I think it’s fair to say that everyone, especially moms are dealing with a lot mentally, physically, and emotionally during COVID-19. And with virtual learning and working from home in full force, the role of motherhood has certainly changed. Now granted, yes, we’re supposed to be there to nurture, support, and teach our kids right from wrong...but no one said that we would be volunteering to become part of the teacher’s ministry.
And with all that is going on (i.e. managing life during a global pandemic, etc.), I think it’s more important than ever that moms take time to really take a step back and recharge every single day. And to be honest with you, most people think that you need a lot of time to engage in self-care...it can actually be in as little as 10 minutes a day. It’s all about doing that one thing day each day that you love to do and brings you joy. Interestingly enough, people tend to mistake self-care and self-maintenance, which are two totally different things.
Self-Maintenance
Self-maintenance is NOT self-care...it is essentially the things you do as a basic need to stay alive. Self-maintenance activities aren’t necessarily healthy & it doesn’t show any significant care for our minds, bodies, or our souls. Some self-maintenance activities include:
Breathing
Sleeping
Eating
Expressing our emotions
However, when it comes to self-care, I found this great quote from “Only What You Need” blog that says,
“One of the best metaphors for self-care that we’ve come across is putting on your oxygen mask so that you can then assist others. Self-maintenance, on the other hand, is actually breathing in the oxygen.”
Self-care
Simply put, self-care is not an indulgence. It does not cost any money or require a lot of your time. But...if you have the money, enjoy yourself, Mama!
Self-care is all the ways we take care of ourselves beyond simply staying alive. It’s the things we do to recharge our souls as well as our mental and emotional health.
Here’s a list of self-care activities that you may consider adding to your list:
Making time to exercise
Taking a long hot shower/warm bubble bath
Meditation and deep breathing
Keeping a healthy diet and exercise routine
Knowing when to say ‘no’ and setting healthy boundaries with people
Asking for and receiving help
Taking a walk outside
Journaling your thoughts
Reading a good book
Listening to inspirational music
So, Mama…do not forget to take time to engage in at least one of these self-care activities on a daily basis. I firmly believe that as a mom, we set the tone for the environment in which we dwell with our families and if we’re not good…they’re not good.
Remember, a happy mom = a happy family!
Let me know in the comments which self-activity you plan to implement in your daily life. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!
Xoxo,
