WHY IS SELF-CARE IS SO IMPORTANT: THE SIDE PARENTS NEGLECT
Self-care has to be one of the most neglected terms used when becoming a parent. You spend all your time running around making meals, doing the washing, changing nappies, that you have zilch amount of time to put into your own personal wellbeing. Or sometimes, its just easier to use that excuse, the “Oh, I never have enough time in the day to do nice things for myself.”. But maybe we just don’t know where to start, or we just put it aside as something that doesn’t matter. When becoming a mum, everyone else’s responsibilities and wellbeing become before your own, so rather than putting ourselves first occasionally, it’s easier to just put our own self-care aside, even if it would only take 10 minutes out of your day. As if you don’t matter. But you DO MATTER. And looking after your mind and body can make all the difference to your day, yourself and to your relationship with your child.
Self-Care IS NOT selfish, it’s necessary. After all this time spent caring for someone else, it feels selfish to even think about taking 10 minutes out of the day for yourself. Crazy, right? Like, we have actually adapted to the state of mind that we just simply don’t matter, and everything else comes before our own health and wellbeing. Every night you go to bed thinking about what you will do better tomorrow to make your kids or partners lives easier and better. But do you ever think about what you are going to do for yourself?
“Taking care of yourself doesn't mean me first, it means me too.”
IT IS OKAY. It is okay to simply just sit and breathe for a small 10 minutes. You are worth the small amount of time that it takes to focus on yourself. It is important for you to nurture your own wellbeing and look out for your own happiness for once.
“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.”
BUT WHY IS SELF-CARE SO IMPORTANT?
It gives you a break from stress
The constant flow of chores that get thrown at you every day can load a filthy weight on your shoulders. Simply by taking a break, you are opening yourself up to letting go of all that’s holding you down. Finding a sense of relaxation, and looking after yourself will allow you to re-enter your day feel refreshed and will actually elevate your happiness.
Time alone can feel completely out of reach when you are a parent. You aren’t even aloud to go empty your bowels without your toddler asking you a million questions or pulling on your arm for a drink or to find their stuffed animal. So when can you find that short stretch of time for yourself? As soon as they’ve hit the hay, ACT ON IT. Go have a warm bath, light a candle, add some bubbles, rest your head back, and breathe. But what if they wake up? If this a worry that stops you, do something more quick and simple! Sit on the floor, couch or even your bed, cross your legs, straighten your back, and simply take deep breaths in and out for 10 minutes. Don’t think about your phone, don’t think about the kids, don’t think about what you are going to make your kids for breakfast in the morning, and don’t think about all the washing that hasn’t been done for 3 days. Enjoy this time ALONE with yourself.
If you need more help with starting your self-care routine, I have made a FREE 4 WEEK SELF-CARE CHALLENGE! You’ll be able to set yourself goals each week and really focus on yourself. You do matter, and you are important, so no more excuses! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
