As parents or caregivers, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs, especially now in NH winter during COVID when everyone is home more. I don't know about you, but I've found all that "need" eventually makes me burn out if I don't make the effort to take care of myself too.
It's certainly a lot harder to fill your family's emotional needs if your own emotional bank account is on empty.
So here are 6 ideas on how you can find that important time for yourself too in Southern, NH, even during the time of COVID:
1. Spend time outdoors
Nothing is better for the soul than getting outside and taking time to think. A walk around the neighborhood suffices, but why not head out on your own or with a friend to a great hiking spot for an hour or two away? I have been doing a lot of winter hiking, the thought at first made me cringe but with the right warm gear it has set me free from the confines of Covid in so many ways. I've gone 10 mins to 2 hours to find this solace, but here are some of my favorite that are no more than 45 mins from Merrimack, Manchester, Bedford, Goffstown area, that are so worth the climb.
- Oldie but goodie Pack Monadnock in Greenfield, NH is 3.1 miles up and back (estimated time 3 hours round trip), elevation gain 964ft, with the most spectacular local views.
- Uncanoonuc North Peak in Goffstown, NH is 2.1 miles round trip (estimated 2 hours or less), elevation gain 738ft, great views and suitable for any age! Beautiful summit, short yet great exercise, and best of all its close! Great summit views.
- Mount Watatic and Nutting Hill Ashburnham, Mass. is 2.8 miles of blissful hiking (just under 3 hours), elevation gain 711, with spectacular 365 views.
***For other local trail ideas visit https://www.alltrails.com/. You can search, hikes nearest to you, difficulty levels, views, and reiews from other hikers! It also provides precise directions to each trail head and navigation through the trail should you need it.
Recommended Gear
- Micro Spikes for icy trails
- Snow shoes if fresh snow
- Layer up for warmth!
Some local libraries offer snow shoe rentals such as Merrimack Public Library , but feel free to call a friend to borrow, or look on Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive gear.
2. Plan a romantic date night in
I have friends whose kids can't wait for nights they get popcorn for dinner and can watch a movie on a laptop in bed. It's the height of childhood luxury! They don't know it's their parents' way of sneaking in a date night during COVID. Want to give it a try? Here are our favorite locally-owned date night places to order food from (and we have tried them all):
- T Bones Great American Eatery in Bedford, NH never fails with their delicious take out options. Every time we have ordered its been perfectly cooked and piping hot when we get it home, highly recommend.
- The Homestead in Merrimack, NH has a great home cooked style foods, soups, salads, delicious breads and desserts galore.
- Ollies Goffstown, NH has everything from baked haddock, to fish tacos, to pork pie. Delicious every time!
- El Tapatio Mexican Dining in Merrimack, NH has large portions of spectacular authentic Mexican food. You may just want to pass out after but its worth every bite of goodness.
3. Find your "people"
Join a NH parenting group on Facebook or find a local club or organization that matches your interests.
- ❄️NH Moms, est. 2014: A Community of Caring❄️Facebook based mom support group, for parenting advice, resources, you can even submit questions anonymously.
- Macaroni Kid Manchester NH offers a wide variety of local family fun options, business reviews, parenting related articles, and giveaways.
- MOB (Moms of Bedford, NH) is a great resource for supremely local Bedford Mom support and resources.
- Merrimack Moms Facebooked based Merrimack mom resource page.
- Nashua Area Moms Group Facebook Based Nashua Mom Resource page.
- Thrive Parenting Resources THRIVE Parenting Resources is a safe, fun, engaging place for children and their caretakers. Here you will have the opportunity to engage in peer support, seek professional advice, interact in fun activities with your child, and meet some great people! Thrive is currently looking into creating mom pods, for safe play and engagement.
4. Schedule a spa day
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a spa day. There are so many great spas to choose from in Manchester, Manchester, Nashua, Merrimack and Bedford. Whichever one you choose, your newly energized self will thank you. Here are three Local spas open and with COVID precautions in place:
- Innovations Salon and Spa - Merrimack, NH offering full services from hair to facial to massage.
- Lux Salon and Spa - Bedford, NH
- Elavina Salon and Spa - Manchester, NH
5. Savor a few minutes of solitude
Spending time alone is good for the soul. Let your partner know you need some alone time and head off to relax -- read a book, take a bath or even just take a walk around the neighborhood. Don't feel like you always have to be doing something "productive."
6. Check the Macaroni Kid Manchester-Bedford website!
Check our Macaroni Kid Manchester-Bedford page for the latest ideas on family fun in Manchester, Bedford, Goffstown and beyond. You'll find ideas there on how to find your family fun -- even during the pandemic.
Taking care of yourself is so important, and not something to be overlooked -- it will make you a better mom at the end of the day!
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