As parents or caregivers, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs, especially now in Fort Collins. 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 a few ideas on how you can find that important time for yourself too in Fort Collins and NoCo:
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?
- Red Mountain Open Space (Fort Collins)
- Lions Open Space (Laporte)
- Eagle's Nest Open Space (Livermore - Laporte)
- Town Parks Fort Collins and Natural Areas Explorer
- Town Parks Estes Park - Centennial Open Space at Knoll-Willows, Mrs. Walsh's Garden, Sensory Garden
- Big Thompson Parks ( Glade, Narrows - Loveland / Forks, Sleepy Hollow - Estes Park)
- Town Parks & Trails Loveland
- Old St. Louis Natural Area (Loveland)
- Devil's Backbone Open Space (Loveland)
- Poudre River Trail (Windsor)
2. Plan a romantic date night in (Or Out)
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. Want to give it a try? Here are our favorite locally-owned date night places to visit or to order food from:
- Simmer (Fort Collins)
- Blue Agave (Fort Collins)
- The Moot House (Fort Collins)
- Carrabba's Italian Grill (Fort Collins)
- Panino's Italian (Fort Collins)
- Smokin Fins (Fort Collins)
- Los Chingones (Fort Collins)
- (See more locations in NoCo here)
3. 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 and around Loveland. Whichever one you choose, your newly energized self will thank you. Here are some spas:
- Aesthetic Injectables (Timnath)
- Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa (Fort Collins)
- Sanctuary Wellness Spa & Conscious Beauty (Fort Collins)
- Soak Spa & Foot Sanctuary (Fort Collins)
- Soul Rejuvenations (Fort Collins)
- Northern Colorado Massage (Loveland)
- Artista Spa (Wellington)
- Drohman's Salon & Day Spa (Wellington)
- Mountain Cabin Wellness (Red Feather)
- IOME (Fort Collins)
4. 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, there's something for everyone. Some great places to find classes?
- Fort Collins Circus Center
- Ascent Studio Climbing
- Poudre River Public Library Dist.
- Fort Collins Recreator includes a variety of classes from Pottery, swimming, martial arts, athletics, first aid, cooking, art, dance, dog obedience, and more.
- REI (Fort Collins)
- CSU Community classes (non Credit)
- St. Peters Fly Shop Fly fishing, On water entomology, Water Tactics, Intro to Flyfishing, Fly tying and more.
- Rebel Unicorn virtual, kits, classes and more.
- Farm Fusion Date night cooking classes and more.
- Victoria Sailing School (Denver)
- AEI Studio & Gifts (Windsor) Stained glass classes, mosaics etc.
- High Plains Library Dist. (Windsor)
- Windsor Parks & Rec (Windsor) art, cooking, swimming, boating, fitness and more.
- Your Daily Fiber (Livermore - online) Weaving, Knitting, Crochet, Spinning, Felting
5. 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."
6. Check the Macaroni Kid Fort Collins website!
Bonus: For more ideas in Northern Colorado - visit our article for Loveland.
Check our Macaroni Kid Fort Collins page for the latest ideas on family fun in Loveland and NoCo. You'll find ideas there on how to find your family fun.
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!