When was the last time you had “me-time” and how did you spend that time?
I had“me time” when I got to go to the gym and workout for an hour and a half. It’s not much, but to me that hour and 30 minutes is everything!
What are some of your favourite ways to practice self care?
Some different ways I practice self care. Every morning and night I set aside 5 minutes to fill out my gratitude journal. I feel self care starts with the mind. If you can set your day up with a positive mantra and bring positive thoughts to the way your day is going to go, then you have put your mind on the right path! The 5 minutes at the end of the day are reflection minutes where I write the highs and lows because every day has them no matter how perfect! I also make sure to get a relaxing bath in at least once a week. I love to take baths they calm me and they are a huge reset button when I don’t feel myself. Another way is time surrounded by friends and family, I know some my want to spend time alone, but I am with children all day so time spent with an adult is what lifts my spirits. I am also crazy about organization so if I get the chance to organize a dresser or a closet or really anything, that is soothing to my soul. I find peace when I’m cleaning. For body self care I try to get up and move as much as possible throughout the day. I am also able to go to the gym 4 times a week which helps relax and workout my body!
What advice would you give to mamas struggling to create “me-time”? How do you make time in your schedule for yourself?
If you are fortunate to have lots of help, but struggling to have “me time” my advice is to use your resources. Don’t try to do it all alone! They are there for you and I’m sure your family and friends are willing to help if you need two hours, once a day, once a month to yourself. If there is no one to help out though, I would say purchase a gratitude journal and spend at least 5 minutes in the morning before anyone is up, soaking in the quiet before the chaos. Write into existence how well your day is going to go, and then 5 minutes at night reflecting on how the day went! I would also say give yourself grace. No one is perfect and we all lose are cool at some point, but on days like that take advantage of the quiet house that night, run a bath, take a shower, do things in that moment that bring you back to life, and remind you what loving yourself and your beautiful life is all about! Self care doesn’t have to be anything big or take up a whole day. It can be anything that brings you joy! For me I am not afraid to say I need a break and I need time to myself, but with that being said. I am fortunate to have lots of friends and family around to help me and scheduling “me time” isn’t anything crazy, because it can be something small that brings me gratitude.