As parents, we are always so busy looking after everyone, working, keeping on top of the housework and doing everything that needs to be done. It can be difficult to find the time for anything else. So, our own self-care and even time to have fun, can be left to the bottom of the pile.
Suddenly you realise that you can’t remember the last time you did anything just for yourself.
When was the last time you did something just for you?
Something you really enjoy?
Do you remember what lights you up?
This is something I learned myself the hard way. I always used to think ’I don’t have time’.
After working in stressful jobs for years and prioritising my to do list over myself and my needs, I was completely drained and burnt out. I didn’t realise I had been running simply on adrenaline until I became unwell.
Thankfully, by that point my son was older and didn’t need the level of physical care that younger children need and I have a supportive husband. But it was me who had to make a change.
Instead of saying 'I don't have time' I chose to make time. I learned to prioritise my own needs and my own self-care, to enable me to be in the best place to be a Mum, wife and friend, but also to be the best version of me, for me.
It can be hard to fit in self care, but you don't have to do a 90 minute yoga class three times a week. Try starting with one breathing technique, or ten minutes of yoga. Getting a baby sitter one evening, or simply finding a way to drink your cup of tea while it's still hot.
I now have a good self-care routine, but it hasn’t been easy. It takes time and dedication to build a routine. But I'm now able to prioritise my self-care daily, which has a hugely positive impact on my own well-being and on my
.
If you’d like to know more about how to prioritise your own self-care and avoid burn out, or even what self-care looks like check out my mindful parenting courses and 1:1 parent mentoring, and my yoga classes.
Yoga and mindfulness have a hugely positive impact on our stress levels, on anxiety and worry and are an important part of my self-care routine.
Here’s one quick and easy breathwork technique to calm the nervous system. You can do it on your own, or with your children, to begin your journey into regular self-care.
I’d love to see how you get on with this technique. If you post about it on Instagram, make sure you tag me so I can see how it worked for you. I’m @nurturedoula (or if you’re posting on facebook tag Nurture Well-being.
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