoly with your 9-year old.

But... if you're like me there's always something you really SHOULD do. You're already mentally gearing up for next week and thinking of ways to get ahead-maybe it's catching up on laundry, getting a head start on your next newsletter or responding to last week's emails.

It's easy to give into what you "should" do but if you recognized the significant payoff that relaxing provides, perhaps you'd do it more often. The truth is, the problem-solving part of your brain functions best during unstructured time. So when you're engaged in "mindless" activities-taking a nature walk, listening to music, getting a pedicure - you'll often come upon solutions that your "busier" mind doesn't focus on. J.K. Rowling says the premise for the Harry Potter books popped into her mind as she was gazing out a train window. I know for myself, my best mom entrepreneur ideas have come to me during exercise or meditative time.

If improving your mental sharpness isn't motivating enough, carving out regular times to relax also provides health benefits. When you're constantly busy your body finds itself stuck in high gear which can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and a suppressed immune system. Doesn't it always seem like you catch a cold after a particularly stressful week?

Another perk of ditching your to-do list, is how your family benefits. Studies show that children of parents who are constantly racing from one task to another end up being stressed themselves. Our children feel our energy - the positive and the negative. Allowing yourself time to relax helps your whole family relax and enjoy the weekend together.

When you stop and think about it, how often do you really get ahead on your week by cramming too much into your weekend?

Relaxing doesn't just happen. Like anything that you're committed to bringing into your life, you have to plan for it. For me, I have to set aside chunks of time to do nothing since my natural tendency is to perpetually stay busy.

This is especially true if you work from home. It's easy to work through your weekend without even realizing you haven't given yourself a breather. I have a friend who decided she wouldn't turn on her computer on Sunday. She knows if the computer is on she checks her emails and she doesn't want to spend Sunday thinking about everything she has to do on Monday. (This is a tip I'm going to implement.)

Here are some ideas of activities that will relax you and renew your energy:

- Take a long bath. Try lighting some candles and dip into the tub. This is a great time for some quiet reflection.

- Go for a walk. Walking is rejuvenating physically, mentally, even spiritually.

- Drive without distractions. I love listening to informational CDs in my car. But sometimes if you're on a drive without your kids in the car, try turning off your phone or radio, and enjoy the silence.

- Meditate. This is something I'm doing daily, not just on the weekend.

I've been participating in the 40 days and 40 nights program which encourages a morning and evening meditation. Give it a try, just find a few moments and a quiet space to breathe. Another choice are the Holosync audios.

- Treat yourself. Find a simple pleasure and indulge yourself. Get a pedicure or a massage or buy a new book and spend a couple of hours reading it at the book store.

You may not be able to spend the entire weekend relaxing - you're a mom so that's pretty much out of the question (unless your husband kidnaps you and takes you on a weekend getaway).

The bottom line is that you need to find a way to rejuvenate yourself each weekend, even if it's just a few hours. You'll definitely get your week off to a more productive start if you've allowed yourself to recharge.

About The Author-- Kim DeYoung is the original metromom—a driven, evolving woman committed to her family, her career and achieving success on her own terms. Also known as the "Get It Done Girl", Kim is the dynamic and creative force behind Metromom.com and The Metromom Entrepreneurs Association. Metromom is a comprehensive resource for the busy mom entrepreneur, providing solutions on marketing, money, mindset and motherhood.

Metromom is more than just a brand. It's a tangible extension of Kim, reflecting her passion to give women the information and hands-on support they need to take action. At its core is the power of connection, like-minded women connect online to provide each other with support, great ideas and business opportunities. Kim also regularly connects her community with leading business, mindset and motherhood experts.

Kim never regrets leaving a career in the fashion industry to design a work/life balance on her own terms and she's thrilled to help other women do the same. It is now with complete clarity that she combines her experiences in business, coaching, implementation, connection and parenting to offer women the resources and support they need to achieve the lifestyle they desire.

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