So many moms have told me that they don’t have time to do the things they want to do or know would help them feel better. After a long day of caring for kids, housework, and other roles and responsibilities, sometimes we have to wonder, as moms, when we will ever have a chance to focus a little bit on ourselves. Is this you, too?
If so, I totally get it. This was and sometimes still is me, especially with supporting my husband through his ongoing journey with Leukemia. Some days, I go from making breakfast and lunch for everyone, dropping my son at school, attending my hubby’s appointments, walking the dog, doing housework and yardwork, and then picking up my son, making dinner, helping with homework, and collapse into bed, and then wonder when I would ever fit-in time for myself during such a busy day.
One of the most important things I realized through my husband’s Cancer journey, is that no one will ever GIVE me time to do something for myself. This is likely true for you as well. No one, no matter how much they love you, will hand over time to do what you need to do to take care of yourself, Mama! Sure, we might get the odd hour on Mother’s Day or on our birthday to go out with friends or have a massage, but in the long term, it is rare.
The most important thing I decided to do for myself, so I could take care of my family, is make (or take) time to care for myself. I have wanted to increase my movement and activity level so I can return to cycling and other activities I enjoy. For me, the minimum I needed was 7 min to do a 7 min workout on an app I have…but truly, I wanted at least 20 min to do a spin workout and even better if I could have an hour to go for an outdoor bike ride depending on the weather.
Steps to Make Time for Yourself
1- Set your intention (at least 20 min spin workout at home)
2- Look at your routine that day and decide where you could make time for it. For me, it is often after I drop my son at school or after I return home from my hubby’s appointment.
3- Let go of the expectation to do all the things for everyone else before you make time to take care of yourself.
4- Incorporate your family into the activity. Sometimes I feel like spending more time with my family, so instead of doing a solo bike ride, I might take my son with me or go for a walk all together.
5- Be flexible on when the activity occurs during the day. I prefer to do these activities in the morning, but sometimes life gets in the way, and I end up doing a modified activity in the evening.
6- Start being all right with disappointing people. Your family may be disappointed if you don't do something right away, or do what you usually do. However, this builds resiliency in our kids and family and shows them that we value ourselves as much as we value them. Sometimes, they may even surprise you and do the task by the time you’re finished caring for your needs!
7- Celebrate the accomplishment of doing the activity AND making time for yourself. A simple High Five in the mirror will work!
With kids off school for the summer, it is so easy to become immersed in keeping them occupied, getting them multiple snacks and meals, and losing ourselves even more in trying to make it the “best summer ever”. This summer can look different for you and include fun vibes for your kids AND you making time to take care of your own needs.
If you’d like extra support with learning how to make time for yourself that works for your life and family, I am offering one-time coaching sessions specifically for this! The investment is $40 for a full coaching session focused on making time for yourself this summer, and you will receive a free bonus of your own Self-Care Journal to help you continue this into the Fall and beyond. You can book your session here.
Making time to care for yourself can be easier than society tells us!
Remember, Mama, I believe in you and your ability to build the life and motherhood you truly want, and I love you.
Sending you all the positive summer vibes!
xox
Gillian
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