25th May 2020

Self Care for Mummies

Mums are busy creatures who tend to put everyone else’s needs before their own. They usually end up at the bottom of their own priority list. And by the time we reach the bottom of the list we are often too tired or worn out to tend to our own self care. True?

Reaching Burn Out!

What happens if we continue in this pattern? Well, I’ll tell you – burn out! Trying to split ourselves a million ways and have arms like inspector gadget, working on little sleep, running around in circles, taking on everyones needs and wants, pourng from an empty cup. It all inevitably ends in burn out.

This usually means you end up

• Physical symptoms – illness
• Being unable to look after our famliy
• Not being able to see clearly or have focus
• Feeling resentful
• Emotional and physical exhaustion

Burn out can look different for each of us and there can be lots of other signs and symptoms. But there are ways we can add self care to our days and avoid burn out.

Why is self care Important?

Self care is crucial for our physical, emotional and mental well being. It is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself. It is important to remind yourself and those around you that your needs are important too! As the saying goes:

“You can’t pour from an empty Cup”

Life is a precious gift and mearly surviving is not what life is for. Allowing your own self care practice gives you greater confidence, self worth, self esteem and the time to step back and enjoy the world and the life around you.

It doesn’t have to be time consuming or expensive, self care works best when it is realistic and achievable.

Daily Self Care has benefits

It doesn’t matter how or when in your day you practice self care, it’s about establishing a habit or routine and sticking to it. This will help you physically and emotionally, it can set an example to your children and partner and most important of all it reminds you that you are worth it and so much more than just a wife or mother…….YOU ARE YOU!!

Ideas for self Care

Morning routines

I’ve read lots on how you should get up before everyone and do things for yourself like journal, meditate, read or exercise. And for those who this works for that is amazing. But for me I find mornings hard, getting up has never been my strength lol! Although I do have to say I have started using the Positive Wellness Journal and when I do get up just taking a few minutes to complete the morin journal and commitments. I feel it starts my day positively and allows me to set myself some intentions for the day. Find a routine that works for you.

Exercise 

I don’t mean you have to run marathons or  hours of yoga, again find something you enjoy and works for you. Obviously if hitting the gym or training for a marathon is that thing – then go for it! If not then try some walking, swimming, a YouTube yoga class – I love Adrienne and Five parks Yoga. I try to do them two to three times a week and I always feel better for doing it. Walking and just breathing some fresh air, even if it’s just around the block does the job too.

What makes you happy

What do you love doing? Reading, knitting, crafting, baking, walking, soaking in the bath……….

It is not easy and will more than likely require planning and discipline from you to achieve but it is so important to carve out time for YOU and what you love. Even if its just 10-15 minutes. They will survive with Dad for that long – honestly!

Taking the time lets you unwind, escape reality for a bit, give your self some love and prevents negative feelings and frustration building up inside you.

Look good, feel good

I know it may be unrealistic to do this every day but if you can DO IT! Slap on your favourite lippy, put on that top your were saving for a special occasion, grab your good jeans. It is a proven fact that when we look good we feel good. It also shows self love and gets us in a better mindset. And this one I highly recommend – at least once a week, even if you are going no where, take 10 minutes to brush your hair, slap on some make up and get your fav outfit on. I’ve made mine #dressupfriday and every Friday I get dressed like I was going somewhere but without going lol! It makes me feel so much better and gives me something to forward to. Why not try it!

So Mammas, let’s all rock this self care malarkey together! Make a promise, show your self some kindness, love your self, because you are most definitely WORTH IT!!