We will all experience periods in our lives when we go to bed at night wondering if we have the energy to do it all again tomorrow. As a mother, I find I am often taking care of everyone else, yet forgetting to take care of myself. But if you’re running on empty it is damn near impossible to keep doing an outstanding job. That holds true whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a teacher, or are out in the craziness of the corporate world.
We all have stuff that takes it out of us. We need to recognize that those stressors drain our wellbeing tanks. In order to stay happy in our hearts, and at the top of our games, we have to look for ways to consciously top those tanks back up. In short, we need to practice self-care. Each of us will have different things that will revive, restore and regenerate us, but here are 3 ways I practice self-care that can be translated to work for almost anyone.
- Immerse yourself in a hobby
Make a list of all of the stuff that makes your heart sing when you do it. It may be cooking, gardening, or creating. For me, one of my favorites is reading. Being a busy mother I sometimes feel guilty for sneaking off to read a book, but I know that if I can get 1/2 an hour tucked away reading a great book, I will come out the other side feeling warmed-up inside. It is one of the quickest ways for me to refill my wellbeing tank. Once you’ve identified your personal top-up hobbies, make time to do them as often as you can. - Look after your body
Some of you might feel your tank fill up after going for a run or sweating out the tension, while others might find an afternoon of pampering makes you feel all-brand-new. You also can’t go past drinking plenty of water and eating beautiful fresh and healthy food. As a little addition, for me there is nothing like a long hot shower or bath at the end of a day to relax all my muscles and help me unwind in preparation for a good nights sleep. Take the time to listen to your body and you will know what it needs to revive. Then be kind to yourself and actually do it. - Get away from it all
Look for ways to physically take a break. As a stay-at-home mom “getting away from it all” might mean an hour or two away by yourself. If you work a 9-5, schedule a break, even if it is just a mini-one. Psychologically changing the day-to-day scene is an excellent way to revive your engines. Personally, there is nothing like an actual getaway to perk me up. I know they are far from inexpensive, but in my opinion vacations are money so well spent!
A self-care regime will help you be calmer, happier and fill you back up so you are ready to take on the world. What you do to has to be unique to you, as we all have different things that will revive and restore us. Practice tuning in to yourself and listening to what you need to feel great. If you know that something makes your heart happy, then don’t feel guilty for doing it. Self-care is not a luxury, its a necessity. If you’re going to keep giving to others and contributing in this crazy world, then you have to give to yourself first. Just like they say in airplane safety demonstrations – “place the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others”. Safety experts know you’ll be no use to anyone if you don’t look after yourself first!
Hi I’m Kate, and Thrive.How is my business-baby. I’m a kickass Life & Well-Being Coach who helps people who want the good stuff out of life, get it. Trained as a psychologist (the happy kind who looks for what is right with you) I offer individual coaching and personality assessment to help people clarify their thinking, reconnect with themselves and regain balance. Click here to learn more.