We are told to take time for self care and that it’s so important but I feel like there are so many misconceptions around the concept of self care. I don’t know about you but when I heard the words self care I would think day at the spa… getting my nails done or maybe a nap.
For years women told me as a mom that I needed to take time for my own self care or that self care wasn’t selfish and it was something I should be doing. In all honesty I really didn’t know what that meant or what practicing self care looked like or why it really mattered. What was self care going to do for me in motherhood???
I want to take this opportunity to bring clarity to what self care really means and explain why it matters so much especially for moms.
Self-care is the action and practice of prioritizing your personal wellbeing helping you live well and improving both your physical and mental health. This means all the things you do to take care of your well-being in four key dimensions – your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Now that you understand what it is you may be asking the same question I had asked myself ….What does practicing self-care look like?
Self-care means asking yourself what you need and following through on the honest answer. These activities can involve physical movement, relaxation, taking time for fun, gratitude, prayer, prioritizing sleep or spending time in nature. Practicing self-care can be as simple as getting to bed earlier or as hard as taking a look at some of the habits you’ve created for yourself and their long-term effects.
Ok moms I need to plug this in because I know many of us are guilty of this ! Running to pick up fruit, milk, and laundry detergent hurriedly at the store, even if you are without kids is NOT SELF CARE! A quick trip to the store alone is really not refueling your body, mind, or soul. Yes it may be nice to have a little quiet time but you’re doing a chore… your mind is thinking about the items you need, your in a hurry and this task is not serving you in the way self care is meant to. So no more calling that your self care time and going about your busy day. Ok 🙂
So this leads me to sharing why do we need to make time for self care in our busy mom lives ?
“Because I said so” just kidding I had to say that because how many of us have heard that line growing up! Ok all joking aside
Self-care is crucial for several reasons:
1.Prevents Burnout: Regular self-care helps to prevent emotional and physical exhaustion. Taking time for yourself ensures you’re not running on empty.
2.Improves Mood: Engaging in activities you enjoy and finding moments of relaxation can significantly boost your mood and overall mental health.
3.Enhances Relationships: When you take care of yourself, you’re more likely to have the energy and patience to nurture your relationships with your family.
4.Promotes Better Health: Self-care practices like exercise, healthy eating, and adequate rest contribute to better physical health.
5.Fosters Resilience: Managing stress effectively through self-care helps you to handle life’s challenges more effectively.
🍃So here’s my reminder moms … self care is not selfish and absolutely should be something you incorporate into your everyday life . Prioritizing self-care leads to being a calmer, healthier parent and by doing this we are modeling self-love and balance for your children.
🍃So I encourage you to spend time in reflection and get really honest with your self and what your self-care needs are. Determine and carefully understand your goals, needs, wants, and plan to achieve them. When it comes to determining what you need for Self-Care, you can ask yourself about the four areas of Self-Care – Mental, Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional.
Then once you know commit to practicing self care because it can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact!
Is there an area in your life you’re hoping practicing Self – Care can help with ?