Each day I spend most of my time taking care of my husband and son. I make my husband’s meals, clean our home, feed and bathe our son, etc. Sometimes, though, I start to feel like I’m running on empty, taking care of everyone else and doing nothing for me. If I don’t find a little time for self-care, a little break where I just focus on doing something for me, I find I become short-tempered with everyone, including the two guys I love most. In fact, I notice my level of self-care is directly related to how patient I am with others, how understanding, etc. If I don’t take give minutes to relax, then I’m easily irritated, resentful, etc. If I did something to enjoy myself, however, I find that I don’t mind spilled milk or someone running late much at all.
So what are some things I do to relax? I love to read, and I love to drink delicious coffee, so even ten minutes a couple times a day where I can sit and read a bit (a good book, the news), have some tea, coffee, maybe do a Sudoko puzzle, are a real treat on a particularly busy day. Sometimes it doesn’t happen until the end of the day, but if I can sit and relax and do something frivolous like that, it really helps.
I also appreciate it when my husband has free time and watches our son, so I can linger in the shower. Lately, now that my son is getting older (and he has always been a pretty mild, well-behaved baby) I find I am able to sit and watch a bit of a movie with him, or stop somewhere for lunch, and it really makes my day. I don’t feel as burned out when I can stop in the middle of my day and have a delicious, healthy salad at an outdoor cafe, with my little man smiling at me and keeping me company.
What are some ways you like to relax? Do you find you have time for a midday break? I read somewhere that it’s a great idea to make a list of ten things you like to do because you enjoy them, or because you feel great after. Each day, do three of these things, and it will help keep you focused, serene, happy, and prevent mom-burnout. That sounded like a great idea to me, and I’ve been trying to do this. Us moms deserve it!