—
Being a dad is a lot, even for the most prepared men. Combining family and work usually makes it very hard to get personal time for relaxation. The demands are so high that not many people can say they are getting the combination of work and family absolutely right. For some, they focus more on work because they need to make money for the family. The family needs money to survive, hence you wouldn’t blame them. However, they almost always become absent dads. For some others, they prioritize family but are not making enough money to take care of the family. It’s indeed not an easy path.
As a Flourishing, Present Dad
For those who are able to make enough money and spend enough time with their family, they are often left with no time for themselves. This will ultimately burn them out, affecting all other parts of their lives. As a dad, I was so lost in giving my wife and kids enough time while making enough money that I didn’t realize I was losing myself. Yes, I knew things must not continue the way they were going, but I didn’t know the trouble was far deeper. Thankfully, I found a way out before everything could fall apart. Getting personal time as dads doesn’t have to be something big, it can be as simple and cheap as taking time out to do some fun things on your phone. This was the hack I found, and it changed the dynamics for me. It is perfect for me because I hardly go out except when I have to (mostly work) and I don’t have to spend a dime. Let me share some of the things I do on my phone to relax as a dad with you.
Listening to Podcast
I am a highly driven person. I thrive on achieving my set goals and targets. Therefore, a personal self-care routine for me is to get my mind sharpened all the time. As a finance guy, I enjoy listening to great minds in my field. It does not have to be anything technical or complex. Often, I just listen to their experiences and path of growth. The challenges they faced and how they overcame. It always feels like a retreat for me, even if it’s just for 30 to 40 minutes. Nothing keeps you going in life like the flames of your dream, keep them burning. The fulfillment and joy you get from it will radiate to all other parts of your life, helping you become a better dad. Some of my friends simply listen to motivational talks in their ‘dad downtime’. Whichever works for you, do it.
Watching Comedies
Having a good laugh is very therapeutic. You forget about all the demands and seriousness of life for a bit. The demands and responsibilities of being you don’t matter at this time. I have some favorite guys I go to for superb comedies. I get my favorite drink out, put my legs up and immerse myself wholly in the experience. Sometimes, I share this with my family, especially if it is age-appropriate. We all laugh together.
Watching my Favorite Movies or Series
This is a very big part of my life. I don’t drink, nor do I party; movies and series do it for me. I like Scifi, action movies, thrillers, etc. Depending on my mood for the day, I choose a movie to watch and try to enjoy it like a cinema experience. Looking forward to the weekly release of episodes of a series is also quite interesting. Some people prefer to wait for all episodes to be out before watching, but the thrill of looking out for the next episode does it for me.
Playing Online Casino Themed Games
Games are a key part of fun for a lot of dads. There are a wide range of games you can play on your phone for free or at little cost. Some of the best are casino-themed games. I enjoy casino games because the options are diverse, and I get to take the thrill to another level by staking. This means I get to make extra money while relaxing. Isn’t that great? Thankfully, there are budget friendly deposit casinos for Canadians. Hence, I can play with very little money, which doesn’t affect my finances in any way. Budget-friendly online casinos with great rewards, diverse payment options, and good customer service are the best.
Watching my Favorite Team
As a Manchester United fan, one of my key relaxing moments is watching my team play. It used to be really fun for me. Sadly, that has changed since the team is doing poorly at the moment. The point is, watching your team play is a great way to relax as a dad. The fact that you can easily share this experience with your family without affecting your relaxation makes it even more interesting. If your partner loves the sport, a little banter also helps.
Using Social Media
I am a big fan of X (formerly Twitter). I enjoy a wide range of experiences on the platform. I connect with others, get a lot of unbiased news, follow my favourite finance handles, and many more.
Listening to music
As a lover of good music, I immerse myself in different genres. I get to listen to as many as I want, for as long as I want, through phone streaming. Music relaxes me in magical ways. It is as though it reaches for my soul and addresses its exact needs. Beautiful experiences.
Finally
The time to do each of the above things differs, depending on you. For instance, if I am exhausted, listening to or watching comedy is often the best option for me. If I want to share my relaxation time with my kids, I watch my favourite team play. For thrills, I go for casino games. Doing these things right will make your ‘dad-experience’ and life better.
—
