As parents we all struggle to get all of our things done every day. It is even harder when you add the challenges that may come with children with special needs. Add making time for you and we all think.. yea, right! Well, I am suggesting we all try, even me! These are some ideas I came up with, do you have any to add? The holidays can be so busy , make a minute (or 2 ) for you!
When you are happy, the rest of the family is happy. When you feel good, the family feels good. YOU are so important to so many- but, you will not be any good to anyone if you don't take care of you first!
So, let's try ! I will share next week what I was able to do. Can you all share too?
- Be present in whatever it is that you're doing for you, keep the focus on what you are doing, NOT what you have next!
- Ask for help- family, friends and coworkers can help and do things for you. it may be hard at first, but, you will see that those that care, do want to help , you'll find that you not only have more time, but you will feel less resentful of others leaving everything to you.
- Learn to say no and choose what you want to do . There are probably things you can cut out from your schedule that drain your energy . If you have things that you routinely that have become less enjoyable, eliminate it . You don't need to waste energy that you do not have! Pick and choose wisely
- Call a friend to talk, about anything or nothing! Maybe you will laugh,maybe you will cry. Either way, it will feel GREAT! .
- Open your door and have a seat! You can use the porch, the deck, even the grass. Cold- so what, grab a blanket with a cup of coffee/ tea. . You can watch the clouds or stars. But- leave your phone inside!
- Keep the Focus on YOU. You are NOT being selfish. In order for you to take care of others , you must be first! Celebrate you and all you accomplish! Make time for your hobbies. Your interests. The things you felt passionate about before you had children. Set some time aside each week to focus on these things. Maybe it's five minutes before you go to bed. Maybe it's a few hours over the weekend. It
- If you have a pet, pet them! It Works! Unconditional love and your pet will be so happy, plus you will have a smile on after just a few minutes!
- Time Saving tip at home- Have a place for those morning crazy moments! Keys, books, glasses- etc. you can avoid those stressful searches for misplaced essentials by creating a spot! Try by Keeping a basket by the front door.
- Take a walk, by yourself or with a friend. Not to “train” just to walk.. brisk, slow, whatever. Get some fresh air - even if it only 10 min!
- Choose who you spend your time with. ( this goes kind of hand in hand with saying no) Surround yourself with people who make you feel good about you. They are the ones that you want to be with! A friend that listens, passes no judgement and just wants to enjoy being with you- those are the ones that need to be in your life! Stay away from the ones that make you feel badly, or judge, or do nothing more than brag about their “perfect life”.
- Take a few extra minutes in the morning JUST for you, if you have to wake up earlier- do it, or if you do it after the kids are gone, that is fine too. What is such a simple thing will bring you some peace. A little pampering goes a long way. An extra 2 min in the shower ( shower, yes, I know, many a day goes by and we wonder if we took one! ) A little lip gloss to make a shine, maybe get dressed in a favorite outfit instead of yoga pants! How we look and feel on the outside can reflect our insides as well!
- Schedule the time to take a bath, read a book or magazine, get a manicure. We make the time to carpool, dr appt.’s and all else - so do this for you! Get it on your calendar. Even if it once every other month! It is a start!
When you are happy, the rest of the family is happy. When you feel good, the family feels good. YOU are so important to so many- but, you will not be any good to anyone if you don't take care of you first!
So, let's try ! I will share next week what I was able to do. Can you all share too?
