Parents who find time for themselves feel better and show healthier physiological stress patterns on the same day, according to my new research. The findings suggest that even small moments away from daily demands may help mothers and fathers recharge emotionally and physically.

Raising children often means putting personal needs last. Between work, household tasks, school schedules and caregiving, many parents struggle to find time for themselves. Previous research has linked a lack of personal time to lower well-being and poor recovery.

Why personal time matters

In a study published in Communications Psychology, I examined data from 318 American parents with children under 18 living at home. On average, they were 40 years old and most of them were married or cohabiting with a partner (83 per cent). Participants took part in an eight-day diary study and reported each evening whether they had the opportunity to take time for themselves that day.

I defined personal time as time free from work, caregiving and household duties that could be used for self-directed activities. This might include reading, exercising, listening to music, relaxing, pursuing a hobby or simply taking a break from daily demands.

Every........

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