I am constantly talking in my articles and videos on the importance of self-care and relaxation for women, especially my mom clients! We are asked to be many things for many people, and it can be overwhelming at times.
But it is important for our own mental health to take time out daily (15 minutes at least) to practice self-care, relax, rejuvenate, and focus on yourself. Yes, you are important! You are an example to your children and your spouse of what it looks like to be healthy both mentally and physically. No pressure, right?
Our children, especially our little girls, are looking up to us to see how they are going to be someday. We have a responsibility to show them we are happy, healthy, relaxed, and filled with purpose and joy. I realize that all of us have days that are not good, and that we can’t be amazing all of the time! But it is important to show our families that we are important as well, and standing up for ourselves at times is important to do.
I practice this in my own marriage and family, letting others know when I am depleted and need a break. Your husband or partner and children need to know that you love them enough to care for yourself as well, because no one else will do this for you!
For me, I like to go to the gym to get a workout in, get my hair done, go get a massage (not that often but wish I did this more), and spend free time catching up on my work as well, which makes me feel accomplished. I also love to meet up with friends or colleagues and get coffee or lunch to catch up!
Right now my husband and daughter are on a ‘daddy-daughter night’ at her school and it is giving me the opportunity to get a lot of work done. I miss them, yes, and yet I feel this time is so important to utilize wisely so that I don’t become overwhelmed and stressed out. It’s okay to have a glass of wine or a cup of tea and watch a funny movie, too!
The last time I remember doing this was a year ago, when I was sick one day and my husband took my daughter skiing for the day. I spent the whole day sick on the couch, but got to watch girly movies and I loved it! I just wish I hadn’t been sick, of course. I recommend not letting it get to the point where you are sick or kicking people out of your house to have time to yourself to refresh.
We as women need to practice this daily, and especially weekly taking time out to do what you need to do for yourself. I promise as you start to practice this regularly, it gets easier and you will think to yourself, “I really should have done this a long time ago!”
