Self-Care is NOT Selfish

As humans we are meant to care for others. As Mothers we HAVE to to show up as Moms. It feels as if it is in our very beings to put others before ourselves and yet this is often at the expense of our own ‘survival’.

We can easily lose ourselves in our caring ways and at the end of the day end up burnt-out and fatigued. In this state we are helping no-one as our anxiety and frustrations bubble over. We are told by society’s labels that Moms give and when we give to ourselves it is often labeled as ‘taking’.

As if by careing for ourselves, others get less… that somehow we are hurting our families or others. In fact, when we don’t fill our own cups we are unable to fully support and love those around us. Here are 5 simple ways to love yourself today.

1. Tell yourself nice things!

Oh the way we talk to ourselves…it’s often just not nice. Start placing affirmations around the house and repeatedly say them aloud. Don’t feel like you’re speaking truth? Fake it til you make it and the self-worth will begin to ‘grow’ back as you speak kindly to the most important person in your life.. yup that’s YOU! Click here for a FREE PDF to help you get started with powerful words.

2. Take 5

Often we don’t feel we have the time to sit quietly by ourselves for an extended period of time.. because OFTEN we don’t. Start small, (set an alarm even) and take a 5-minute break multiple times a day… Read, sit down and close your eyes, draw, write in a journal, walk around the house or step outside. You’ll be surprised how much MORE time you have as you increase productivity with the energy from these ‘re-fills’ into your day.

3. MOVE

Stand up and move. That’s it. Not a workout, not an exercise routine.. just move. Walk around the block, stretch through a few organic movements that arise when you stand up, take just one yoga pose, put on headphones and dance, garden, or anything else that calls to you and gets your blood moving for a short burst of energy and refresh.

4. Lock the door

In order to make #2 happen you need to step away…do NOT try to ‘take 5’ with your kids, husband, partners (dogs and kitties sometimes okay) milling around you. Yes this may mean locking a door behind you as you slip into whatever solitude you can..could even be in the car as long as it’s warm enough and off! I have slipped away for many a quick rejuvenation escape to my closet because they don’t look there. :) Sit down, close your eyes and just be for a few minutes. As long as the kids are safe for a few minutes sneak off and savor a few mins and practice #5.

5. Breathe deeply

There is no hidden trick here. Just breathe as deeply into your belly as you can and extend the exhale as long as you can comfortably. No force, no discomfort just take some deep breaths. The body and mind will prove the MANY benefits of this both immediate and long-lasting. Want more instruction on a deep breath technique? Click Here