Last Sunday was Mother’s Day, and it was a great day to reflect on how amazing we are as Moms! We work hard at our jobs and in our businesses, all while we care for our children, take them to their activities, cook, clean, play, do laundry, keep peace in our home, and take care of our spouses too. It’s a 24-hour grind that never stops! Oh, and I did I forget to mention that somehow, we also find the time to workout, even in the midst of all of the chaos? It’s a pretty crazy life, but we do it, then we wake up, and do it all over again! Sometimes I wonder though: Do you recognize how incredible you are, as a Mom? You are a force of nature! What we do every day is something that most people couldn’t even imagine doing. Heck, you may not have even thought you were capable of doing so much, all in one day, all at the same time, but you’re doing it. Today, let’s talk about how you can do a better job of taking care of the most important person in your life: YOU!
Here are 5 Ways To Decrease Your Stress and Increase Your Self-Care As A Busy, Working Mom:
1. Wake up earlier. "One very significant benefit of waking up early is reduced stress level. When you rise early, it eliminates the need to rush in the morning. You can then start your day on an optimistic note and such positivity often stays with you throughout the day. Early risers often go to bed early.” ~ via the Times of India
I have found that, when I wake up earlier (specifically before the kids wake up), I have an opportunity to do something that I would almost never get to do otherwise, and that is: focus on myself.
Yes, waking up early allows me to have that mental space to get into a spirit of gratitude, to clear my head, to think about what is important to me, what I want to accomplish that day, and just process my own thoughts, in peace and quiet. It also allows me to catch up on work, or chores that I may not have finished the day before, and of course, get a quick workout in, which always makes me feel good. It may not sound ideal, but waking up earlier can change your life.
2. Make Time for Self-Care. You have to schedule your self-care, the same way you schedule your kids' activities, doctor’s appointments, teacher conferences, etc. You are just as important as everyone else. Maybe even more so, because you are the glue that holds everything together. If you are not taking proper care of yourself, the whole family unit will fall apart. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is not selfish. It’s one of the most important things you can do for your kids.
“Maintaining the basic day-to-day with no extraordinary circumstances, keeping all those balls in the air, is a really demanding endeavor, and it leaves very little time for moms to be able to have fun, relax, rest and have downtime,” says Aimee Danielson, director of the Women’s Mental Health Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in the District.
3. Say NO. This can be really hard for some busy, working moms, depending on who is asking, and how much of an obligation you feel to that person. But the truth is, being able to confidently say no to people, is a powerful way to keep your mind right, and keep your energy focused on the things that matter most. "Honoring yourself is the most important thing. It's true that sometimes saying "no" will hurt someone else's feelings—you may even disappoint someone you admire. But you are also fostering resentment and regret when you don't honor yourself and your needs.” ~ via Mind Body Green
I always remind myself that I should never do anything out of a feeling of obligation. If I’m doing something because I would feel guilty if I didn’t do it, or because I am putting someone else’s needs first, at my own expense, I have to check myself. This is not healthy friends. We must do better. Setting healthy boundaries for our loved ones, friends, co-workers, supervisors, and everyone in between, is necessary, and should be our standard.
Running yourself into the ground, because you’re trying to do everything for everybody, is no way to live, and if you’re doing this, you have no-one to blame but yourself. The good thing is, you can stop doing this at any moment! Decide today that you will stop saying yes to everyone, out of obligation, and start saying no, so that you can honor yourself, and your values.
4. Get active. "Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease. Physical activity and exercise can have immediate and long-term health benefits. Most importantly, regular activity can improve your quality of life.” ~ via the Better Health Channel Am I the only one that is in a better mood after I work out? I know it’s not just me. My workouts are not as consistent as I would like them to be, at the moment, but I get them in as often as I possibly can, and boy do they make a difference.
The feeling of taking ten or fifteen minutes to jump rope, is such an adrenaline rush for me! The sweat, and the energy that I feel during those workouts, reignites my entire soul! After my workouts, I feel human again. I feel like I have the strength to keep going, and tackle every task and challenge that is ahead of me. Simply said, my workouts give me life! I know it’s the same for you. No matter how you feel before you work out (tired, sluggish, moody, frustrated), by the end of your workout, you are in a better mood. You have a better perspective on your life, and you have a renewed energy.
So get active and stay active! Even if it’s only a ten or fifteen minute workout some days (you guys know I’m good for those lol), do it! Every bit of physical activity that you can do matters. Don’t stress yourself out if you can’t get in a 30-minute or 1-hour workout, every day of the week. Every little bit counts. Join me for my Jump Rope class tomorrow in NYC!
5. Have “Sexy Time". Yup, I’m going there! We all know the importance of regular date nights, when you’re married. But the reality is, they don’t always happen as often as we like. No worries. Enter, “Sexy Time”! Yes, sex is important, it is enjoyable, and it is vital to the success of your marriage. Not only that, it has many other benefits for your mind and body. "The benefits of sex range from slashing stress levels to lowering your risk of cancer and heart attacks. Sex facilitates bonding and feelings of intimacy with your partner.
This kind of connectedness does more than make you feel warm and fuzzy, it actually reduces anxiety and boosts your overall health.” via On Health
If you’re feeling stressed out all the time, and stuck in the daily grind of working mommy-hood, then it’s time let loose (and get naked lol)! Thank me later!
So that’s it. Now it’s time for you to put into action everything that you just read. Which one of these tips do you need to start doing immediately? Post a comment below and let me know.
Which of these items do you struggle with the most? Share your thoughts with me in the comments.
I’m always here to support you, encourage you, and most importantly, to remind you of how incredible you are! You got this mama! Please share this post with a busy, working mommy friend who needs to take better care of herself, starting NOW!