Why do we always feel like our own needs don't matter? Like we can always get to our own needs in the nearest foreseeable future. Let's face it, more often than not we tend to put our own need last. This is fueled by the need to get everything done and on time mostly for our kids who depend so much on us for everything especially at a very young age. We barely even notice the questioning looks people throw at us as we go dashing from one task to another, sneaking a peek at our wristwatch and wishing we could cause time to pause. Sounds familiar? Whether it is dropping the kids off at school, going grocery shopping, doing the laundry, cooking meals or picking the kids up after school, so much depends on how you take care of yourself. Sometimes, an extra hand is not always available and it all falls on you. It is overwhelming I know, trust me, we are all in this together. Taking the time to do some things for yourself will remind you that you are a person too and not some mindless robot at work. So let's get down to it, shall we?
WHY IS SELF-CARE IMPORTANT?
If you own a car, you know how important it is to take it for regular oil change, washing and fixing. If you ignore the warning signs, you will end up paying for it and you will spend more than you would have because something would have been broken by them. So it is with you, dear mom. You cannot afford to leave your physical, mental and emotional health to chance. You have to consciously make time for you and stick with it. This is especially so if you are a new mom and are trying to get used to your new role and the demands that come with it. Practicing self-care will bring you some relief and you desperately need it.
SELF-CARE TIPS
- Make time for yourself. You could wake up earlier than you usually do, maybe an hour earlier or 30 minutes and use this time to do something for yourself. It could be reading, listening to music, meditation, work out, put a new gloss on your nails, whatever makes you happy. This time is for you, before the barrage of demands start coming and you forget that you are a person with needs too.
- Make an effort to look attractive. Remember when you always took the time to make sure you looked good? You may not always be opportune as a mom to devote the time, at least make an effort. That is what counts and it will also remind you that you are important too.
- Do some workout exercises or go for a walk. It will give you some time to clear your head and pursue physical health.
- Keep looking to the future. Remember your dreams, goals and aspirations and work towards achieving them. You may not have the time to put in dedicated effort but keep working on it the best you can or at least keep learning towards it. It will keep your mind active and give you something else to focus on apart from your mommy duties.
- Mind your thoughts. Don't let your mind dwell on the negative thoughts or the overwhelm of things you have to do with little help. Keep your thoughts on your blessings.
- Have a healthy network of friends you can trust that you can take turn to take care of each other's kids so you can have the needed time to do some things for yourself and also spend some time together doing something you like.
- When you feel overwhelmed, take some time out before you lose your calm and take out your frustration on the people you care about.
Finally, it is not enough to know these tips you have to create a plan and stick to it and if you need professional care please go for it. You are responsible for the life of your kids and you want to make sure you give them the best that you can but you cannot give what you do not have. This is why you have to nurture yourself first.<
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