Can you believe the summer is really over and it’s back to school time again? I know in many areas the kids went back to school several weeks ago. And in some areas, they are just starting school. What are you doing while the kids are in school? Many moms went back to work, or never stopped working at all, and some stay-at-home and work-at-home moms were happy to see the first day of school.
I was ready for Jay to go back to school because she was acting like she knows everything. I was also proud of her because she started her first summer job. But more about that later. While you were busy doing necessary things like shopping for school clothes and supplies, did you remember to schedule other important things like your own self-care time?
What Is Self-Care?
First, what is self-care? It’s anything we do to take better care of our mental, emotional, or physical health. Although the focus is on you and your overall well-being, self-care is not selfish.
Self-care is necessary because it allows you to function at your best to properly care for your daily responsibilities. As a mom, what is usually the first thing we give up when things get busy or stressful at home or work? We let our self-care and health suffer when a stressful situation suggests that we need to care for it even more.
Self-Preservation and Permission
Today, self-care is really self-preservation. It’s the key to living a more anxiety-free and stress-free life. And it works. Engaging in self-care allows you to refill your cup by taking time for yourself and doing things you enjoy. As a result, when you return to your reality, you can feel refreshed, and ready to carry on.
You don’t need permission to engage in or enjoy self-care activities. Watch this Facebook Live video about giving yourself permission to win: bit.ly/2LDvFTC
For example, going to bed earlier to get an extra hour of sleep is going to help manage your stress levels, and any depression or anxiety, and build a stronger immune system. As a result, you will think clearer and feel refreshed each day. I believe that self-care is necessary and it’s self-preservation because it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Misconceptions About Self-Care
There are misconceptions about self-care that make it even harder for some women to put themselves first. Many think self-care is expensive, it’s selfish, they don’t deserve it, and it takes too much time, or their family needs them to be at home to care for them.
I truly understand the internal struggle surrounding self-care because I’m a mom with three kids. I felt guilty at the thought of going to hang out with girlfriends, read books at the local bookstore, enjoy window-shopping, or get a makeover at the Mac makeup counter. My stomach would literally hurt and I wouldn’t go. Then, sometimes I would just cry in the car or get in the bed. The guilt crushed me every time!
But, when I compared my behavior to my husband’s, I used to be furious! Yes, furious! He took his self-care seriously. When it was time for him to go fishing, he packed lunch and left on time. He would fish all day. From sun up to sundown. Then he came home happy and tired, and without any regrets. He did the same thing for Monday night football.
After several failed attempts, I can finally practice self-care without any internal guilt or struggle. And, I want the same freedom for you! With the kids in school, I’m sure your life has become a lot busier. And you deserve to enjoy regular self-care activities again. What do you like to do? When would you like to do it? And, how often?
What are you going to do differently to maintain your sanity and well-being this school year? Please share in the comments below.
