Self Care for Moms

It’s the end of the day and you are worn out. From cooking meals, shuffling kids to school, completing household chores, taxiing kids to sporting events, making sure everyone’s homework is done, and finally getting everyone in the bed, you are exhausted. You have taken care of everyone else except yourself. I know you have heard this a million times, but let me tell you again, if you don’t stop and take care of yourself you won’t be able to take care of those who depend on you. Mommas, your care is essential to the health and well being of your family. Let’s talk about ways to sit down and take a breather.

Schedule Me Time

Coming from someone who has three young children, I know it’s hard to steal time for yourself. You either have to wake up really early before the kids get up or stay up late after the kids are in bed. Neither are ideal depending on the season of life you're in, because in both scenarios you are missing out on the opportunity to get much needed sleep.

I decided recently to get up early to have quiet time before the kids wake up. This means that I am usually up by 4:30 am because one of my children will normally be up by 5/5:30am. This allows me time to read, workout or just sit in silence before the chaos of the day ensues.

Ask for Help

You may be saying to yourself “yea I’m not getting up early” or “I can’t stay up any later than I have to”. Trust me, I get it. Sometimes you want to get out during normal hours and do something enjoyable. This is where you may need to solicit some help from your spouse, family members or consider hiring a babysitter.

Maybe you and another mom friend can commit to watching each other's children once a month so each of you can have time to yourself. That way you can schedule and commit to a day to refresh and recharge. The people in your community love you and are there to help when needed, you just have to ask!

Enjoy

As you're reading this, you may be thinking that you need a chance to recharge and rest, but you may be feeling guilty (especially those who are stay at home moms) for feeling this way. You know that rest is needed, but it’s just so hard to leave your little ones or to not be productive around the house. If those are your thoughts, do me a favor and put them to the side right now.

Everyone needs a moment to rest. Everyone needs a moment to recharge. Everyone needs a moment to themselves. Burnout is real, so be proactive to help minimize the possibility of burnout happening. Go and enjoy a moment to yourself and fight the feelings of guilt. Your children will be home when you get back and so will that pile of laundry!

Activities to Consider Doing

You may be wondering how to spend your self care time, here are a few ideas:

• Sit in silence

• Read a book

• Grab a coffee

• Exercise

• Watch your favorite show or movie

• Eat

• Get a mani/pedi

• Take a long bubble bath

• Take a walk

• Go to the spa

• Listen to an encouraging podcast

• Take a nap

Encouragement

However you choose to spend your time, just make sure that you do it regularly and that you enjoy it! As always mommas, YOU GOT THIS!