While this article was originally written for new moms, it offers advice which all women can benefit from. If you don’t have children, think of all the people in your life you care for and how that affects you. All women need self-care to stay healthy and sane.
7 Sanity Saving Tips:
- Care for your children by caring for yourself. Practice our “Five A Day.” Eat, sleep, get regular physical activity, rest/take breaks and connect with yourself and others. Put your oxygen mask on first, so you have the energy and vitality to be the mom your children deserve.
- Take three to four hours a week for “me-time.” You may think you can run full-tilt 24/7, but your body and mind was not designed for this. You need periods of rest-oration for optimal health. Without refilling your pitcher, you will feel depleted, exhausted, impatient and resentful.
- Know yourself. The greater your need for control, the more likely you are to come unraveled as a mom when life runs itself. Try cutting back before children. Start removing items from your “to-do list” and prioritizing what is truly important. Practice not having things “just so” for improved adjustment.
- Notice your accomplishments (even if no one else does). Put your attention on what you’re getting done instead of where you’re falling short. Keep a jar and every time you do something, drop a coin in. Change a diaper-a coin, feed your baby-a coin, bathe your baby-a coin. It adds up fast.
Part 2 next Monday 🙂
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