“I just need to unwind,” said almost every busy mother I’ve ever known, on an almost-weekly basis. The word is simple, but it’s the tone, the energy (lack thereof) and hint of desperation that makes it more complex. A warm bath, a glass of wine, maybe even a night out. All great, quick-fix interventions we reach for when we need to loosen up a little. Some energy comes back, some lightness and laughter restored. But have you noticed that the “wound up” feeling returns quickly, often with a vengeance? 

You’re not a clock. You don’t need to unwind. 

The definition of “unwind” is “to become uncoiled or untangled.” Perfect, right? How often do you uncoil or untangle anything and have it stay that way? (See: my 9-year olds curly locks.) We work through the tangles of life, find some relief, and momentarily feel better about the weight we’re carrying. Then the kids call out, the house gets a little messy, the boss asks us to stay late in that way that we can’t say “no” for fear of being se...