I hide in the bathroom. Usually with a book, often with my smartphone. Sometimes, I clean my teeth for a third time that day. 

Why?  

Because I often need to take a beat and regroup from the chaos of parenthood. It’s usually beautiful chaos, but it’s exhausting chaos.  

And I’d love a day off, a weekend spa break … even a lie-in. But none of those items are on the menu, so I retreat to the bathroom and take a few minutes to centre myself and take a few deep breaths.  

And then I get back to the chaos, which I wouldn’t be without. And I know I’ll mourn it when it’s gone. 

And you know what? Often, that’s enough – ten minutes hiding in the bathroom to reset. 

Where do you hide? And how long for?