Self Care

Confession time. 

It’s been a rough week. The kids have not been playing well, the house is a mess (WHY is everything so sticky?) and life has just been overwhelming.

I told my husband that I needed some time for self-care this week and being as amazing as he is, he told me to take all the time I needed.

It’s all too easy to fall into the routine of taking care of everyone else and neglecting your own needs, especially as a mother. Your thoughts are consumed about who has eaten, who needs a new diaper, who’s crying, and what’s for dinner? It’s exhausting.

Sooner or later, your patience fades and you find yourself feeling angry and resentful. Even though these are supposed to be some of the happiest days and years for a family, there are times you may find yourself feeling depressed, anxious, and alone.

Those are the times, more than any other when you need to step back and take some time for you. It’s ok that mom needs some solitude. Call your partner, grandma and grandpa, your neighbor, or your sister. It’s ok to ask for help. You NEED this. You DESERVE this.

For me, I look at my own self-care in three categories; Physical, Emotional, and Mental. They all go hand in hand and if one is running on empty, there isn’t enough energy to fill any of them up.

Physical

• Sleep

• Hydration

• Exercise

• Deep breathing

• Daily vitamins and supplements

• Mindful eating

• Regular health checkups

• Physical touch

• Good hygiene

Emotional

• Stress management

• Journaling

• Therapy

• Daily gratitude

• Laughing

• Favorite hobbies

Mental

• Mediation

• Daily affirmations

• Reading

• Digital detox

• Goal setting

• Trying something new

Pick one thing from each category and try to add self-care into your daily or weekly schedule. Go ahead and sign up for that yoga class you’ve been thinking about, sit down in a quiet place, and read a book or drink a cup of relaxing tea.

Make making time for yourself a priority. It’s important not just for yourself, but for your family as well. It allows you to be more present, to really show up for your loved ones, and to always be the best version of yourself.