Just for You, Prioritizing You
You should be your biggest priority. This goes for anyone. But for today, I’m going to discuss this through a mother’s eyes. If you’re like me, you’re too busy thinking about everyone else to prioritize yourself. This is a common theme for mothers, always has been. Moms often have to manage the family plus work a full-time job. Regardless of the home-work situation, in most cases, it’s easier to do things ourselves. That’s not to say you don’t have a helpful spouse. But, taking the time to break down or explain something, especially where the kids are concerned, ends up taking more time. Many of us figure its just quicker to do it ourselves. That being said, lets take a look at self-care.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care simply means, knowing your needs. Being mindful of what you need will in turn make you a better care-taker for everyone else. Of course you are supposed to eat right, drink water, and practice good hygiene; but this is not the type of self-care I’m talking about. Basic human needs do not count as self care. Self care is more about knowing what you need to be happy and feel recharged. Your happiness will make you a better person overall.
Ask for help and plan so you feel less guilty about any time spent on you.
Making Time for You
This is the hardest part, because many of us feel guilty taking time away from other responsibilities. But, even taking 5 minutes for yourself can help you regroup and refocus.
Don’t fall into being resentful, ask for help, and take 5 for you.
Focusing on just you and whatever you want is the best form of self-care. Realistically, moms can’t take long periods of time to do this, so you may need to get creative. There was a point when the only time I could carve out for me was my lunch break. I packed myself a lunch to look forward to, and spent my break reading and eating in solitude. This did wonders for all the responsibilities in my life because I was able to recharge. If you can’t make time during the day, then you may have to work it in before everyone gets up, or after everyone goes to sleep. If you can get a 1/2 hour or an 1 hour a few times a week, that may be enough. But, maybe you will only be able to work it in 10 minutes daily. You’ll find a balance, you just need to prioritize it and be realistic to your time constraints. And, don’t do anything during that time except something for yourself: no laundry, no cleaning, no prepping food, no phone calls; just something for YOU.
Types of Self Care
Simply put, to practice self care, do something that puts a smile on your face that is just for you. Yes, many of us love being a mom, and watching our children be happy. This gives us feelings of joy. Enjoy these moments, soak them up. But think deeper, think about you.
With this, take any guilt you feel out of the situation. What do you enjoy doing just for yourself?
- Exercise – go for a walk, run, or a bike ride
- Get your nails done – or if you enjoy it, do them yourself
- Enjoy crafting? Carve out time to do it daily or at least weekly.
- Garden
- Put on some make-up and fix your hair
- Read a book
- Watch a tv show of your choice
Beyond Physical Self Care
Self care in my opinion is all about our emotional well being. If we take time to understand our own needs we will have a better handle on our responsibilities. Understanding your boundaries and knowing when to ask for help are also elements tied into your self care. These are topics for another post. For now, think about what you need, and get at it!
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