Moms Talk Q&A: Moms, when do you get a break?

Yes, we all know that being a mom is a 24-hour a day job.

I love it, but I need a break from time to time to relax and recharge my batteries. It might seem nearly impossible sometimes, but it is really important to be there for your family without losing your sanity. 

If you had an hour or two to yourself today, or even 15 minutes, what would you do to recharge?

Here are some ways I like to relax (enjoy, even if you're not a mom) 

1. One of my favorite ways to treat myself is to book a day at the . For Sonoma residents, they offer an unbelievable day rate through their "Good Neighbor Program." Use both swimming pools, the work out room, with yoga classes and strength training, for only $25! Sign up by bringing an ID with your address, and call to reserve ahead of time (they only reserve a few spots per day for the program, Saturdays are excluded).  I usually try to go 3-4 times a year. It is unbelievably relaxing and I always come home with a renewed spirit and open arms to my kids!

2. Light a candle and take a hot bath. Both and carry a wonderful line of bath salts, bubble bath and candles. Remove the kids' toys from the tub (you can always keep the rubber ducky!) and relax for 20 minutes!

3. When fellow mom Laura Edelen, a member of the Sonoma Valley Mom's Club, gets a free Saturday morning she takes a yoga class. 

"I just started going to a yoga/stretch class at En-er-gy Studio in Sonoma on Saturday mornings while my husband is at home with our son. The teacher, Sue, is so positive and enthusiastic that I always leave with a smile and feel great!"

The "En-er-gy" studio is located at 450 1st St. east, www.en-er-gy.com and offers the pyschedelic stretch class on Saturday mornings as well as a full schedule of other classes. Classes range from $9 -$15, depending on how many classes you pre-purchase. 

4. Read the book that has been sitting on your nightstand for months! Hannah Martin, also from the Sonoma Valley Mom’s Club, said she that if she had two hours to herself she would, “get breakfast at the Sunflower Caffe and a pedicure at Camille Day Spa.  I'd bring my book that I've been dying to read, and shop around the Plaza while my toes dried.” Sounds heavenly to me!

5. Write in your journal. I recently had a fellow mom tell me that at the end of the day, after putting the kids to bed, she pulls out her journal and sometimes pours a glass of wine, and writes what happened that day. Writing is a perfect way to relax and just let all that’s in you flow out creatively.

What do you do that helps you relax and take a break? We can all benefit from more ideas to release tension. Maybe you can’t carve out two hours out of your day, but we can all find 15 minutes that you can “steal” for yourself!