Oh boy, trying to take care of yourself is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle on a tightrope! I mean, as a stay-at-home mom, it's already a mission impossible most days. The expectation to clean, cook, keep your man happy - phew, it's a full-time job on its own! And don't even get me started on the superhero level required for single moms or working moms who never catch a break! It's like running a marathon every day without a water station in sight! And when you're already running on fumes, not taking a moment for yourself to recharge? That's like trying to drive a car without gas - you're just spinning your wheels! I'm gonna share with you how I manage taking care of my five kiddos and sneak in some breaks to feel more human every day.
I completely understand... 100000000% I ABSOLUTELY GET IT! it may feel like an added chore to fit in exercising, painting your nails, reading your book, or anything else! i still have a super hard time most days finding that time. However, it is essential for your well-being. You will discover how to make time each day to prioritize these activities!
First and foremost, take a good, long look in the mirror. What do you see? A mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a wife, a loving pet owner. Yes, you embody all these incredible roles! Do you grasp how uniquely special and significant you are? Embrace this truth and understand that prioritizing self-care is essential for you to excel at these amazing roles! Let's face it - your happiness is paramount because it radiates to those around you. You are the solid foundation and caregiver for everyone in your household! They rely on you to be the best version of yourself possible!
Imagine this: Picture waking up in the morning and realizing you're not yourself... feeling totally drained without any self-love. Chances are, you'll wake up in a bad mood, not wanting to make breakfast, not wanting to do anything because you're already exhausted picturing all of the things you need to do today. And guess what? That mood rubs off on everyone - your husband will go to work in a crap mood, and your kids will not feel great.. might even pretend to be sick trying to get out of school.. just starting their day off in a negative way. It's a mood disaster waiting to happen!
Imagine this scenario: you rise an hour ahead of your family, quietly slip away - whether at home, the gym, or outdoors - to engage in a robust workout session. Whether it's a quick 20 minutes or a full hour, dedicating time for yourself is key! Mornings are undoubtedly the optimal time to prioritize exercise, kickstarting your day with a burst of energy and getting that blood flowing!
Get it done and experience the absolute rejuvenation, trust me!
Once you've accomplished this, you will be fully present and alert when everyone else begins their day! You'll be in a healthy, happy state of mind, giving you the energy to prepare a nutritious meal for all, kiss your husband goodbye before work, and inspire your children with positivity as they head off to school on a positive note!
Identifying the moments when you have time to yourself is crucial. Personally, I find that exercising is essential and beneficial for everyone. As mentioned earlier, the morning, before everyone else is awake, is the perfect time for this. Once I return home, I take care of my responsibilities as a stay-at-home mom - cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. This routine continues until my youngest child, who is one year old, takes her nap around 10:00 am. After putting her down, I make an effort to engage in activities that bring me joy.
This could involve relaxing outside with an iced tea while watching the kids play in the sprinkler, allowing the children some screen time so I can do my nails, or simply doing something that helps me unwind. It's important to schedule a break during the mid to late morning, allowing your children some screen time while you focus on self-care. and thier screen time can anything you want! games, tv, hooked on phonics.... whatever. lets be honest, they love it so it wont bother them anyways.
After the baby wakes up around 12:45, we have lunch and I make sure to keep the kids active and engaged. I enjoy playing games with them, letting them build forts, or creating a fun mess that I'll gladly clean up later. This is all part of my daily routine as a mom, which continues until after dinner. When my husband arrives home, I finally have some extra help. If everything goes smoothly in the evening, I aim to get to bed early. This gives me the opportunity to unwind by reading a book or watching something on TV that isn't Bluey or Paw Patrol!
Side note on this... its also important for you to leave the home without your kiddos once in a while. I know its hard. it actually hurts my heart every time i ditch them. but while I'm away it feels insanely good.
So, get this - after popping out our first kid, our doctor drops this bomb on us: "Your only job is to have a date night once a week." And guess what? We've been nailing it for over nine years now, thanks to the superhero in-laws who babysit every Wednesday like clockwork! It's non-negotiable - we need that time to bond and have a proper adult conversation without interruptions.
We all have that one special person we dial up every morning while sipping on our iced coffee, ready to spill the tea and share the latest gossips. For me, that person is none other than my fabulous sister! It's crucial to carve out some quality time with this VIP in our lives – a weekly or bi-weekly catch-up is non-negotiable! I usually play chef for the fam, but as soon as the hubby clocks out, I'm off for some Mexican delights and margaritas with my sis! Let's be real, I'm pretty much useless without her. Even on days when I'm stuck home and cant manage to go out , we make it a point to do something together every single week! She might even bring her squad over for a wild and fun hangout at my place. It's either sister time or total chaos – the choice is crystal clear! We absolutely thrive on it!
So, here it is, my perspective on self-care: It is essential to prioritize taking care of yourself in order to effectively care for others and nurture meaningful relationships with your loved ones. Remember, you cannot give from an empty cup. Fill yourself with love and make time in your daily routine for yourself. Whatever makes you happy ! just do it !!! You will not regret it, I assure you! Love yourself !and your love will radiate to everyone around you.
Love,
This crazy Mama to you <3
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