9 things to do during nap-time to help the rest of your day run smoother

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During nap-time, I decided to write a post suggesting to you 9 things to during nap-time to help the rest of your day run smoother!

Parenting. One single word can bring to mind so many thoughts, feelings, and emotions. For me, as a parent who also works from home, I feel like some days I am simply overwhelmed. Between wanting to keep a clean home, be good at my job, spend time with Daisy, and Thomas, and make time for myself the overwhelm can be strong sometimes.

9 things to do during nap-time to help the rest of your day run smoother

Before I start my list let me say that this is what I do personally. Naps in our home typically last for 30-60 minutes, so I don’t do all of these jobs during every nap.

Some nap-times I will focus on self-care as a parent, other nap-times I will work on the cleaning and admin tasks. If your child is napping and you just want to sit there and decompress, then do that! Don’t feel guilty! Also, avoid comparing yourself to others.

Let’s be real here and say that for me, as a parent, I often have days when I just sit there and revel in the peace and quiet. I don’t do a single job on this list and I just watch Netflix and eat crisps. BLISS!

Plan dinner

The number one thing that I can do, in our home, is to put dinner in the slow cooker. If Daisy wakes up and the rest of the afternoon goes to hell then it doesn’t matter! Dinner is ready, or almost ready, and I can have something hot waiting the moment Daisy goes to bed. If the afternoon goes that badly! 

If I have lots of spare time during nap-time then I will meal plan and write a shopping list for the next week’s dinners.

Clean

I usually start with washing up and tidying the living room. I don’t pack Daisy’s toys away during the day because she just gets them out again later. However, if she has a toy out that doesn’t stay out, like her train set, I usually pack that away while she’s asleep.

Other times I will de-clutter a surface, cupboard or entire room in our home. Sometimes I complete one day from my 30-day de-clutter challenge. I love doing this in 15-minute bursts and find that this is just long enough to make a difference without losing my focus.

Make a hot drink

This is self-explanatory really. A hot drink, often a coffee, keeps me going through the afternoon once Daisy is awake. I love to use my Tassimo machine and I’m always saving money on Tassimo pods.

Exercise

I have *Alexa so sometimes I will just do a 7-minute workout. Other times I do a 15-minute workout. If Daisy is still looking settled on our video monitor then I complete another 15-minute workout.

This often takes up most of nap-time but the boost to my mood is fantastic and makes the afternoon run smoother for us. Especially if Daisy is a bit moany! 

Take a nap

If I’m feeling run down, or have just recovered from a bout of illness then I take a nap. I don’t feel guilty and I find that the 20-40 minutes I usually get is just enough to pick me up until bedtime. 

If you’re tired, and your little one is going to sleep, then take a nap! The jobs will still be there come the evening when your little one is asleep again. Finding me time as a parent is so important!

Have a shower

Typically I’ve had a shower before this time of the day but if I’ve exercised then I love a quick shower. I try to use refreshing and uplifting scents in my shower, such as lemon, and this perks me up for the rest of the day.

Do your hair and make-up

If I’m going out later in the day then I spend time straightening my hair and applying make-up. That way when Daisy is awake I just have to focus on getting her washed and dressed.

This saves us time and more importantly it makes me feel better about myself. When I take photographs with Daisy I look fresher and this makes me happy!

Put the washing on

It only takes a couple of minutes to put a load of washing on. If I start this at the beginning of Daisy’s nap-time I can usually get a load completed and on the heated airer before she wakes up. Even just loading the machine and running the 28-minute cycle is a great help. Then I empty it once Daisy is in bed in the evening if I’ve run out of time.

Do nothing

I like to ensure that I use nap-time effectively. Without guilt. Whether this is sitting relaxing, eating a healthy lunch or completing chores I mostly do something for me or my home. Completing chores and prepping dinner makes the afternoon run smoother.

Having a coffee, or just watching television helps me relax and in turn makes the afternoon run smoother too. Whatever you decide to do during nap-time do it without feeling guilty.

You deserve to rest, and if you want to exercise then that is great for your mental and physical health! If you’re having a day where you need to do nothing then do nothing! Don’t feel guilty. Don’t worry about what you’ll need to do later.

Try to relax. Enjoy the peace. Read a trashy magazine, watch television, enjoy the peace. Do whatever your version of nothing is! I love to listen to a Spotify playlist while I lay on the sofa.

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