Skip to main contentSkip to footer
mum relaxing tips© Unsplash

How busy mums can get some alone time during lockdown

Unwind and relax with these helpful tips...

Esther Coombes
Content Lead
May 1, 2020
Share this:

With a packed timetable of homeschooling, preparing meals and Zoom calls it’s more vital than ever that parents take some time out for themselves. Schedule in some me-time with our top ten best activities to unwind and ease the pressure of the daily ‘juggle struggle’, if only for an hour…

Do a DIY mani

With nail bars closed it’s the perfect time to perfect your at-home manicure. This kit contains two gorgeous shades of polish – a champagne shimmer and a smart red – plus top coat, nourishing vitamin E nail and cuticle oil and a glass nail file. And it’s all housed in a pretty rose gold carry case which can be reused for other makeup!

Sally Hansen mani

Sally Hansen ultimate manicure gift set, £25.49, Amazon

BUY NOW

MORE: An expert reveals how to do the perfect at-home manicure

Catch up on a bestselling book

Escape with a good book – discover the story of Three Women in Lisa Taddeo’s smash hit novel, be astounded by Elton John’s life story in his official autobiography or indulge in some heart-warming chick lit with The Switch by Beth O’Leary.

three women book

Three Women book, £16.99, Amazon

BUY NOW

MORE: Celebrities reveal their favourite books to inspire during isolation: Claudia Winkleman, Victoria Beckham and more

Enjoy an A-list facial

Step up your skincare regime with this kit by Elemis, full of hero products from the brand’s cult Dynamic Resurfacing range, including a cleanser, mask, exfoliating pads and Skin Bliss capsules to give you supermodel skin.

elemis facial

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing gift set, £58, Amazon

BUY NOW

Take time out with your favourite magazine

Put the kettle on and enjoy some escapism with a copy of HELLO! magazine. Receive copies direct to your door (wrapped in an eco-friendly paper bag) AND save 50% with our exclusive subscription offer that's live right now – win win. 

discount subscription

Monthly direct debit offer for £5.99

2 months for £9.20 (50% off)

3 months for £13.80 (50% off)

6 months for £29.90 (50% off)

Bring the spa to your bathroom

Relax and destress with this collection of therapeutic bath and shower oils. Choose your ideal blend and enjoy a relaxing bath to end the day.

bath oils

Aromatherapy Associates mini bath and shower oil gift set, £40, Amazon

BUY NOW

Get a golden glow

Whilst you're dreaming of your next holiday, top up your tan with this beginner’s kit containing an exfoliating polish, classic mousse and moisturiser, plus a mitt for expert application for a flawless (and sunless) result.

MORE: 14 Fake tans to make you look like you've been on holiday even though you've not left the living room

Go green fingered

Escaping to the garden – or even a windowsill – to grow some plants is a great way to take your mind off the current climate.

MORE: 12 Best outdoor lights to make your garden twinkle

Unwind with some yoga

Invest in a yoga mat in your favourite mood-boosting hue and join one of the many free yoga tutorials online – with every level from beginner to advanced, your mind, body and soul are sure to reap the rewards.

yoga mat

Yoga mat, £10.99, Amazon

BUY NOW

Have a night at the (home) movies

Gather your favourite snacks and stream an OSCAR-winning film, or discover the newest fashion designers battling to impress judges Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell in Making The Cut – all of which are available on Amazon Prime.

MORE: Fancy a movie night? You'll want these 8 tasty snacks

Get creative

With colouring proven to aid mindfulness, create your own masterpiece with a set of watercolour brush pens – sketch your garden, a family portrait or go abstract!

paint set

Watercolour brush pens set, £18.89, Amazon

BUY NOW

MORE: 19 Productive things you can do during lockdown

This article contains affiliate links, which means HELLO! may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. More information.

Like this story? Sign up to our newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign up to HELLO Daily! for the best royal, celebrity and lifestyle coverage

By entering your details, you are agreeing to HELLO! Magazine User Data Protection Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information, please click here.

More Parenting

See more