Moms are expected to tend to the needs of their family at the expense of their own feelings and needs. After all, isn't this the way to be a good mother? Wouldn't taking time for yourself be positively sinful?
In actuality, you will care for your loved ones better by taking time to refill your own well. If you are constantly on call, with no time for yourself, you will eventually run out of energy. Giving yourself a brief time to tune in and recharge will help ensure you are able to respond to the very real needs of your children as well as the rest of your family.
You undoubtedly want the best for your children, and may mistakenly think the best for them means putting all your feelings and needs on the back burners. But what about the fact that you are one of their more important role models from the first day they arrive in your life? If you don't take care of yourself, your children will learn from your actions (or lack thereof) more than your words. Show them how to take care of themselves by making healthy choices for yourself.
Yes, meditation is proven to be a highly effective tool for reducing stress and increasing health, but there are thousands of other ways to take ten minutes for you. The important thing is to make a commitment to yourself and follow through with it daily. You could go for a walk, listen to some favorite music, take a bath, sit in the car (as long as you're not driving!), look at a beautiful painting or view, or savor a cup of coffee or tea all by yourself.
If you are with your children 24/7, please consider creative ways to take an hour or so each week away from your family. The "Mommy Brain" is constantly on duty, even when we're not next to our children, but a little distance can open up space in our minds and decompress our bodies in a very healing way. Oddly, having time away can open up our hearts to our loved ones and help us appreciate the most important people in our lives even more.
You may find unexpected benefits from following through with this self care technique. Certainly you will realize temporary benefits from having a few daily moments to breathe, but will be creating long term benefits as well. When your inner self begins to trust that you are going to continue taking time and space for yourself, your mood and even body image will improve. You are, in effect, saying that it is all right for you to be in the world! This will translate into healthier self-talk, wiser choices, and a more grace-filled, response-able presence as a partner, wife and mother.
In actuality, you will care for your loved ones better by taking time to refill your own well. If you are constantly on call, with no time for yourself, you will eventually run out of energy. Giving yourself a brief time to tune in and recharge will help ensure you are able to respond to the very real needs of your children as well as the rest of your family.
You undoubtedly want the best for your children, and may mistakenly think the best for them means putting all your feelings and needs on the back burners. But what about the fact that you are one of their more important role models from the first day they arrive in your life? If you don't take care of yourself, your children will learn from your actions (or lack thereof) more than your words. Show them how to take care of themselves by making healthy choices for yourself.
Yes, meditation is proven to be a highly effective tool for reducing stress and increasing health, but there are thousands of other ways to take ten minutes for you. The important thing is to make a commitment to yourself and follow through with it daily. You could go for a walk, listen to some favorite music, take a bath, sit in the car (as long as you're not driving!), look at a beautiful painting or view, or savor a cup of coffee or tea all by yourself.
If you are with your children 24/7, please consider creative ways to take an hour or so each week away from your family. The "Mommy Brain" is constantly on duty, even when we're not next to our children, but a little distance can open up space in our minds and decompress our bodies in a very healing way. Oddly, having time away can open up our hearts to our loved ones and help us appreciate the most important people in our lives even more.
You may find unexpected benefits from following through with this self care technique. Certainly you will realize temporary benefits from having a few daily moments to breathe, but will be creating long term benefits as well. When your inner self begins to trust that you are going to continue taking time and space for yourself, your mood and even body image will improve. You are, in effect, saying that it is all right for you to be in the world! This will translate into healthier self-talk, wiser choices, and a more grace-filled, response-able presence as a partner, wife and mother.
About the Author:
Christy Cuellar-Wentz, M.A. is a mental health professional and radio host providing specialized support for the unique challenges of new parenthood. Sign up for free weekly MP3 downloads and empowering information on postpartum depression, stress management, health and wellness.
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