TEXT: Amanda M. Socci
Continued from page 18
Despite the real possibility of going
better for our bodies and monthly
themselves or their children from
budgets!) too many activities or commitments.

People are often afraid to decline
through post-holiday blues each
3. CREATE
invitations, events or social
January, there are several things we
Let the arts seep into your spirit and
engagements because they feel
can do as parents to regain our sense
enjoy some time by trying out some
pressured to accept everything or
of inner balance and find joy again
simple arts. Visual and fine arts are
else they or their children will miss
after being overstimulated.

not just for children; parents can
out on something great. However,
and should experiment with their
by doing too much, that brings
1. EXERCISE
Exercise is a wonderful catch-all
word that encompasses many forms
of movement. We can choose to
kick it up a notch with some intense
body conditioning and workouts
such as the PX-90 system, HIIT (high
intensity interval training), or TRX
suspension training. We can also
take it easy by taking a dance class,
walking in a mall or even following
along with a workout video from
the comfort of home. The goal is
children’s art kits and supplies.

Toilet paper rolls can be easily cut
into flowers, playdough can be
molded into fancy 3D shapes like
minions, and colored pencils become
our best friends as we bring black-
about overstimulation. Parents can
retire from things with a graceful
“no thank you” without elaborating.

When declining activities, be careful
not to provide extra information
and-white coloring pages to life.

or excuses why you must decline
Participating in arts activities should
because people will try to offer
not stress us into making perfect
options to get you to commit. You
reactions; instead, we should focus
will achieve more joy by retiring
on the process and the happiness in
working with creative materials!
yourself and your children from too
much activity and simplifying your
lives with fewer things to do!
to move our bodies and exercise,
4. RELAX
which will help our bodies release
Make the time to unwind. Some
You do not have to do all of these
endorphins and bring back the joy!
parents may find that practicing
things to help you overcome post-
deep breathing can bring peace
holiday blues; but you should feel
and calm to one’s mind. Others
encouraged that the start of the New
2. COOK
One of the best and easiest ways
to bring back joy after the holiday
season is by cooking at home.

Spending time in the kitchen
cooking together doesn’t have
to end after the holidays are
over! Taking your children to the
grocery store and choosing fresh
ingredients together is a simple way
may choose to find relaxation by
spending quiet time in natural
environments, such as gardens or
with pets and animals. Whatever
you choose, finding ways to truly
relax can do wonders to a mind
Year marks a new beginning for you,
your children and your family. No
matter what you choose to do or not
do, do not allow society to pressure
you into making set resolutions or
that has been subjected to excessive
doing specific things to make you
stimulation over the holidays.

happy. You are in control of your
own happiness and you have the
power to bring joy into your life by
of bonding and spending quality
5. RETIRE
time. Continuing to involve the
The typical definition of retire
children with the cooking at home
has to do with retiring from a job
encourages pleasant conversation
after working for many years.

and playful, light-hearted moments.

Another form of retiring is to
Amanda M. Socci is a mother
(Not to mention the fact that home-
withdraw or get out of a place or
and freelance writer living in
based cooking is healthier and
situation. Parents can withdraw
Alexandria, VA.

20 January 2018 washingtonFAMILY.com
making small, gradual, conscious
changes.




WEST VIRGINIA. BY RAIL.

A family and friends destination.

CALL: 304.636.9477 • MTN-RAIL.COM
stay in
touch Join Our
Circle facebook.com/
FAMILYmagazine gton FAMILY readers!
prizes contests
share ideas
Multi-year winner by Washin
washingtonFAMILY.com January 2018 21