Spending time working out at home, meal prepping on the weekend, going for a walk after dinner, doing some deep breathing or yoga, saying morning prayers or reading a self help book, these are just a few ideas of how we could and should take care of ourselves. Do you remember what they say on a plane during a cabin loss of pressure? You are to put your mask on first and then your child’s mask. Why?!? Because if you pass out, I guarantee you are not going to be much help to anyone!
Working out for 30-60 minutes or taking a 20 minute walk after dinner is NOT BEING SELFISH! It’s actually quite the opposite. Taking care of yourself is showing your family that health is important, not just their health but your health as well. When we begin to neglect our health, we become tired, irritated and less likely to have the energy to play or even engage in meaningful conversation with our kids.
If it is a priority you will make it happen. Wake up a half hour earlier, spend nap time doing something for you instead of the laundry. Ask your partner to help you! I remember way back in the day, going to a workout class at 4:30pm every Monday. As soon as my husband walked in the door, I walked out and had the best two hours of my entire week! It’s not sad to say that! It made me feel good, stronger mentally and physically and I started my week out the best way possible.
Take some time for YOU and see how good that feels. I have a feeling it is going to make the time you do spend with your family a whole lot better and I bet they will feel the difference too!