Dr. Rippe's Blog

Physical activity, as I've mentioned often, is an excellent way to fight stress and boost your sense of well-being.  The problem for us working parents is that we often find it very hard to make time for families and for ourselves. And of course family comes first.

An approach that has worked well for our family and others is to combine fun and activity with our children as a family. Here are just a few ideas:

• With small children, take fifteen or twenty minutes after work for active play, outdoors if possible. Run, play chase or tag, toss and kick balls, swing, tumble--whatever you and your kids enjoy.
• With older children, help them build skills at activities they enjoy. Our family swims together. Play catch, shoot hoops, toss the football, play tennis with your kid--did you know that a number of major leaguers credit their mothers with helping them build skills and have early fun in a sport they love?
• Include activity in family outings. Hike or cycle at nearby trails. Play miniature golf. Go to the zoo. Headed to the movies--park a little farther away and walk.
• Older kids can take part in active family tasks--walking the dog, washing family vehicles, sweeping or raking, gardening.

I've found that taking just a little time as often as I can to have active fun with my daughters boosts my sense--and theirs--of well-being both physically and emotionally

Have you considered taking a personal half day or day off from work just for yourself? Not to take a child or yourself to a doctor's appointment. Not to meet a delivery or repair person. Not to complete a list of chores you can't accomplish on the weekend. But to take time just for yourself. What would you really enjoy doing?

The poet Walt Whitman said, "I loafe and invite my soul." What invites your soul?

Some years ago a friend in New York, who had grown up where winters rarely featured ice, took a personal day just to go ice skating. On a weekday morning, the nearby outdoor rink was not crowded or intimidating to a neophyte skater. Decades later she still remembers the sheer freedom of skimming around the big rink in the crisp, bright air--a morning made just for her.

What morning or day would you make just for yourself? Go to a museum show or gallery hopping? Treat yourself to a day spa or a massage by a certified massage therapist? Get on the golf or tennis court when they aren't crowded? Take a workshop? Make a brunch date with a friend you want time to visit with? Sleep late then treat yourself to a big breakfast?

I could keep listing options.  The point is that taking an occasional personal day or half day that's just for you can be rejuvenating. Try it sometime and see if you don't agree.