As parents, we must make sure our children are healthy, well cared for, and safe. This in itself is a full-time job, no matter what you actually do for work. There are many different ways in which we run ourselves ragged for our children, and we really wouldn’t have it any other way. We all love our children, and that isn’t doubted at all. However, we do need to take care of ourselves, and we do need to think about our mental health and well-being. Not getting enough sleep or time out to relax can really affect our mood. And if we aren’t working to the best of our ability, we aren’t going to be doing the best for our children at the end of the day. But how do we catch moments of peace and self-care to be able to provide our family with our best selves? Here are some ideas you can use once you’ve finished Googling “best acne treatment for teenagers” for your son! Because you know you’ve been searching! LOL
Short breaks
The short break is something the mother looks forward to. Just going to the shop without any children once or twice a week can actually be a small luxury. It may seem trivial, especially to those who don’t have children. But there is a world of difference between going shopping with your children, and going shopping alone with just your list. It’s not easy dragging the kids around a supermarket, so been able to slow down and really think about what you’re doing is, in fact, a mindfulness technique. Mindfulness during the short break will do you a world of good, and it’s something that is recommended by many healthcare professionals. Just having a short break and having someone to facilitate that for you, will show huge results. You may even build up to taking some real time out from the day-to-day running of the family. A spa day maybe is too much to ask at first, but we can always dream.
Doing something for yourself
What’s that one thing that you used to do before you had children? That involved a bit of peace and quiet or just time for you and nobody else? Maybe it was painting? Maybe it was beauty based? Maybe it was sports? Maybe it was even just going to the gym three times a week? Whatever it is that you enjoy doing that doesn’t involve my family activity could be a great place to start with your self-care. Being creative can be very therapeutic, and being active can produce amazing happy hormones too. If you are struggling with your mental health it’s best to start by gaining professional medical advice as soon as possible, but also being active, taking up hobbies, and getting enough rest will improve your mood in a big way.
Friendship
Friendship is key to many people’s happiness, sometimes just sitting with a friend in the kitchen chatting about the previous week’s events, is enough to fill your cup. You will always feel better after sitting down and having a rant with your friend it doesn’t matter what the topics are but having an adult conversation, when you’ve spent all of your time with the children is really great for you, so text a friend and find out when the next meet up is going to be.
Eventually, our children will fly the nest and of course we will miss them, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t allowed to take some breaks while they are still getting there. It’s not always easy, and you matter too!
Question:
What is one tip that I shared that you can implement TODAY?
Cheers!
Candy
