As parents or caregivers, sometimes it seems we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs, especially now in Loveland. 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 Loveland 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:
- Windsor Mill Tavern
- Sala Thai Co (Windsor)
- Little House Johnstown
- La Casita Authentic Mexican Restaurant (Berthoud)
- Henry's Pub (Loveland)
- Betta Gumbo (Loveland)
- Cactus Grille (Loveland)
- (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:
- The Tranquil Spa (Loveland)
- Northern Colorado Massage (Loveland)
- Acacia Salon and Spa (Loveland)
- Sanctuary Wellness Spa & Conscious Beauty (Fort Collins)
- On Point Permanent (Berthoud)
- The Skin Spa (Greeley)
- True Therapeutics Spa (Windsor)
- Shine Bright Aesthetics and Beauty (Johnstown)
- The Shed Salon & Spa (Johnstown)
- 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?
- Loveland Art Museum
- Loveland Academy of Music
- Loveland Parks and Rec Classes include health, Pottery, swimming, martial arts, athletics, first aid, art, cooking and more.
- Gress Art Studio
- Front Range Community College (Non Credit)
- Loveland Public Library Dist.
- Johnstown Community YMCA
- AEI Studio & Gifts (Windsor) Stained glass classes, mosaics etc.
- Thompson River's Rec. (Milliken)
- High Plains Library Dist. (Windsor)
- Windsor Parks & Rec (Windsor) art, cooking, swimming, boating, fitness and more.
- Victoria Sailing School (Denver)
- REI (Fort Collins)
- 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 Loveland website!
BONUS: Check out more ideas in our Fort Collins article.
Check our Macaroni Kid Loveland 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!
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