As a mom, taking time to care for yourself is usually the last item on your list to be checked off – if it ever even gets checked off. However, not only does taking care of yourself provide you with great health benefits, your kids also benefit. Your children rely on you to be healthy so that you can give them the time, attention and energy they need. Taking care of yourself shouldn’t be seen as an indulgence – it should be seen as a necessity. So move yourself to the top of your to-do list!
1. Go and get a massage. Getting a massage not only relieves sore muscles, it also eases stress and promotes relaxation. Massages help you calm down and prepare you for the challenges ahead. And don’t just daydream about it – be purposeful about scheduling it in: ask your partner, a relative or a friend to watch the kids one evening or on the weekend, or see if you can take a long lunch break from work.
2. Eat nutritiously when you can. While you may be tempted to reach for the salty snacks or bars of chocolate when you’re feeling rundown, listen to what your body is really craving rather than giving in to the impulse to eat what’s easy. Eating a nutritious meal is far more refreshing and rejuvenating than anything found in a vending machine.
3. Keep a journal. Keep it close and take a moment (or several) each day to write down your thoughts, joys and frustrations. You will be amazed by the clarity and release you get from getting those thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
4. Take time for an aromatherapy bath. Do some research to find the scent best suited for you: Lavender is known for soothing sore muscles and relaxing the body and mind; chamomile relieves anxiety, tension and symptoms of PMS; clary sage is calming and is known for its antidepressant effects, as well as its help in reducing symptoms of PMS, menstrual cramps and menopause. Once you decide on a scent (or more than one!), add a few drops to your bathwater to wind down at the end of the day.
5. Alone time is valuable – spread the word! Get comfortable with telling your kids you need some quiet time to yourself. By doing so, you can teach them to appreciate this time to themselves as well by telling them much being quiet helps you recharge and makes you appreciate the time you spend with them.
6. Take deep breaths. Promote relaxation throughout your body by slowing your breathing. Work up to the point of taking four to six breaths per minute, for several minutes.
7. Pick up the phone. Call a relative, friend or mentor. Talking with someone you care about can do wonders for your mental health.
8. Read something fun. How often do you take time to read something you enjoy? Find a book or article on a topic you’ve always wanted to learn about, or pick up a book of fiction, and escape from the rest of the world.
9. Make a trade. Arrange a babysitting trade-off with a friend or relative. Maybe you trade off once a week or once a month. Either way, this arrangement is a win-win: You get regular time to yourself or with your partner, and when the kids are at your house, they mostly keep each other entertained. When someone else has the kids, take the opportunity to go on a mini-retreat: Stay overnight at a hotel or in a cabin and do activities that replenish you. Write, walk, meditate, sing — whatever makes you feel recharged and refreshed.
10. Lastly, be kind. Above all, self-care is about recognizing that you’re worthy of your own care and love. Be kind to yourself, recognize that no one’s a perfect parent but you’re doing all that you can, and know that you deserve to treat yourself well and replenish your own inner stores before you can attend to the needs of your kids.
About the Author:
Jennifer Carter stays busy doing marketing and PR work for clients of Outbounding.com. While work consumes far more than a “typical” 9-5 day, she does make it a point to spend time with her friends and family doing the things she loves – such as writing, running, kayaking and photography. She also believes that a nose job can transform and empower a soul
These are such great tips! My kids have been driving me CRAZY this week and I find sometimes all I need is a little time to myself reading a book or taking a bath and then I feel much better. Sometimes that’s all you need.
Great tips! Me time is so important!
I need to remember to pick up the phone. I am so bad at just sending a text message or facebook message now a days. Reconnecting over the phone is always great.
I can’t do a lot of those right now but I can find time to take a deep breath!
I think the massage tip is the one for me.
I think it’s finally time for me to get a massage. Great ideas.
While these are all good ideas with Christmas coming it is hard to take the time for anything extra. Now that my kids are older, I remember every precious moment. I suggest if you don’t have the time or money for a masseuse, enlist your child’s help. Let him play masseuse and give you a massage and then you can return the favor. Play relaxing music and light some aroma therapy candles. Make it a big deal. You may want to make this a part of your weekly routine. It will help both you and your child to be calm and less stressed.
Theresa Lepiane
author
How to Work at Home with a Toddler
These are good ideas with Christmas. It will be also a pleasure to arrange the Christmas tree with your children.