Summer break is here, and if we’re not careful, we’ll spend the whole thing making it magical for everyone else while running ourselves straight into the ground.
This list is your gentle reminder: you matter too. Save this, come back to it, and give yourself permission to actually enjoy a few of these moments this summer.
- Get a mani/pedi and try not to check your phone the whole time.
- Drink your coffee or tea outside… while it’s still hot.
- Try a new restaurant—no kids menu required. (I recommend The Audrey in Market Street.)
- Go dancing, even if it’s just in your kitchen.
- Take an unapologetic afternoon nap on the sofa.
- Start a simple journal—nothing fancy, just your thoughts on paper.
- Sit down with an adult coloring book and zone out for a bit.
- Bake something from scratch just because you feel like it.
- Make your favorite mocktail and actually sit down to enjoy it.
- Go for a solo bike ride.
- Pick up fresh flowers at the store… just for you.
- Book a spa day (or create one at home if that’s more your speed).
- Take a quiet walk or easy hike.
- Watch something you want to watch (no sharing the remote).
- Sleep in and let someone else handle the morning.
- Buy the sundress.
- Get your hair done and enjoy the whole experience.
- Read a book that has nothing to do with parenting.
- Try a new hobby, or pick an old one back up.
- Plan a simple day trip to Houston with friends.
- Sit in your parked car for five extra minutes of silence before going inside.
- Run a quick errand, and take the long way home.
- Go somewhere alone and don’t tell anyone where you are for a little while.
