Why self-care can help you be the best mom & role model
It’s Wednesday afternoon and you get a call from your child’s school and they need you to come pick them up because they’re sick. However, you’re currently at work, about to have an important client meeting, and on top of that, you have a huge project to finish by the end of the day. Cue volcano eruption from the top of your head.
The responsibilities that come with being a mom as well as a professional can seem daunting at times (or all the time, I won’t lie). But how on earth are you going to complete your tasks at work and take care of your sick kid at the same time?
While I can’t offer tips on how to clone yourself, I can however offer tips on how to carve out a little time each day for some self-care that will allow you to be the best mom and professional. I like to call it my secret recipe for becoming the best role model for yourself and your children!
Check out these mom-approved tips on how to add more self-care into your lifestyle:
Practice yoga or meditation to be more mindful
Taking ten minutes a few times a week to practice yoga or meditation will have such a positive impact on your mental health. The combination of your focused breathing, poses and relaxation are known to ease the mind of stress and anxiety. When I know I have a busy and hectic day ahead of me, I’ll wake up a little bit earlier than the kids to get in a ten minute guided meditation on my headspace app. It sets the tone and mood for the day and whenever I feel stressed, I can revert back to the mindful exercise I learned that morning. Becoming more mindful will lead to fewer breakdowns. This is even a great activity to try with the kids, too!
Take a well deserved day trip
This may seem like a stretch, but no one deserves some quality me-time more than you. If you have a free day coming up, I highly suggest calling the sitter and taking the day for yourself. Head somewhere to get a change of scenery! Live near a national park? Going for a hike or just spending a day at the beach can do wonders for our mental health. The limits here are really endless when all you have to worry about is yourself and your destination (trust me, the sitter can handle the kids!) You’ll feel like a new woman, ready and refreshed to conquer the days ahead. Can you even remember the last time you actually took a whole entire day just for you? You won’t regret it!
Invest in something that will make you feel your best
I know what you’re thinking, how is shelling out money on yourself a good thing? But, spending money the smart way is a form of self-care! Investing in an experience or product that is known to last a long time will help you save money in the long run and make you feel good! For starters, try exploring new brands that support your passions or strive to make you feel empowered. True & Co. is a woman owned company that not only creates confidence boosting bras, they also offer amazing professional development opportunities for women looking to further their education or re-enter the workforce. It can be stressful when first starting your family, trying to find the work life balance that works best for you. The woman at True & Co. know that and don’t want new moms stressing out! Any company that supports (in more than one way) woman in the workplace, while also understanding the demands of being a new parent gets a big thumbs up from me!
Have a playdate with some mommy friends
Can’t get a sitter for a night out? No worries. Call up one of your mommy friends and set up a playdate! Your kids will be happy and the moms can enjoy themselves, too. Sometimes having another adult in the room can be just the right amount of stress relief you were looking for. It’s all about being sure to surround yourself with like minded people who understand you and get where you’re coming from. Having a healthy social life can reduce depression, prevents chronic diseases and keep your mind sharp. Get out of the house for a few hours, set up a picnic or a trip to the zoo, whatever you do decide, just make sure to have fun!
Start a gratitude journal
It’s been proven that keeping a record of positive affirmations can lead to a calmer, less stressful life overall. This self-care tip can be combined with some morning or evening meditation if you’re looking to deepen your mindful practice. Journaling what you’re grateful for each day helps you become your true self while focusing on what’s most important. The simple exercise is great for a night time activity, after the kids go to bed. This way you’re able to fully reflect on the day you had. For me, on most days my family is at the top of my gratitude list.
Self-care has a different meaning for everyone. Find what truly makes you feel good and embrace it! Being more mindful in the decisions you make and taking a break every once in a while is not only beneficial for your own wellbeing, it’ll benefit your personal and professional life immensely as well.
