These days, most mums’ lives revolve around juggling the needs of others day in and day out, which often results in them putting themselves last. However this pattern isn’t sustainable because it’s not long before they start to feel overworked, stressed, utterly exhausted and burnt out. In fact I’m sure we’ve all been in this situation before haven’t we?
“In the event of an emergency, please put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.”
This is a familiar flight attendant announcement we hear on planes isn’t it. This saying doesn’t just relate to flying though, as it’s an important reminder for us all in our everyday lives. By taking care of yourself, you will be able to be more effective with ‘life pressures’ and whatever is thrown at you.
Self-care is absolutely essential for your overall health. It’s important you try to find some time to recharge and celebrate who you are as an individual.
You are the core of your world. If you aren’t well looked after, just like a car or an appliance you will eventually break down. Self-care is important and should be considered as an investment to your long-term health.
So, what exactly is self-care?
Does it sound like a foreign concept or is this something that you do on a regular basis?
Self-care is any intentional activity that will nourish and replenish the mind, body and soul. It’s the courage to say, ‘I matter, my needs and well-being matters.’
Why self-care is NOT selfish
Many people believe that self-care is selfish and a waste of your time. But that isn’t at all true. Getting back to the ‘oxygen analogy’ – if there was an emergency on the plane and you helped everyone else with their oxygen mask first before you fitted your own, by the time you get to fit your own, it might be too late.
The benefits of self-care
Self-care is an important aspect of stress management as it prevents burnout, reduces stress, helps you to re-focus, perform better, be more effective and have more energy. So take the time you need for you so you can be that happy mama, wife, partner, friend, daughter, niece or aunty for everyone’s sake. If you feel like Cruella Deville, then follow our self-care tips below so you can start to feel like the best version of yourself again.
Simple ways you can demonstrate self-care in your daily life:
Taking care of yourself is important to ‘recharge your batteries’, even if it’s only for five minutes each day. Below is a list of ideas for you:
- Journal and write down your thoughts and feelings
- Unplug from all social media
- Take a nap
- Meditate for 10 minutes
- Breathe deeply
- Paint
- Read a book
- Watch a funny movie
- Reflect
- Surround yourself with beauty
- Write poetry
- Create a vision board
- Sit and do absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes
- Listen to your favourite song
- Nourish your body with beautiful real, wholesome foods
- Have a long Epsom salt bath with essential oils and coconut oil
- Do one thing, just because it makes you happy
- Help someone else
- Stretch for 10 minutes
- Go for a walk in nature and soak up some Vitamin D
- Enjoy a cup of tea outside in silence before your children wake
- Cook your favourite meal and enjoy it with your family
- Sleep in and don’t set your alarm
- Watch an inspiring TEDx video
- Listen to an uplifting or educational podcast
- Paint your nails (with non-toxic nail polish)
- Repeat positive affirmations to yourself
- Take a day off work
- Give yourself a hair or face mask
- Take an online class you have always wanted to take
- Light your favourite candle
- Have a conversation with an old friend
- Write down 5-10 things you’re grateful for
- Put a vaporiser on with your favourite essential oil
- Take a hot shower
- Buy a houseplant(s)
- Do your favourite exercise
- Start a new hobby
- Go to bed early
- Watch the sunrise or sunset
- Read the newspaper
- Do a crossword puzzle
- Have a cup of your favourite herbal organic tea.
Self-care isn’t a onetime thing or something to tick off your daily to-do-list. It’s the constant repetition of many tiny habits which together help to soothe you, calm you and allow you to be at your optimum, emotionally, physically and mentally. If you start to implement some of these into your routine, you will begin to feel more connected to yourself and to those around you. You’ll have good days and bad ones, but hopefully some of these tips will help you keep going.
Extra Resources and Tips
- The self-care revolution that can change the planet: https://melissaambrosini.com/love/the-self-care-revolution-that-can-change-the-planet/
- The Rules of Self Care: http://www.twenty8.com/twenty8-blog/the-rules-of-self-care
- Self-Care Ritual: http://www.twenty8.com/twenty8-blog/self-care-rituals—the-key-to-self-love
- 3 Ways to Take Care of Yourself Without the Guilt: http://www.twenty8.com/twenty8-blog/3-ways-to-take-care-of-yourself-without-the-guilt
- Stressed Spelled Backwards is Desserts: http://inspired4health.com.au/product/stressed-spelled-backwards-is-desserts/
- The importance of self-care (TED talk): https://www.ted.com/playlists/299/the_importance_of_self_care
