As a mom, one of the things I struggle most with is how to balance my life in relation to the world around me. So often, I focus too much on my tasks and my family’s needs, and not enough on taking care of myself.
I don’t think I am alone in this area. Enter the yoga-pant epidemic into evidence.
In the midst of moving and transferring our kids to their permanent adoptive living situation, I think I have lost my way when it comes to self care. I’ve decided to outline a few of the things that will help me stay sane during this time. Even IF I choose to view these goals as purely utilitarian in nature, I can remember that taking care of myself actually increases productivity in the end.
1. Prayer, morning and night. Why is this so hard to be consistent in? I need to ground myself in the prayers of the church in order to start my day. Not only are they the right words to say when my mind isn’t fully functioning yet (coffee!!), but they remind me of what’s important in the big picture before I get caught up in the little tasks.
Some would include “devotionals” in this category, as in, reading one’s bible or an inspirational book. I will not go on a rant about this right now, but I do not consider reading my bible the same as talking or being with God. It’s a helpful tool, but it is not the same as prayer, and it always bothers me when Christians equate the two.
2. Working Out daily. At this time, I do not have any fitness or dietary goals, other than “do not lose weight” or “put on muscle so you don’t look scrawny”. But working out keeps me sane. And I need to find the motivation for even just a half hour a day, because I feel like a different person afterwards.
3. Beauty Maintenance. It may seem like a stupid thing, but my green hair has been really depressing for me lately. I feel weighed down, and doing anything with my hair has been an absolute chore.
I have a hair appt. later today where I will be remedying this situation! Pictures later!
4. Get outside more often. I feel as though I should be taking walks every morning, before the summer sun arrives. We’ll see if this happens– I like sleep. A lot. Without a pool, it’s really hard to make this one happen when it’s hot outside!
5. Talk with friends. I had two long conversations with two of my best friends yesterday, and I couldn’t believe how much better I felt about life afterwards! When I’m lonely, it’s like I forget that it’s 2014. I have a phone. I have friends with phones. Why not call them? No transportation of kids required– just an awareness of my need for socialization and the motivation to do something about it.
6. Plan less, play with my kids more. This is the final and most important one, in my book. I’ve been “planning” so much of our TX move that I haven’t had as much laughter and fun with my kids. I often work myself up into an anxious mess when I’ve been planning for too long, and I need to work on limiting it in the name of self-care.
What things do you practice for self-care? Any tried and true methods for calming oneself after getting too anxious about an upcoming move?
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Echo (The Mad Mommy) says
Self-care is so important and often, overlooked by moms! I like to indulge in Selfish Sundays every once in a while!
Kelly Cone says
Selfish Sundays! Going to steal that!
Jessica says
Love this, I totally agree us moms need to take extra steps to take care of ourselves, even though we’re usually too exhausted to do so. I always try to make sure that I fix my hair, even if it’s just a cute bun, and put some make up on even though I know I won’t be going anywhere. It just makes me feel so much better. I love your idea of getting out more, I definitely need to do that!
Kelly Cone says
I need to get better at “getting ready” even if I’m not going anywhere! It makes me feel better too!
The Forgiven Former Feminist says
As a soon to be new mom (due in November!!!) I am so glad to see other people talking about these issues. Thank you for writing about them. Gig’em and God Bless!
http://forgivenformerfeminist.blogspot.com/