There’s a trend that goes around. Everyone must have some sort of self-care. Sure, I agree with this. Self-care is healthy and important, but you don’t want to confuse it with being selfish. Sometimes you have to be selfish as a mom just to sneak away for a hot second and take care of yourself. It’s very easy to get lost in the mundane of life and forget who you are as a mom. But, once you create a very “me focused mentality” you lose sight of your calling and only investing in yourself. Don’t get me wrong, you need to invest in yourself, but just as easy as it is to lose sight of who you are, it’s easy to get overly consumed in who you are as a mom.
However, speaking on the topic of self-care, sometimes you just have stop and take a break for yourself and you only: no one invited. Because truth is, being a mom can be stressful, overwhelming, and can also leave you over touched and overstimulated. Plus, when you constantly invest in your children (and family), you quickly forget what you enjoy doing without children or spouse around. And it’s also important (and healthy) to unplug for a few hours and take a step back and catch a break. Besides, treating yourself is not selfish.
Selfishness does not yield love, joy, peace or purpose. But self-care almost always instills a new fire, passion and motivation to become the better you.
If you give, give, give, and people constantly take, take, take, your well will dry up. Self-care allows you to do things that will fill it up, and whether is an hour a week or an hour a day, you determine what you need.
Consider these few and simple tips on acquiring some self-care.
Take a Bath
Taking a bath is one of the best ways of being able to relax and unwind. There are some great benefits to this, and it can help you to rest your body, soothe your limbs, and clear your mind at the same time. A bath is a wonderful way of being able to relax and treat yourself. Adding bath bombs and diffusing essential oils in the room can create a serene and peaceful atmosphere, and also relax your mind. If taking a bath is something you enjoy, schedule it in your calendar weekly so you can unwind from the stresses and demands of the day.
Yoga
This is one I always enjoy doing. My muscles instantly relax and all the tension and aches and pains I occasionally experience from carrying children around immediately vanish. Yoga is great for mental and physical health and it’s also a wonderful way to work your body. It’s not stressful on your joints and will not overstimulate your mind or emotions. Maybe taking up yoga is form of self-care for you. It’s a perfect way to unwind and let go of all your cares and anxieties.
Discover Your Indulgences
You know what you splurge on. In fact, you know so well the things that bring you immediate satisfaction. Find those things and enjoy them. Sometimes this looks like a movie and snacks with no children around. Other times it might look like a pedicure/manicure, and a meal out. Or maybe whipping up some yummy treats in the kitchen such as trying to make a keto cake in a mug. Easy, yummy, and relatively healthy so you don’t feel overly guilty afterwards.
Find Joy
Sure, all these things might bring you joy and satisfaction, but it’s only temporary. Once your time is up, it’s easy to slip right back into the stressed out and anxiety feeling mood. This is why it’s important to find your joy in all areas of your life. Achieving a joyful attitude will set you up for a thankful heart and also teach your children the importance of gratefulness in every area. Perhaps you have to journal a list of things you’re thankful for and/or bring you joy and post the list where you can see it daily.
Self-care comes in many shapes and sizes. Motherhood is by far one of the most rewarding jobs you can ever do. But sure, there are many stresses, worries, and loads you must carry. It’s vital that you take all things up in prayer, find your joy in every area, and discover what you enjoy doing. Remember, raising children is the biggest task you will ever do, but once that job is done, you will have time for you again, so it’s important to not lose you in all the crazy. Also, make the most of right now because I promise someday you will look back on all of this and miss it (at least I know I will).
