Why is it that we tend to focus so much on our jobs, family, projects, etc. and forget that we are just as important to take care of? When I was growing up life seemed so much more simple than it is in today's world. It seems today there are so many more activities that kids are involved in yet much less time available in each day. We have become a society of on-the-goer's and everything is about the hustle and bustle with little to no downtime.
If we do not find the time for ourselves and put it on a calendar then chances are we won't get to take that time. Two years ago I was getting really burnt out at being a stay-at-home mom. I was angry because staying home was not a choice that I had made for me. I was staying home because our oldest daughter, Emily, needed me to take her to all of her doctor's appointments and daily therapies. I was frustrated because just months before Emily arrived I had finally completed my four year degree and was on a career path.
So two years ago I decided to take my first vacation - alone! I went to Florida and stayed with a family friend and really took the time to enjoy not being a mom and reconnect with my inner spirit. It was at this point that I started to realize how important it is to take time for yourself everyday, even if it is for only a few minutes.
When I begin to get that feeling again of being burnt out I remind myself that it is okay to put everything on hold to take care of me. Other things can wait, but if I don't take care of myself and I get sick, then life will be that much more challenging for us all. So here are some of the things that I do to take care of me:
I take a shower and get ready without anyone in the bathroom everyday (no kids)
We have a weekly cleaning person come and clean so that I can focus on more important tasks
I get a massage or pedicure every other month
I treat myself to a nice haircut every six weeks or so
Sometimes I go out to eat or shopping alone
I take time to chat with friends online or on the phone
I go to the gym at least 3 times a week - sometimes more
I treat myself to a nice glass of wine at the end of the day
and so much more....
On the days and weeks that I forget to take time for myself I find that I get more agitated at things in general. I can not stress enough how important it is to pencil ourselves into our busy calendars! So next time you are feeling down, crabby, or just burnt out remind yourself that it is okay to take the time to treat yourself and refresh you mind, body, and spirit - you need it!
14 years ago
Posts
Kristy, I can totally relate to this, too. I've come to realize that as women and mothers, we all have a full plate on our hands...but the plates are not exactly the same. I've learned to stop comparing myself to other women ("Look at how much she can do and she has triplets!" etc, etc) and focus on my own wiring. Taking time for me is deserved and needed! LZB :-)
ReplyDelete