Are you like me and feel the HOPE that Springtime brings?
I love this time of year... I love the blooms that start to pop out and the warmer weather.... I am all about tank tops and Chacos. And Self Care. :)
I often get this question: How do I better take care of myself in the busy?
Do you feel this???
As a busy mom and business owner, I used to pay attention to everyone else BUT me. I mean, kids need my attention. My husband has no idea where to find that tool. Then the cat needs fed. And before I know it, the day is over. My time is gone.
So, when do I fit in time for self care?!
Well, I have learned that little things I can add into what I am already doing is key! Here are my top tips to add into your routine with the time you have!
1. Sleep. Yeah... I know. Let's start out with this one. It is probably the most tricky but also one of the most important. We truly need 7-9 hours. We might be able to survive on 4, but really. Let's function better and we can be healthier and have more fun when we sleep better. Prioritizing sleep is super important to manage mood, our immune system and so much more. Problem solving ways to sleep better goes a long way. Problem solve ways to sleep! Are you waking up a lot? Maybe it is diet or stress keeping you up. Are you struggling to get to bed? What can you adjust to make sleep happen sooner? Small tweaks can be powerful!
2. Water. This is as important as Sleep! Water helps our sleep, our organs function better, our digestion, our skin... We have more energy! The average person only drinks 8 ounces a day, while 64 ounces is the average recommendation! Really! Only 8 OUNCES!? Our morning cups of coffee are often 12 or 16.... So increasing you water intake will take you far!
3. Diet. Working on more vegetables and fruits. And of course, I eat better when I sleep better so... Being an example to our families is also important so it is a great way to learn and teach as well. Small changes go far!
4. Movement. Walks. Body weight movements. Stretching. Anything you can do, do it! It helps our bodies flush toxins out, keeps the lymph moving and helps our bones and muscles. This area is another one that might feel overwhelming but just getting up to shift your body, taking small walks, incorporating your kids or husband are all easy ways to add in more movement. Even dancing in the kitchen is better than nothing! Make it fun and pull in those around you!
5. Taking breaks throughout your day. If you are taking breaks to grab water or add in some movement, that is EASY, right?! Well maybe! Even that quick Facebook scroll can be a positive to our brains when we are busy. Set a timer and allow 5-15 minutes each hour to disengage and do something!
6. Meditation, prayer, mindfulness. Whether you are in the shower, lying in bed or taking that walk.
7. Breathing. I take time to breathe anytime I am in the shower, driving in the car, lying in bed, getting ready to sleep. Working on taking deep breathes to nourish my body and brain. Breathing is important to calm emotions as well. And, of course, I always notices bodily tension that needs attention when I am taking time to breath!
I spoke on this in my FREE facebook group HERE.
What are your top SELF CARE tips that I did not cover? What are your challenges with Self Care?
Oh... and stay tuned... I have more fun stuff that I am working on behind the scenes!!! I cannot wait to share more with you! :) The holiday season is upon us!
For many of us, that means time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. It also means lots of food, gifts, and merriment. But let's be honest—the holiday season can also be a bit overwhelming. If you're struggling to keep your sanity this holiday season, here are five self-care tips to help you make it through.
1. Set realistic expectations.
The holiday season is a time for joy and happiness, but it's also a time when we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create the perfect memories. If your expectations for the holidays are unrealistic, you're likely to end up feeling disappointed and stressed out. To avoid this, take a step back and set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved ones. Rather than aiming for perfection, focus on enjoying the moments and making lasting memories.
2. Delegate.
It's easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit and say yes to every party invitation and request for help. It is easy to over-commit. But if you over commit yourself, you're likely to end up feeling tired, overwhelmed, and stressed out. To avoid this trap, think carefully before committing to anything during the holidays. Only say yes if you genuinely have the time and energy to do it—and be sure to schedule some down time for yourself as well! And the things you don't have to do yourself-DELEGATE. It is a great skill to use!
3. Take care of your health.
The holidays are a busy time of year, which can make it tempting to skip meals or forego exercise in favor of crossing things off your to-do list. But if you don't take care of your health, you're likely to end up feeling run down and sick during the most wonderful time of the year. To avoid this, make sure to eat healthy meals and get some exercise—even if it's just a short walk around the block. And watch the sugar intake... that is truly the culprit of making us feel run down and unwell in these winter months. Be sure to keep drinking all the water and teas, soups and take your Vitamin D and Vitamin C, at the very least!
4. Set aside time for your relationships.
The holiday season is a great opportunity to catch up with friends and family members who you don't get to see very often. But if you try to cram too many social events into your schedule, you're likely not going to enjoy any of them. To make the most of your time with loved ones, set aside some quality time for each relationship—and don't be afraid to say no if you're feeling overwhelmed. (Again- watching for the tendency to over-commit and delegate the things others can do!)
5. Give yourself a break!
This one is important! The holiday season is hectic enough without adding extra pressure on yourself. So cut yourself some slack—you don't have to do everything perfectly in order to enjoy the season! It is ok to skip certain traditions or do things differently- especially if there is stress or frustration involved (for anyone!) We want to cherish our holidays and make them memorable- positive memories! As a mom and often the host, it can be difficult to change things up but often others do not notice like we do. Give yourself a little grace and know that your presence is bigger!
In Summary, Remember that the holidays are supposed to be a fun and festive time of year—but they can also be pretty stressful. If you're struggling to keep your sanity this holiday season, try following these five self-care tips.
By taking care of yourself both mentally and physically, you'll be able to better relax and enjoy this special time of year with your loved ones stress-free!
Your Goal: Make positive memories and enjoy the season.
