Tired of feeling like just a mum? Wondering where that pre-kids girl with the sparkle went?
It’s time to change that in 2017! Here are those early steps to make it happen!
With a new year just around the corner, now is the perfect time to consider how you will nurture yourself in 2017. YES, YOURSELF! As a busy mum faced with constant demands, it’s vitally important to take time to care for yourself and develop a self care plan.
Running a family is challenging – the demands of motherhood coupled with work and domesticity are physically, emotionally and psychologically exhausting. It’s no wonder we sometimes fall in a heap. But not any more – it’s time to take a stand, develop a self-care plan and put yourself first.
Despite this being something many feel guilty about, it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. It’s like the old “oxygen mask” rule when flying – put the mask on yourself first before helping others.
So push the guilt aside and come with me on a journey of self-indulgence, as I reveal 10 suggestions to help you develop your own self care plan and nurture your wellbeing. Here’s my list I love to indulge in. From budget-conscious to a mummy-splurge personally I think we deserve it all in 2017!
- Take a long bath or soak your feet
- Go to breakfast or lunch with a friend
- Take yourself to a movie
- Get a massage or facial
- Engage in enjoyable exercise or meditation
- Start a hobby you’ve always wanted to explore
- Visit that café or shop you’ve always wanted to see
- Ask a friend or family member to do school drop-off and pick-up for a day
- Keep a reflective journal
- Spend quality time alone (and this doesn’t mean doing housework!)
If you’re still looking for inspiration, think about what makes you happy and what you enjoy doing. Anything that supports your wellbeing should be considered when developing a self-care plan. And remember to always engage in positive, supportive relationships, get enough sleep, try to eat a healthy diet and engage in moderate exercise. If you include these things in your everyday life, you’re well on the road to taking better care of yourself.
Many psychologists cite the importance of self-care and there are numerous online resources available for tips and advice.
Psych Central’s website has a great article on the importance of self-care and shares some great information.
In it, Kim Boivin, a registered clinical counsellor says, “We are interdependent so what I do to take care of myself has an impact on all who I interact with. When I care for myself, I care for others better too.”
So self-care is not only a great stress-buster, it makes you a better caregiver. As a Mum being able to give your family the best version of yourself every day is a true gift! Why not start planning how you will care more for yourself in 2017? Sit down with your diary and dedicate 10 dates to self-care now. Booking them in with your partner or around childcare means you’ll be more committed to actually giving yourself this time!
Build a library of self-care activities by keeping an ideas journal or bookmarking things of interest online.
This practice alone helps you to focus on yourself. Before you know it, you’ll have a self-care plan for each month of the year.
Always remember when it comes to self care,“You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” How will you make a change in 2017? Good luck!
