When you are a mom (or a busy creative and/or professional or just a human being) it can be hard to find the time take care of yourself. Not only that, but sometimes it feels like an indulgence to do the things you need to do to make yourself feel more human. At least that’s true for me. I feel guilty taking the time away from my family, writing, household tasks, etc. to do something simple that fills my cup like get haircut or read a book. Then, when it’s something like going to get a massage, it can feel like an extravagance. Taking care of ourselves is not a luxury though. It is essential.
Taking care of others, keeping a tidy home (or not so tidy), making sure there is healthy food to eat each day, working and giving back to the community–whether you do all of these things or just some of them–they take a toll. The things on the aforementioned list range from things that bring joy to things that are just dreaded tasks that must be done. Even the things that bring joy can be draining, and sometimes they take up more time and energy than anything else. I love being with my 2-year-old son and taking care of him is my greatest joy, however, I am learning that in order to do that to the best of my ability, I need to fill my cup as well.
Learning. That word is key. I think the last time I had a haircut was in March, and I’m pretty sure that all the books I’ve started to read this year are still sitting on the shelf waiting to be finished (that goes for some of the books I started to read last year, too). Since it’s been so long I decided to start with the “extravagant.” I took time out of my work day (one of the two days per week that Young Master Gray is cared for elsewhere) and had a massage this morning. And, oh, was it glorious! Apparently, it was much more necessary than I had imagined as this was the first time I’d ever had a massage therapist tell me that I should come back twice a month for regular massages. Clearly, she hasn’t heard about how long it’s been since I had a haircut! I am feeling pretty relaxed, albeit a little sore (if you want a true deep tissue massage, see Carole at Aleiptes Massage in Rogers). A nap just may be in the cards for this afternoon!
What do you do to fill your cup? How do you make sure that you take the time to do those things?
I have learn to take some time for myself because I learn that when I am running on fumes it is not good for me or anyone.
I've learned the hard way in the last year that I MUST take time to rest. If I overdo it, I pretty much become incapacitated. I'm trying to think of self-care as part of my job, because it allows me to do my job. Resting a little bit goes a long way!
I learned the hard way (by NOT taking care of myself) during my husband’s cancer journey just how important self-care really is. Now I spend time daily journaling, exercising, expanding my mind through learning new things, and in prayer. It’s made a huge difference!