I have a lot of clients, primarily women who experience mom burnout from taking care of their children and special needs children. Special needs children can have disabilities, impairments, developmental delays, or serious illnesses that require an extensive amount of attention and care round the clock.
However, all moms have one thing in common: consumed by taking care of their children and families and they consequently forget the importance of self-care.
What does self-care even mean you might wonder?
This includes taking care of your health and well-being, not only physically but mentally as well. Neglecting self-care will eventually lead to “mom burnout.” It can become difficult to function in a healthy and productive manner with depleted energy.
Remember, some time is better than no time at all, even if you get a few minutes all to yourself.
Some self care can be complete bliss.
So, to all the moms out there: start with an active commitment to dedicating some self-care time daily or weekly in your schedule.
Follow these self care steps if you struggle with making time for yourself:
Step #1 – Make a list of activities you enjoy.
This could entail anything that alleviates your stress and uplifts your mood. It could be reading, crafting, hiking, or even adult coloring books. Or maybe it’s as simple as getting your favorite drink and sitting by the ocean for a moment.
Step #2 – Look at your current schedule (check phone, calendar, or planner) and find small open time slots you have available.
The key is to start small. Let’s say you have 20 minutes of free time between appointments and meetings. Use that time slot available and find an activity that would fit in that time slot. For example: jogging around the neighborhood, meditation, yoga.
This is an easy way to add self-care to your schedule and once it’s on the calendar, you will most likely complete it. Once, you start doing this more often, it’ll become a habit.
Step #3 – Enjoy the few minutes you have throughout the day to recharge and reset.
Once you shift your perspective and start recognizing your individual needs, scheduling self-care will be easy and breezy.
It’s easy to get preoccupied with work, household chores, cleaning, kids, or family. Old habits are hard to change, but with dedication and a conscious effort, this method does really work.
Recognizing the importance of self-care not only replenishes your energy but also gives you a form of control that empowers you.
The following are some more ideas to squeeze some self-care into your daily schedule. Keep in mind, that just a few minutes of self-care daily can have many lasting benefits:
• Grab a coffee
• Get a massage/facial/pedicure/manicure
• Cook your favorite food
• Takeout from your favorite restaurant
• Watch your favorite movie/show
• Listen to your favorite music that uplifts your mood
• Meet with friends to catch up, or a virtual meetup through Zoom or Facetime. Talking is still more interactive than texting!
• Read a few pages of your favorite book
• Exercise/meditate
• Engage in a hobby
What are your favorite ways to practice self-case to avoid mom burnout? Let us know in the comments below!
