Self Care

Self-care is a big buzz word right now but what does it really even mean?

Well, it’s not all manis and pedis and luxury spa treatments. According to oxforddictionaries.com self-care is defined as 1. The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. 1.1 The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

According to that definition I would say that all mothers need to be practicing more self-care. If we are going to be good moms we need to be making sure that we are putting ourselves on the to-do list. Whether you are a full time working Mama, a work at home Mama or a stay at home Mama your plate is full. We live in a society where we praise busyness and perfectionism and its killing us moms.

So let’s start with mindset. For a long time I was just too busy for this self-care business. I had babies to feed and a house to clean and I already couldn’t keep up so adding anything else to my plate seemed counter productive. That was until I became completely burnt out.

A good friend pointed out that I wasn’t taking very good care of myself and the truth was that it wasn’t helping anyone around me. I was chronically stressed and overwhelmed and knew something had to change. So I started to change my mindset. I realized that self care isn’t selfish but a path for me to become an even better mom, wife and friend.

I started doing simple things like taking long baths and getting out for an occasional solo walk. Then I dug in a little deeper and started setting healthy boundaries in relationships that were becoming toxic. I ditched old negative ideas about myself. I started eating better and working out again. I’m still a work in progress but I can’t imagine where I would be if I hadn’t changed directions.

I want this change for you too! I want you to be set free from the thought that being a mom means that you have to give, give, give and never consider your own needs. That mindset is not sustainable and things will eventually fall apart so don’t wait. Make yourself a priority today!

Affirmations

Use these affirmations to help you change your mindset around self-care. Write them down or print them out in your favorite font and put them on the fridge, in your car or on your bathroom mirror. The more you say them the more you will believe them so say them out loud and say them often!

I am the only person who can take care of me.

My physical, mental and emotional well-being are a top priority.

I am a better mom, wife and friend when I take care of my own needs.

I deserve to make my health a priority.

Schedule it!

Don’t wait for the perfect time to start because it is never going to happen. Determine where you want to start and create a plan. If your goal is to eat nourishing foods schedule a time to meal plan, shop and meal prep once a week. If your goal is to add more movement into your life than sign up for some new classes and put them into your calendar. Whatever it is make sure it is a priority even if that means cancelling other things or moving things around.

At this point you may be thinking but I just don’t have the time. I’m going to give you a little tough love on this one. Make the time. Cancel something that doesn’t line up with your new goals. Go to bed earlier so that you can wake up a little earlier. Create the time. Even if it is just 15 minutes a day to stretch and do some deep breathing it will make a difference. Start making yourself a priority!

Ideas for Self-care

There are a million ways we can make health and wellness a priority in our lives. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• take an epsom salt bath
• schedule a daily tea time
• practice deep breathing
• get a mani/pedi
• practice yoga
• take a new class
• learn a new hobby
• go to the library and read a book
• say no to things that you don’t want to do
• set healthy boundaries
• eat nourishing foods
• start a gratitude journal
• go for a walk
• have a dance party
• do a digital detox
• join a book club
• get together with a girl friend
• start a gratitude journal
• buy yourself flowers
• do a face mask
• wear makeup more often
• take a nap

Keep it simple but make it consistent!

Now head over to facebook and join the Motherhood Made Whole Challenge FB group. Post what your intentions are for the month and get feedback and support from women who are working on the same goals as you!
This is a free group and it is closed meaning that only people who are in the group will be able to see the content. Click here to go to the group.

Wishing you health and happiness,

Kaitlyn McCarthy