This past month I came to the realization that I have not been taking care of myself. As much as I hate to admit it, I think I knew that I wasn't taking care of myself since Raphael was born. My excuse has been that I have just been too busy. I'm a stay at home mom. I have two school aged children and an infant so I have my hands full.
I knew that things needed to change...immediately. So on August 4th, I decided to make the day all about self-care. I woke up earlier than usual (Raphael is starting to sleep more at night!) and got a lot of stuff done early. I felt so much more energetic and less than the usual "mombie". I went to the mall and got some Starbucks. Just having an hour or two of me time was just what I needed. When I arrived home, we went to the library and ended our day at our city's birthday celebration. I vowed to do this again.
Fast forward to this past Thursday. I got most of the stuff on my to do list done early and went to get my hair done. You guys, my hair really needed some TLC. Postpartum hair issues are so annoying and is no joke. My hair was so long, tangled, and damaged. I have been wanting to cut my hair for a while and since I am in a phase of making changes, I thought that it was time to go for it. After getting my hair cut, I felt like a new person. It's amazing how something as simple as a haircut can make you feel so different.
I've also been standing up for myself and I'm no longer putting other people before me. My children and my husband will always come first, but I am no longer putting myself last when it comes to other people. Call me selfish or whatever, but it's important that I take care of myself. My well-being is important. I'm no longer allowing people to try and make me feel guilty for not immediately coming to their "aid". I am only one person and I cannot do everything.
Self-care is incredibly important and I highly recommend it. If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed, please take some time for yourself. Read a book, take a long bath or shower, write in your journal...just please try to fit in some me time. Life can get hectic and it's important to take care of yourself too. Remember...you are important.
To all the moms (and dads), please take care of yourself. I think self-care is an important part of parenting. I think it's needed in order to be good parents to our kids. It's ok to make time for yourself. You are not a robot...you are a human being. And you deserve to have some time for yourself.
How do you practice self-care?
Thanks for visiting!
Until next time...
Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash
Not selfish at all. You can't pour from an empty cup! Take care of yourself Mom. You are a priority!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteYES! Self care is not selfish and it is so important. I will admit I have just learned the value of that recently myself. I get my hair done or my nails or I take some time out to read a book. I'm glad you have found some days to do things like that for yourself.
ReplyDeleteThanks Beth. I have been taking time to read as well.
DeleteThis sounds like my life to a T. I always forget to take care of me first and of course that has gotten worse since the little one came. I'm glad you are taking time for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Trish. I hope you take time for yourself as well.
DeleteSelf care is so important, especially for moms who are always so busy taking care of everybody else. Bravo for realizing that things needed to change.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra!
DeleteLove this, and you're right, self-care is not selfish. You can't take care of anyone else (work, family, etc.) if you aren't taking care of yourself and you DESERVE IT!
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Thank you Lauren.
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