Hey, moms you mighty warriors, you magnificent finders of things, you glorious kitchen cleaner and laundry superheroes. We are all those things but there is one I left off … exhausted! I don’t know about you moms but I am. I literally have to force myself to get out of bed some mornings. But it is what we do, we take care of everyone and everything for everyone. But it is important for us to take time to take care of us. You know that old saying “If Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy,” this is true. According to Katrina Alcorn, Author of American Moms on the Brink, 88% of American parents experience stress-related illnesses. and American moms have it worse, with 77% of moms feeling extreme pressures to be involved in the majority or raising kids and taking care of a family, according to a study done by Pew Research.
We are the caretakers for our families and if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of anyone else.
Me First… Wow, that sounds so selfish when you say it out loud but as moms, we are the most giving, by pure nature in most cases. So ladies let’s talk about how to take care of ourselves.
Dad’s we love you, too. Here’s 4 ways to celebrate you!
Self-Care for Your Brain
Never stop learning. I have this thing about me, I love learning new things and I don’t think that will ever change. I am always reading, listening to audiobooks, or podcasts. Dave Ramsey‘s podcast is my jam right now. Learn something every day. Read or listen to something that makes you learn to feel good every day. I love to learn things that will advance me as an entrepreneur but I also love learning about general things like how to make bread, weird historical facts, and tiny homes.
Self-Care for your Spirit
It feels like everything in my life is connected to my kids or my husband or something with the house. There are very few things that are just about me. But moms know this, you need something that is just for you. As a new mom, I thought that life was just about that cute bundle of joy, and for a while ladies, it will be but not forever. As he grew I found or re-found the things I loved like my love for writing and crafting. Do something that you love, even if that means doing it alone. This might mean going to a movie alone or visiting a restaurant by yourself. If you have a good group of girlfriends take them along and make it a girl’s day. But leave the significant other and kids at home.
I have found that while I love being in this house full of boys, I really enjoy the times when I am alone, when I can hear my own thoughts.
Self -Care for your Body
Me and my body have had a love-hate relationship for as long as I can remember. As the years have passed I’ve learned to love it a little more, I will never be supermodel thin and I may never wear a size 8 again but I am okay with that.
Be active everyday. This may be going for walks with the kids or waking up early to do a 15-minute workout. Every day I have to convince myself to go. I literally come up with an excuse in my head of why I shouldn’t go, it’s an everyday battle but I always feel better after. Somehow exercising gives you more energy, science is amazing lol. Also, keep healthy snacks around. Eating foods that are good for you will make you feel good too.
Self-Care for your Soul
I love to take some quiet time in the morning before the kids wake up to read, journal, and pray. This whole process takes about 15 minutes but I love starting my day this way. It makes me feel good and gets me in good spirits even if I wake up in a bad mood. How do you start your day? You might listen to your favorite song or even dance a little.
Begin your day with a routine that makes you happy even if it’s only a 5 minutes routine, this will help you get energized for the day.
Moms we most of all need self-care on a regular basis. Moms take some time today to learn something new, Do something you love even if you have to do it alone, be active every day, begin your day with a routine that makes you happy. Here is what we know, Moms take care of everyone. Here’s something we don’t say, our well being is directly connected to the wellbeing of our children and our spouses. Momma take time to love and cherish you, these people need us! Be Blessed
