Original Photo by lululemon athletica
When we have newborns in the house, people urge us to sleep when they sleep.
But what about as they get older, when they stop sleeping during the day?
What about the rest of the time?
We’re exhausted. Overworked. Underpaid. Completely under-appreciated.
Can we get five minutes of peace?
I’ve been thinking about self-care a lot lately. For myself. My good friends I’m hearing from who are struggling. For my work staff who are just now learning the joys and sorrows of working motherhood.
Since we’re on a mission here of creating happy families, we must begin with ourselves. And that means dads too.
So, in an effort to remind myself and all of you about taking care of ourselves here are some of the things we need to do daily — or, at least weekly — to care for ourselves. This list below should be used at the same time as the Thinking Mama’s To-Do List. And, on really bad days, in place of that list because if Mama ain’t happy, nobody’s happy.
A Busy Mama’s To-Do List.
Take time to ourselves. For some it might be a long walk. For others it might be zoning out in front of a good book. For me, it’s doing absolutely nothing. No noise is preferred. This is the only way I know that I will turn my overactive brain off for a while. Embrace silence. Let go.
Sleep. Go to bed early, especially when you feel yourself running down.
Eat well. It’s really easy to grab lunch out or skip meals but we all know that is not the healthiest way to take care of our bodies. It’s best to take time before you go to bed to pack yourself or make a truly healthful lunch.
Wake up happy. The best way to wake up happy is to do one thing that fills you with energy and joy each and every morning. That usually means don’t run to the computer and check email. But, rather, light a candle and meditate. Go for a run. Or do yoga. Whatever works for you is entirely up to you. Our answers may vary.
Stay organized. This is really key for me. I’m still not nearly as organized as I would like to be but I’ve come a long, long way. Every paper has a place. Every thing has its place. I have a good system for understanding what needs done today and what can wait until tomorrow, or even next week. Things still fall through the cracks but not nearly as often.
Practice being calm. See this list for more on that.
Get a hobby. Blogging is mine. It used to be writing fiction. Sometimes it’s just brainstorming. But anything that makes our souls all warm and happy inside has to be good for us?
Socialize. I’m not the best at this one, I’ll admit. As an introvert, I am more interested in a one-on-one conversation over a fine dinner than I am at just hanging around in a group where I’m almost never heard. And yet I do realize the power of friendships and I always feel amazing after a really great conversation with a friend, even if it’s just by phone.
I’m curious to know what you do to take care of yourself. Are you lacking in this area and, if so, why? Or, do you do well at this? If so, please share your secrets! We all probably need to do better so that we’re patient and calm. What will you do starting right now to improve your own self-care routine?
got it…..the lack of time youre taking for you can bring health problems…I wil try to take some time fr swimming,,,,, thanks.
I am making major strides in this area (much-needed). Two major discoveries lately regarding feeling much better – I gave up coffee and I now have standing weekly kid-free time every Wednesday (I sometimes have other mommy time too, but it is nice to have something that is set and never changes). Lately, I have been meeting a friend to go for walks during her lunchbreak. It is making such a difference.
I enjoy my coffee in the mornings and at night I enjoy a little Pinterest / Facebook / internet surfing time, and I do various craft projects throughout the month as I have time. Oh, and a Starbucks indulgence here and there is good for the soul!
I was just thinking about this today and for me it’s having goals. Whether it’s spending 15 minutes a day cleaning out a room, making a new recipe, or getting in shape, when I’m working toward a goal I feel like I have a purpose and I feel better about myself. The other thing is exercise! Getting out in the fresh air and getting those endorphins going does SO much for my mood and my overall health.
What a great list! After reading them I had a ‘DUH’ moment. lol Of course you have to take care of yourself before you can give everything you have to your kids but its SO easy to forget. Thanks for the reminder and hands-on ways to make it happen. *smile*
Yep, we all need this reminder … probably more often than we get it! Happy caring for yourself!
- Drink cup after cup of beautiful, luscious tea. Best if there's a film or a book involved and tops if there are knitting needles and yarn included.
- Stroke my toddler's hair as he is nursing or falls asleep in my arms.
- Do at least 20 minutes of yoga after he falls asleep at night.
- Ride my bike to the office if weather allows.
- Knit. Or if too exhausted, browse the web for new projects I'd like to knit one day.
- Read
Really nice list. Impressive. : )
Great list Shawn. I’m struggling, struggling, struggling at the moment and taking care of myself has had to become a focus in order to get things back on track. These things are so basic but they always get pushed to the bottom of the list. This is the real to-do list. I’ll be pinning it to my fridge and reading it every day. Thank you!
Glad you got the message. Sometimes people – ahem, mothers — need to be hit upside the head to get this one. I will keep nagging you to keep at it, too. : )