Taking a break for yourself can be the perfect stress relief

If you’re looking for an excuse to take a break and escape the stress of everyday life for a few hours, how about this one: It’s good for you! So there’s no reason to feel guilty about taking some time to yourself.

Rochelle from Oconomowoc, Wisconsin knows this all too well. Recently, at a workshop in Hartland, Wisconsin, she gave a very succinct answer to the question of why she likes coming to Board & Brush to spend an evening creating a sign with friends: “It’s a chance to get away from my kids!”

The comment drew a big laugh from those around her – and any busy parent can relate to the sentiment. But it often comes with a twinge of guilt.

Here’s the thing: Chances are, when you make a point of carving out some time for yourself to “get away from it all – even for a few hours – both you and your family are going to come out ahead.

As you may already know, crafting can be a great way to stimulate your brain and improve your mental wellbeing. Throw in a few friends or loved ones, and maybe a little wine, and now you’re talking serious relaxation and stress relief. That’s good for you! And there’s no reason to feel guilty about it.

Experts agree. An article from the Washington Post says, “Taking a break from family can cause guilt and anxiety in mothers and fathers alike. But a few hours away can re-energize you so you can get back to playing with Legos, making dinner and taking care of everyone else.”

And you don’t have to be a parent to be hesitant about taking a break and having some time for yourself, away from your hectic life. After all, there are probably chores to be done, bills to pay, yards to mow, or work deadlines to meet.

Author Minda Zetlin reports at Inc.com on one study in which busy executives were instructed to take at least one evening for themselves each week. At first, many didn’t even want to try it, fearing that they would face a backlog of work as a result. What they actually found was, as their work-life balance improved, their productivity – along with pride in their work and sense of accomplishment – went steadily up.

That’s something one Board & Brush veteran, Katy, from Waukesha, Wisconsin, could have already told you.

“It’s nice to just come here after work, and talk and decompress,” she explained. “I’ve come here with one friend, I’ve come here with my work friends, my whole group of teachers have come here. So, every time it’s different. It’s just a fun thing to do and bond over.”

And then there’s the sense of satisfaction you get when you come home with a unique and beautiful sign you created yourself. This was Rochelle’s third visit to a Board & Brush workshop, but she still remembers how awesome she felt after finishing her first project – and how surprised she was by how well it turned out.

“I was super excited,” she said. “It came out amazing!”

“Oh, it’s extremely satisfying,” added Sherry, also from Oconomowoc. “My kids can’t believe the stuff that I do.”

And if your kids are going to love what you bring home at the end of the night, what further excuse do you have to stay home? Make a night of it at Board & Brush and come home less stressed. It will do you a world of good, and your family may even thank you for it.

And if your kids are going to love what you bring home at the end of the night, what further excuse do you have to stay home? Make a night of it at Board & Brush and come home less stressed. It will do you a world of good, and your family may even thank you for it. To find a workshop near you, visit our locations page.