We all have a lot going on in our lives. For me, being a wife, mother, content creator, and working full time means that every second of the day is valuable. I find myself laying up at night figuring out how I am going to make the most time to focus on my son, while still getting everything else done in the day. But we have to step back and realize that it’s not a bad thing to take time for yourself. I’m sure you’ve seen a lot about self-care and we often focus on the pampering aspect of it – which there’s nothing wrong with that. But there’s also importance in just sitting down and reflecting on what is going on around you and claiming that moment for you.
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The first step in taking back time for yourself is to not worry about whether you are being selfish. There is nothing wrong with wanting to take care of yourself. We spend a lot of time worrying about other people and making sure that they are okay, but we forget to focus on making sure we are okay. I was recently told that if I’m not well, then how can I be a good mother to my son or a good wife to my husband. We are better people when we are better. So, in essence, taking care of yourself may not be as selfish as you think.
The second step in taking back time for yourself is to learn to say no. How many times do you get a call from a friend or family member with them asking for a favor and you find yourself saying yes then feeling so anxious because you don’t have time to do it? There’s nothing wrong with telling that person that you’re not able. Or even asking if it can be done on another day. In my experience, when I have told people that I can’t do something, they don’t take it personally. They are calling for a favor and asking a question with the knowledge that there’s a chance you may say no. It’s okay.
After that, block off some time in your day for you. At least once a week, schedule some time for you. Being a mom, I find it hard, but then I remember I am not the sole parent, and even if I was, I have supportive family and friends around me. Just ask someone if they can entertain your little one for an hour so that you can read, take a nap, take a bath, or just sit and listen to some calming music.
When it comes to self care, there’s no specific way on how to take care of yourself. You do what feels best for you in that moment. If you need to head out on a hike, then go hiking. If you just need to sit in your room with the lights off for an hour or more, then do it. Only you can know what taking care of you looks like.
If anything, as you finish this post, take a moment and breathe. That’s a step in the right direction for taking a moment just for yourself.
