Relaxation, what's that? In this section, we offer suggestions for ways mom can find a special moment all her own. Consider: romance, massage, a spa bath, or even a community activity, as a way to refocus and make it possible to face the challenges of everyday parenting life. Visit our archive of releases and enjoy these tips offering serenity when you need it most! If you have a release suggestion you would like to share, consider filling out the form below!

Most people would automatically assume that sleep is a natural form of release. It certainly is a time when mom can calmly drift into a restful, peaceful place and eliminate all the cares of the world. There are, however, many moms who don't view this blissful time as an opportunity to unwind in a pleasant way.

I would like to share how sleep can be made into a special time of release, as well as a way to apply it. Andrea of Londonderry, NH wrote and shared how she has made her bedtime a pleasant form of release:

"Instead of falling asleep to the television or a book, (I set these aside about 10-15 minutes "before" bedtime) I apply a lavender scented eye mask. I use a nice, soft and silky mask that I found for $4.99 at a good discount clothing shop. I turn on a sound machine that is set to the sound of a mountain stream. I follow this with a pleasantly scented hand crème (I have found that peach ginger works nicely for bedtime and blends well with lavender), which I apply to my hands for a soft, comforting feel. I make sure my bed is tucked in and made well. I listen to the sound of the water and repeat the word calm in my head over and over for about 10 minutes or until I fall off to sleep. By practicing this ritual at bedtime, I have curbed my predisposition for insomnia without the need for medications."

What a great way to practice falling asleep every night! If you have any sleep rituals you would like to share with us, please email tara@justformom.com and I will gladly post them along with this Release and we can share how many moms fall asleep after a long, grueling day. Maybe one of your suggestions will make it possible for a sister mom to treat her dream time escape to a new, more calming feel.