As parents of multiples, rest often feels impossible. Between feeding, nappy changes, school runs, and the endless to-do list, it can feel like there’s never a spare moment to slow down. But rest doesn’t always mean sleep or long breaks — it can be found in small, intentional pauses woven into your day. Here are some simple, practical ways to rest when you don’t actually have time to rest:

Breathe deeply.

Take one slow breath, letting your belly rise as you inhale and soften as you exhale. Even 10 seconds of mindful breathing can help calm your nervous system.

Savour small rituals.

Notice the smell of your morning coffee or tea, or peel an orange slowly and enjoy its scent. These little moments of presence can bring surprising relief.

Move gently.

Stretch your arms overhead, roll your shoulders, or step outside barefoot for a minute to feel the ground beneath your feet. Small movements refresh both body and mind.

Use daily chores as pause points.

Put on your favourite music while washing dishes or folding laundry. Turning routine jobs into mindful moments can make them less draining.

Soften your self-talk.

Speak one sentence of kindness to yourself: “I’m doing my best.” Self compassion is a powerful form of rest.

Change your environment.

Slip into cosy clothes, open a window for fresh air, or step outside to look at the clouds, the moon, or the trees. Nature has a way of grounding us quickly.

Lie down briefly.

If the kids are playing safely, lie on the floor for one minute and let your body feel supported by the ground. It’s a reset you can do anywhere. The key is presence.

When we give ourselves permission to notice, to soften, and to savour, we invite small moments of rest into our lives. These pauses may not look like the rest we imagine, but they can offer just enough energy to keep us going. Rest doesn’t have to wait for the end of the day. By building in tiny pauses — breaths, stretches, smiles, or moments of noticing — you can restore just enough energy to keep going. These practices aren’t luxuries; they’re survival tools for busy parents. Even when there’s no time to rest, there’s always time for a small pause.

Originally published in NIMBA's Noah's Ark Newsletter | Issue 323 | August 2025