One AirPod, Endless Peace: My Go-To Self-Care Hack
As a busy working parent, carving out time for self-care can feel like a luxury that more often than not doesn’t happen. Between managing the household, work deadlines, and the constant demands of my kids, I often forget to take a moment for myself. But over time, I’ve discovered a simple and easy form of self-care that allows me to stay connected to my own well-being while still navigating the chaos of daily life—using my AirPods.
Simple enough, right? The magic lies in the small act of putting in one AirPod. This small gesture helps me step away from the noise and clutter around me, even if just for a moment, and reconnect with myself.
Why One AirPod?
You may ask why I don’t just pop both in and completely tune out. Well the answer lies in balance. Keeping one AirPod out allows me to stay alert to my surroundings—especially with kids at home. If my kids need me or something needs my immediate attention, I’m still present, but I can easily get back to my personal space whenever I choose. The chaos of things like cooking dinner and folding laundry becomes a little more manageable, and I feel a sense of accomplishment that I’ve done something just for me, even in the midst of it all.
A Slice of “Me” Time
Self-care doesn’t always have to mean a long massage, spending an hour at the gym, or a new hairstyle (though those are wonderful too!). For me, it’s about finding small moments in my day where I can check in with myself, reset, and recharge. Listening to a podcast or audiobook during mundane tasks is my way of nurturing my mind and filling my cup.
When chores feel endless, I can listen to an empowering podcast about personal growth or an audiobook that transports me to another world. When my kids are outside playing or running around being, well, kids, I can still hear them (don’t worry, I’m not totally ignoring them!), but the AirPod provides a mental buffer. I’m able to focus on what I’m listening to, which gives me the mental space I need to feel like I’m still working on the “me” things I cherish.
There’s something empowering about taking back a little piece of my time, even during the busiest moments of my day. It’s like a little mental mini-vacation, and those moments of reprieve can help me stay energized, refreshed, and better able to face the demands of the day.
The Power of Audiobooks and Podcasts
The content I listen to with my AirPods is as intentional as the time I carve out for it. Podcasts and audiobooks are my go to. Stuff focused on personal growth is my preference. I also enjoy content to help me better plan for something I’m focused on, like managing personal finance or planning our upcoming family vacation. And, of course, I love exploring highly recommended books.
Reclaiming My Time, One AirPod at a Time
Using my AirPods is one of the simplest, yet most effective, ways I’ve found to practice self-care amidst the busyness of my life. It’s a small act that allows me to check out—just a little bit. And even though it might seem like a small thing, it’s these little moments of “me time” that help me stay grounded and connected to myself, even when life gets chaotic.
