
3 Simple Ways To Unwind
Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies sponsored this post about taking time to unwind and transition to calm after a busy day.
If your day is anything like mine, you probably feel like a cross between “Taz” the Tasmanian Devil and Wonder Woman. I (thankfully) have a husband who’s willing to pitch in with the housework, and yet I still burn the candle at both ends on a daily basis.
- I’m sure I can squeeze one. more. load. of laundry in before bed.
- I should really unload the dishwasher before I sit down.
- I’ll edit one more series of blog photos before calling it a night.
- I can definitely squeeze in a mid-week grocery trip between dropping the eldest off at dance and picking her up two hours later.
Why sit when I can do ALL the things ALL the time? I actually don’t have a great answer. It’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone. My husband knows how to decompress.
I have girlfriends who understand the importance of carving out “me” time that doesn’t involve freelance work (<— me).
The only time I’ve been able to figure out how to pull away from the day-to-day chaos and savor a simple, disconnected life has been during recent family vacations. But that’s merely a break for a week or two. I believe this transition can (should!) also be applied to my normal days, not just my vacation days.
3 Simple Ways To Unwind
1. Close the laptop. (At least for a while.)
It’s not realistic for me to close my laptop after work for the whole evening. After my day job, my freelance work begins, and unless I want to start my day at 4 a.m., some of that needs to happen at night. What I’ve started doing, however, is keeping the personal laptop closed until after dinner during the week. When I get home from work it’s all about making dinner (which I happen to find relaxing and fun), hanging with the family, and not staring at a screen. I even {GASP!} try to leave my phone in the other room – close enough to still hear it ring, or chirp with a text, but far enough away that I’m not swiping to check updates ALL. THE. TIME.
2. Leave the dishes and don’t worry about the laundry.
The Type-A in me wants all the counters clean, dishes unloaded and loaded into the dishwasher, and that last (well, almost last) load of laundry started before heading to bed for the night. Sure, it’s nice to have a clean kitchen. But not at the expense of relaxing a bit in the evening or going to bed at 11 p.m. instead of 10 p.m. A year ago I would’ve given myself side eyes for even thinking about a leaving a dirty kitchen until the next day. Like any habit, I’ve grown to not mind so much. Sure, I might have to re-wash a load of laundry that didn’t make it to the dryer in the same day, but the world WILL NOT END because of it. Truly. (And, it means I can get to bed earlier. Zzzzz…..)
3. Enjoy a special treat each night and really savor it.
I love a glass of wine in the evening after the kids go to bed (okay, it’s often just after I get home from work – same difference). But what I enjoy even more these days is a little habit I’ve developed to transition from mom, freelancer, marketer, friend, wife, etc. to just having a little time to myself. The introvert in me needs it. It’s called: MILK and COOKIES. And sometimes: WINE and COOKIES. Yes, I bake cookies weekly. But not all the cookies I love are baked from scratch – I’m not a homemade cookie snob! Take Pepperidge Farm® Milano® cookies, for example. I love the soft cookie mixed with a thin chocolate center – sweet, but not too sweet. It’s nostalgic; my parents used to buy them when I was a kid. My current favorite is the Orange Milano. The light citrus-y scent spills out of the bag as soon as it’s opened, and yet the orange doesn’t overwhelm. It’s delightful!
Milk and Milano cookies are the perfect book-reading companions, great for decompressing and enjoying alone time. I can get sucked into a novel sooooo easily, which can be a problem when it comes to hitting that 10 p.m. bedtime. HA! I also take time to watch my favorite shows once the kids are in bed (Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland) or a great movie (Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Julie and Julia), and settling in with milk (or wine!) and cookies. It’s a great transition from hectic juggling of all the things, into a little space for myself. To pause and reflect upon how great life is, and to truly appreciate the small things.
Check out Pepperidge Farm® Milano® on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
How do you unwind and grab some “me time” after a chaotic day? Leave a comment below to enter for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card.
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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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Last Updated on December 4, 2016 by Liza Hawkins


141 Comments
Kelly D
I like to relax by going on a nature walk or by enjoying a cup of coffee.
Kelly D
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/595345052689420288
Julie Wood
I take time for myself by making healthy smoothies, and spending time doing my yoga and meditation. It really helps me stay focused!
Julie Wood
Tweet entry
https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/595357938450993152
Mami2jcn
I take a walk and then enjoy an iced tea.
Mami2jcn
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/595365049826410496
Elena
I like to take hot bubble band to relax
Elena
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/595390530567077888
heather
I relax with a hot bubble bath and these cookies.
Jack
A good nap and music always makes me happy, but so does a good cookie.
Natalie
I love to take a long hot shower and then savor some tasty dessert such as ice cream and cookies.
Natalie
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/595564132583211008
Pamela Gurganus
I unwind and grab some “me time” after a chaotic day by sitting out on the patio with a good book and a nice glass of wine.
Pamela Gurganus
I tweeted about this promotion. https://twitter.com/PJGurganus/status/595614373521059840
Emily Harman
I will run to get some me time, but I reward myself with double chocolate Milanos! Frozen are my favorite!
Erin Gramley
Love this! As moms we’re eternally multitasking. I rarely take “me” time, but I love a glass of wine at night and something sweet. My guilty pleasure is anything with “housewives” in the title…no thinking required.
Janine Huldie
What great ways to unwind and I would add read a good book to this for myself, too 😉
latanya t
I like reading a good book
latanya t
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/596030961063690240
OFG
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/596051995674472448
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
OFG
Reading (just about anything) or writing in one of my many journals.
onefrugalgirl AT gmail DOT com
Cindy Carver
Enjoy the peace and quiet tranquility of our screened in back porch. Watching the cardinals and the squirrels play too.
Jessie C.
I unwind and grab some “me time” by taking a long hot bath after a chaotic day.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie C.
-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/596170536503259136
Sarah Hall
After getting the children bathed and settled down, I put my feet up and have a quiet moment with a cup of tea.
Christy Regan
A bubble bath along with a candle burning and a glass of wine sitting next to the tub. I feel like I’m the only person in the World and nothing can take that away from me while I’m taking a tubby!
Lisa Brown
I like to make a cup of coffee, grab a good book, and read a bit in the quiet of my bedroom.
Lisa Brown
https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/596328081507295232
steve weber
I like to unwind at night with some good music and a stiff drink.
steve weber
Tweet- https://twitter.com/groogruxking40/status/596398970705838082
courtney b
I sneak away when my kids are sleeping OR when my husband comes home I will take a bath with my book and lock the door just for a little break !:)
Thanks! xoxoxo
courtney b
tweet
https://twitter.com/MeandBells/status/596407819726770176
Kim D.
I find time for myself with a good book or a movie.
Kim D.
tweeted https://twitter.com/mom22girlz/status/596563626334392321
rachel
I love to savor a sweet treat as well!!
sandra
I like to take a hot shower and sing at the top of my lungs
amy pugmire
I like to take a hot bath and read a good book.
amy pugmire
tweet
https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/596900451737407488
Nicole
I unwind and grab some “me time” after a chaotic day by enjoying my backyard by relaxing out on the patio with a good book.
Nicole
My tweet posted here: https://twitter.com/lil_lady_dz/status/597275663360339968
Lauren
I like to take a coffee break in the afternoon.
Gina M
i like to relax on my patio with a cup of iced coffee.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 AT gmail DOT com
Gina M
tweet–https://twitter.com/WildOrchid985/status/600320939352563714
Stephanie Phelps
When I need a little me time I make a cup of coffee and enter my giveaways and read up on the latest blog post!
Stephanie Phelps
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/602266986375041026
Lauren E.
I have a glass of hot cocoa and watch the hummingbird feeders
Amy Tong
I like to unwind by pouring myself a cup of tea (very soothing) and have my favorite treat, either cookies, cake, or ice cream. And…watch my favorite TV show. 🙂 My favorite time of the day!
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy Tong
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/605254183013384192
amy [at] utry [dot] it
BusyWorkingMama
I unwind with a long spin class session all by myself. It feels great to work out and refresh my body!
D SCHMIDT
My favorite way to take time for myself is a cup of tea, a cookie and a nice magazine
Elle
I love to go out running. It helps me clear my mind and I like getting lost in the music.
Elle
Tweet: https://twitter.com/PrettyHotPink6/status/610191784321372160
Anastasia Falling
I love to curl up with a treat, something to drink and catch up on the tv shows or movies I’ve been wanting to watch 🙂
Anastasia Falling
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/610358876727185409
Ashley C
I like to do yoga 🙂
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
Sandy Klocinski
Sitting outside with my hubby enjoying the fresh air and a peaceful moment in nature together
Sandy Klocinski
https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/610444577858813953
Christina Sparks
I like to take time out to take a hot bath and relax afterwards with hot chocolate and cookies.
Cynthia C
A nice glass of iced tea and a book on the deck is all I need.
Margaret Smith
I enjoy relaxing with a good book. Thanks so much.
nickie
I like reading a good book
HilLesha
I love taking time for myself by going hiking. It’s my favorite way of getting in touch with nature. 🙂
Debbi Wellenstein
I like to unwind with a good book and a glass of wine, or a cup of hot cocoa.
debbie
I like to unwind with a cold glass of iced tea, a good book and maybe a cookie!
debbie
tweet https://twitter.com/suburbsanity/status/610555243559059459
paige chandler
I take a stress relief bath with no phone, kids, or noise.
Stephanie V.
Love something in quiet – like a facial, massage or steam with my favorite milk chocolate Milano afterwards! Been years but a tired, working mom can dream! tvollowitz at aol dot com
Ashley C
I love to unwind by doing some at home spa treatments or taking a nice run on a pretty day
Barbara M
My favorite way to unwind is to play games on my iPad Mini after the kids have gone to bed.
Of course I also want an iced coffee!
thank you
Barbara M
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/610672489178402816
Denise S
I unwind by reading in bed in the evening.
Brittney House
I love to lay around watching movies or TV with my favorite snack.
sarah hirsch
I like to unwind by watching a little brainless television
Kimberly Hilbert
To find me time I go in a quiet room and read.
Kathleen
I unwind with a long hot shower and a cup of tea.
kport207 at gmail dot com
Rosanne Morrison
I leave the dishes after dinner and just watch TV.
Rosanne Morrison
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/rosannepm/status/612779466813775872
maria cantu
I like to read a book while drinking coffee.
Leela
A long, hot shower.
Venus Marie Lay
I spend me time reading a good book to unwind.
Karen Drake
I unwind by going for a walk in the park, it gives me time to clear my head and relax.
Kimmy Ripley
I like to unwind at the end of the day on my computer with a hot cup of coffee.
Kristen
I like to sit in my backyard with cool glass of iced tea.
Kristen
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/614525960323371013
Debbie B
i unwind after work each day by relaxing in my recliner and watching my soap operas!
Debbie B
I posted a tweet here; https://twitter.com/bellows22/status/614603758643744768
Tarissa
Sometimes I just need a good book to get lost in. 🙂
pixelberrypie at yahoo dot com
Tarissa
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/614648130173276160
Tina W
In winter I go for a nice hot bath with a glass of wine.
In summer, a glass of tea and that weeks New Yorker.
Susan Smith
My me time is sitting on my balcony reading a good book and drinking a glass of wine.
Susan Smith
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/614826719028056064
Amanda Sakovitz
I watch a movie and eat some chocolate.
Amanda Sakovitz
tweet
https://twitter.com/aes529/status/614846577404944385
Kathy Pease
I like to watch some good shows or movies on netflix
Kathy Pease
https://twitter.com/klp1965/status/614939710708940800
ELIZABETH P
I like me time that I can read a book – sometimes I play hide and seek with the kids and find a few moments of peace since I’m such a good hider.
ELIZABETH P
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/614945430942580736
joni
I like having a coffee and a cookie on my porch swing.
joni
https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/614999284476444672
Thomas Murphy
I like to have coffee and read a book.
Thomas Murphy
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/615194543441494016
Daniel M
read a chapter or 2 of a good book
Michelle W
A cup of coffee on the back porch with my dogs, that is my “me” time
Kerry
I like to sit in the sun with a good book!
Bert Ruiz
I like to drink a cup of tea and read a little before bed
Bert Ruiz
tweet https://twitter.com/iamdadtastic/status/615400424619704320
Eva
After a chaotic day I seclude myself in my room and listen to music.
Lisa Garner
I unwind with some great music and a sweet treat.
Lisa Garner
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/lisalmg/status/615583137507213313
Ed
I will find an enjoyable read.
Stephanie Larison
I find time when the baby is asleep, I relax with a book and some treats!
Stephanie Larison
https://twitter.com/Stephanie64030/status/615648782798053376
Lisa Voyce
I like to sit back and have a caramel latte.
Crystal F
If I have the time I like to soak in the tub and read for just a little while. Thank y ou!
nancy
I like to unwind by reading in my favorite chair
Wanda McHenry
My favorite “me time” is with a cup of coffee sitting out on our patio enjoying the birds.
Wanda McHenry
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/615737969903800320
nancy
https://twitter.com/c5519/status/615754546661339136
Erica B.
I sit back and do a crossword puzzle.
Rajee Pandi
https://twitter.com/momsfocus/status/615834817352081408
Judith Carlisle
What better pairing than Milano’s and Italian wine! I usually make it till after dinner but start thinking about it at work around noon :).
Jennifer Anderson
I love a good hike!
Denise L
I like to have a cup of really good coffee while reading a really good book.
Denise L
tweeted https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/615943557581373440
Ellie Wright
I unwind with a hot bath, a good book, and a glass of sweet iced tea.
Ellie Wright
tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/615950451163332608
Kerry
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/615958973112524804
angie
Nothing beats a soak in the hot tub! I only wish that I had one at my house! LOL
angie
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/615964967020417024
Richard Hicks
I take a moment for myself when I go cycling solo.
Richard Hicks
https://twitter.com/ardy22/status/615982487257354241
Tabathia B
I like to sneak in a bubble bath,with my book or kindle and a glass of sweet tea
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/615982387357483008
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Francine Anchondo
I like to read before bed.
Laurie Emerson
I unwind and grab some me time late in the evening when everything is done for the day. I like to just go outside and look at the stars and hear the crickets.
Jerry Marquardt
I like to have “me” time so I don’t completely go insane, and go swimming.
Jerry Marquardt
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/616019234297131008
Kathryn C
my #SweepstakesEntry tweet:
https://twitter.com/thrincor/status/616023513040875520
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
Kathryn C
I like to unwind by relaxing on my sunny porch with a good book or some magazines, a hot beverage (tea) & some Milano cookies!
KC
kacor7@hotmail.com
melissa Resnick
chocolate anything, is my favorite indulgence
denise a
I like to relax by reading a good book, having a hot cup of tea and enjoying some Milano cooikes with it!