Do you have those days or weeks (or months) where it seems all you do is take care of everyone else? You’re constantly cooking, cleaning, washing laundry and chauffeuring the kids everywhere?
It’s exhausting, right?
It’s ok to stop, you know. Just relax and take a break for a few minutes.
I heard from an old friend last week and after catching up on old news, she reminded me that we moms need care too. Recent comments from well-meaning friends insinuated we needed to make bigger sacrifices for our kids. Like running ourselves ragged racing our kids to different activities would be good.
My head swam just thinking about it. I said something like, “You know, this isn’t the season for us to take part in sports or dancing. Maybe next year.”
Well, that is NOT something a woman wants to hear when she is running herself ragged trying to manage her mom tasks and raise a well-rounded child. I get it which is why I did not yell at her when she suggested I make bigger sacrifices for my own children, although for a second I may have wanted to pinch her neck off encourage her to see my perspective.
My big-family friend laughed about this and just reminded me that every family is different and what works for them may not work for us. That’s true and it’s all fine and good, but then there’s this.
It doesn’t matter what season of raising rugrats you’re in, you need a break. To be the best mom and wife you can be, you’ve gotta take a selfie. Not an Insta-selfie, but a self-care selfie.
Just start small. Take 15 minutes a day to yourself. Dad’s working and you don’t have a babysitter? Don’t worry! Send the kids out to play in the yard, grab a chair and sit out in the sun while they play.
I know some of you are thinking it’s January and below zero degrees in your state. Gimme some grace. I forget that outside Florida there may not be sunshine right now. Just find another way to take a break. Ignore the dishes while the kids nap and just stretch out on the couch with a mug of hot vanilla chamomile tea. Or soak in a hot bath after they’ve gone to bed.
Whatever it is, start out with a 15-minute increment of time to be refreshed, revived, and ready to take on that Sharpie-marker wall scribbling toddler. Take care of yourself so you can best take care of your family.
You can do it, mom.
I love this post. I have learned this lesson this year that I can’t compare myself to other moms and I can over do myself. This was our year to relax and let me tell you it feels great. We all need a reboot at times.
I’ve learned the same thing in the past year! What a great idea to choose a year to relax! We too decided to be intentional with our time and refusing to catch up in the rat race of other families. The simple, slow life rocks! 🙂
Self care is so important! We give so much of ourselves to our families that we don’t have much left for ourselves. Your post reminded me that I need to schedule some me time!
Yes! If we don’t schedule a little time for ourselves, it doesn’t happen! 🙂
It’s amazing how even just a few minutes to yourself will recharge and energize you. Thanks for the reminder to take better care of myself!
So true! Thank you!
It’s so worthwhile to take that time for yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup!
Agree 100%!!!
It is so important we as moms take a break. Our families benefit more when we are rested, finding time to do this can be a struggle though.
I agree on both counts! It’s great when dad’s on board and can help relieve mama for a break. 🙂
I think that it’s so important to take care of yourself in order to be able to take care of everyone else. I know that I’m more more patient when I’m able to re-center and find a little peace for myself daily.
Same here! When our kids are napping after lunch is my favorite time to sit on the porch swing with my journal and Bible. <3
I work at home and take care of the kids/house. I totally get the need for a “me” day! I totally need to get one planned for myself soon.
I get it! My “me” time is right after lunch when the kids are napping. The oldest don’t need naps anymore but they know Mama needs a break so they read quietly in their rooms for an hour. 🙂
One of my goals this year is to focus on me a little more than what I have. I have started to take a few moments to myself everyday. I may delay doing the kids homework when they get home from school just so I can take a breather and such.
Great idea! It’s amazing what a breather can do to refresh us moms! 🙂
Yes! We all need a break! Even if it’s 15 minutes. 🙂