I’m sure you’ve heard the term self-care thrown around, but how can you incorporate it into your busy mom schedule? Between working and raising the kids and getting dinner on the table every night, it can be difficult to make time for yourself, let alone do anything fun or relaxing that might make you feel better about life. Well, if you want to boost your energy levels and get more out of your days with your children—without losing your sanity in the process—follow these tips on how to be a mom and still make time for self-care.
Set realistic expectations
Being a mom is hard work and takes up every ounce of our being. But we also have to take care of ourselves if we want to be healthy and happy in this crazy world. It's important that you set realistic expectations about what you can do when it comes to self-care and make choices that are right for you.
Get organized
Start by getting organized. It may seem counter-intuitive but the first step to take care of yourself is getting your ducks in a row. If you're feeling overwhelmed with laundry and dishes, try delegating certain tasks (i.e. load the dishwasher). If cooking dinner feels like an overwhelming chore, organize your meals ahead of time by using grocery lists and meal plans. If you need help finding balance in life while still maintaining your identity as a mom, check out "The Way I Used To Be" written by Jessica Luther. It'll remind you that no one is perfect!
Set aside time each week
It can be challenging to find time to take care of yourself while also taking care of everyone else. But here's the thing: you're not only your kids' mom—you're a person, too. And in order to be the best possible parent and role model for your children, you need to make sure you're taking care of yourself as well. Set some time aside every day—even if it's just ten or fifteen minutes—to do things that will help keep you sane and happy.
Find a support system
It can be hard to find time for self-care while you're tending to your responsibilities as a mom. But there are steps you can take that will help you build a support system and find time for yourself. Talk to people in your life who know what you’re going through: Friends, family members, a therapist. They can provide emotional support and also help with child care so that you have some free time to focus on taking care of yourself. Keep up with hobbies: Hobbies like gardening or cooking or yoga may seem unrelated but they'll help keep things fresh in your mind—a mental escape from the daily grind of parenting.
Take care of your physical health
If you're trying to get back in shape or just stay healthy, it's important to make time for your physical health. It's important not only for your identity as a mom and woman but also because it will help you feel more energized and less stressed. Start by making self-care a priority during the week, ten minutes of stretching or brisk walking is a great way to get started, most times you can include the kids as well!
And finally, make it happen girlfriend
Learning how to find time for self-care is hard when you're balancing a job, family and everything else. But it's worth it. I know that our identity isn't what we do or what we own. It's who we are in Christ. So start by asking him for the strength and rest you need. Here are a few ways I have found to make time for myself without losing my sanity . 1) Start your day with Jesus: Have an early morning Bible study session with some tea before the kids wake up. 2) Join a moms' group: Moms can often relate better to other moms than anyone else. 3) Get some exercise: Find something active you enjoy doing, like tennis or hiking, and go on a walk every day during your lunch break at work.
I love to break it to you so if you've made it this far in the article you are already making time for self care. Pat yourself on the back, yes celebrate! Reward yourself for being the amazing woman and mother that you are even if it is as small as indulging in the occasional slice of pie or buying that Fearfully and wonderfully made t-shirt you've been eyeing over and over again...Go ahead girl, you deserve it!