Sometimes we just need two minutes to find a little calm. I found some while brushing my teeth. 

Recently, a client said that one of the problems with the idea of self-care is it so often lacks accessibility because self care is sold as an afternoon lunch with friends, a night in a local hotel to relax by yourself, a massage, coffee dates with yourself or friends. All of these require money, babysitting or a willing co-parent, significant time, planning. 

This smart mama said, “We need to find a way to make at home, simple, easy self care accessible and normalized.” In our society we so often tell parents, “Just make the time,” as if time can be found in the laundry basket with the clothes we didn’t fold yet. My physician once told me, “Just hire a babysitter and go on a date with your husband every week so you get a break.” That was a big lift since we didn’t have the funds for a babysitter once a month, let alone weekly. He assured me that he had found this to be a very successful break for him and his wife. And I do not begrudge him or anyone that level of self care, in fact, if you can make it happen, GO FOR IT! (Really, make that happen this weekend!)

So what can we do to find self care in our homes in our limited financial and time budgets? I stumbled upon toothbrushing. Generally, I brush my teeth in a rush because the next thing in my day is constantly waiting. I consistently brush two or three times a day, but two minutes each time? Definitely not, the to-do list is often too long.

Three days ago though, as I put the toothpaste on my brush, I thought, “Hmm, what if I sat down to brush my teeth?” I sat on the edge of the tub and brushed for the entire two minutes. And you know what? It was incredibly and shockingly peaceful, not just nice but truly calming and peaceful.

Now if you have toddlers or preschoolers (or let’s face it, middle schoolers!) who still won’t allow you to use the bathroom for two minutes alone; this might not always be accessible. What else is possible? Could you take these two minutes after the kids are in bed? Or during nap time? Right after they hop on the school bus, before you head out to work? Is there a space of two minutes where you could sit and care for your body in some way? 

I have now brushed my teeth for a solid two minutes while sitting on the edge of the tub five of the last six times. It remains a very peaceful part of my day. It sounds really silly, really, really silly in ten different ways AND it works. 

What can you try today to give yourself a brief pause in your day to reconnect with your body in a tiny window of time? I wonder what is possible for you?

Please share in the comments, your idea might be exactly what will work for another parent. 

***

If you long to create more harmony, peace, and joy in your home and with your children, please book a FREE Discovery Call so we can talk about your parenting hopes and challenges to see if Parent Coaching with Kristi is a good fit for you. If it is not a good fit, I may have a colleague or other resources I can refer you to.