It’s the most indulgent time of the year for stay-at-home mothers of school-aged children – the season when, starting in the morning, time is suddenly once again yours. With kid-free hours stretching in front of you, what can you do?
A natural answer might be cleaning or laundry, but, hey, you deserve some ‘me’ time, right? That way, you can be energized by the time you’re back in the carpool lane.
You have two options: you can be active or you can focus on relaxation. There are resources for both.
If you’re looking to center yourself in a calm and soothing way, check out Mint Hill Yoga located at 7714 Matthews Mint Hill Road in The Lofts at 7714. Owner Bettie Shea opened her business to offer a different type of practice, one that focuses on gentle yoga, meditation, and holistic wellness as opposed to traditional aerobic exercises. Carrying kids on your hips for years can cause misalignment. Mint Hill Yoga can fix you and give you peace to last through the day.
Feel like just chilling? How about a matinee all by yourself or with a fellow mom? Visit the Cinemark Movie Bistro (9630 Monroe Road) where you can not only watch a new release in a comfy recliner but you can also eat a tasty lunch in the cafe. This theater has two great deals; if you go to the first showing of your movie (before 1pm), you’ll get their early bird discount of $6.75. And on Tuesdays, movies are only $6. Visit cinemark.com for movie times and other amenities.
If books are your idea of relaxing, consider joining the Mint Hill Ladies Book Club. These women meet monthly to discuss popular fiction and even a few classics. This month’s selection is Ten Degrees of Reckoning by Hester Rumberg and the group will meet on September 28 to discuss. Email minthillbookclub@outlook.com for location and time.
Does cooking calm you down? Maybe you would be up for a few classes. If you’re willing to drive to Charlotte, check out classes at Sur La Table in SouthPark Mall and also Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen located in Charlotte’s South End.
Maybe you’re the type of parent who likes to constantly stay active. If that’s the case, there are plenty of outlets for your energy. A Matthews Running club meets every Saturday morning at 8am in front of Dilworth Coffee in downtown Matthews to run about 5 miles (most of which is on the Matthews Four Mile Creek Greenway). It would be a good way to find a potential running partner who runs your pace and who would be willing to meet you when the kids are in school.
Have you been wondering what all the buzz is about around Zumba? Now is the time to find out. Fit You Studios (8400 Fairview Rd. Suite D) offers Zumba and also aerobics, yoga, and Pilates. Go often enough and you’ll have more energy to handle the kids when they get home at the end of the day.
If you don’t want to spend money but are looking to connect with other mothers who share common interests, join the Moms Club of Mint Hill. Formed seven years ago, the group is a useful resource and local support group that will help you find playdates, outings, and Moms Nights Out. Check them out on Facebook at facebook.com/MOMSClubofMintHill/.
Finally, if you insist on spending your free time cleaning and doing laundry, at least put on some music, crank up the volume, and have your own private dance party. You’ll burn calories and have a blast in the privacy of your own home. And at least no one will be there to tell you to put on Disney tunes.
