Parenthood is a 24/7/365 responsibility. There are no designated lunch breaks, sick days, or vacation time.
With that in mind, self-care can sound a bit selfish, indulgent, and wrong. It can easily become a low priority while we are busy feeding the baby, changing diapers, wiping sticky fingers, making meals, cleaning up messes, arranging playdates, working, etc.
But if we think twice, self-care can be one of the best things we can do for our kids.
"Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." –Eleanor Brown
Mother's Day is the perfect time to re-examine how we are taking care of our needs, make self-care a priority again, and feel good about it.
While most of us love flowers, chocolates, and breakfast in bed, there are some priceless gifts that will make our day even more memorable. This is not a Mother's Day Gift Guide, but rather a Mother's Day Self-Care Guide.
- The Gift of Sleep with a sleep-in or an early night.
- The Gift of Solo Time with a "me date" at your favorite coffee shop.
- The Gift of Relaxation with an at-home spa day.
- The Gift of Saying "No" by focusing on your priorities and eliminating things that don't really matter.
- The Gift of Learning with a class or how-to book.
- The Gift of Indulgence with your favorite dessert, a glass of wine, or a marathon of your favorite TV show.
- The Gift of Delegating household tasks to other family members.
- The Gift of Direction by setting goals for yourself.
- The Gift of Inspiration with a good read... in bed... in your PJs!
- The Gift of Disconnecting by eliminating social media and unnecessary use of devices for a day.
Self-care requires focus, balance, planning, and action but it is essential. It helps us become the best version of ourselves and sets a valuable example for the ones we love the most.
