As parents or caregivers, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs, especially now in Southwestern PA 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 7 ideas on how you can find that important time for yourself too in the Canonsburg-McMurray-Washington PA area, 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?
- Peters Lake Park
- Arrowhead Trail (part of the Montour trail in Peters Township)
- Mingo Creek Park and other Washington County Parks
Worth the drive - Ohiopyle - winter hiking, great for snowshoe, cross country skiing, sledding, snowmobiling winter fun.
Snow on the ground? Check out Raccoon Creek State Park - they offer cross country skiing (bring your own skis) & loan snowshoes. Please call and verify that snowshoes are being loaned before traveling. This can change without any notice. Most trails are open to cross-country skiing, however, it is recommended to avoid trails rated ‘difficult.’ A designated 2.2-mile cross-country skiing trail is located between the beach access road and the roadside east picnic area.
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:
- Angelo's Restaurant (Washington)
- Atria's Restaurant (McMurray) {Reopening on Monday, January 18}
- Arlecchino's Restaurant (McMurray)
Find more restaurants in our Washington County Restaurant Guide
3. Find your "people"
Join a Washington County parenting group on Facebook or find a local club or organization that matches your interests.
- More4Moms - Canonsburg/Peters/McMurray
- MOPS
- Central Assembly of God Church MOPS (Houston, PA)
- Crossroads Ministries (Finleyville)
- Be sure to come back and check out our Preschool Guide coming later this month. You'll buy yourself a couple of free hours a week while your child is having a last at preschool. Some preschools even have programs for 2 year olds.
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 the Canonsburg-McMurray-Washington area. Whichever one you choose, your newly energized self will thank you. Here are three Washington area spas open and with COVID precautions in place:
- Simply Skin by Tori - treat yourself to a fabulous facial!
- Spa Harmony
- Southpointe Massage Therapy
5. Try something new
It's easy to get bogged down with all of life's "busyness." Take a little time away and explore an activity or hobby you've always wanted to try. From individual hobbies like photography or quilting to group activities like paint nights, running, or cycling groups, even wine tastings there's something for everyone. Some great places in the Washington County area to find things for you:
- Silver Mark Cellars - Schedule a tasting or simply grab some wine (Need Ideas on where to look? Check local gyms, music schools, colleges for online or in-person classes)
- FiredUp Pottery Studio (not just for the kids!)
- Lakeview Yoga (Peters Township)
6. 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."
- Grab some candles & soaps from Rustic Creations for a little me time
7. Check the Macaroni Kid Canonsburg-McMurray-Washington website!
Check our Macaroni Kid Canonsburg-McMurray-Washington page for the latest ideas on family fun in the Washington County PA area. 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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