To the Mothers & Caregivers…
#health #healthylifestyle #moms #justhertribe #caregivers #love #selflove #solarplexus
Not tryin' to be funny, but I don’t think you need to hear a message from me telling you how to take care of your family or loved ones. I’m convinced that you have that part under control. Your nurturing skills and ability to handle business for others are solid! Mothers and caregivers tend to experience issues primarily centered around the self-care game. I'm not talkin' about grabbing goodie bags with your fave snacks and smell goods and soaking in the tub all day. LOL. (That's probably a small percentage of what real self-care is). Here is a transparency moment I would like to share...
As a mother, I can truly say that giving myself to another life and making adjustments was natural. I sacrificed many things to ensure the home front was good. I felt that I was gradually fading away. My inside was screaming for help. Trust, I know all too well the word, sacrifice. I neglected my happiness and freedom by restricting myself to only the family. At times, I felt I wasn't heard and I suffered in silence. My excuse was, “I have to do what I have to do,” and “it'll be okay.”
There was no circle of supportive friends or family, let alone a consistent babysitter that was nearby. I used my local YMCA and the school's after-school program when I could. It would at least allow me anywhere from 1-3 hours grace to handle business or get a breather. But, more times than not, my child came with me pretty much everywhere I went. The truth is, it wasn't okay and it wasn't all good.
I worked full-time, then I reduced my hours to accommodate home life. I eventually separated from my ten years career. Being home full-time actually was more demanding than me having a job! Family and friends would often say, “it seems like you are always in your car, on the go, or tending to the home... dang! It seems like you are busier than when
you were working!”
I realize mothers and caregivers tend to allow the self-care practices to be pushed back by the scheduling of tasks, “that has to be done." But let's be honest-- you don't have to do everything at that very moment. Some things can wait, and some people can be told “no.”
There were days where I chose sleep over food. SMH. Those 30 minutes naps almost became my lifeline. I call them "power naps," because I get a jolt of energy from them to continue my day.
Here are a few tips that may help you:
Prioritize your tasks and, or workload! 📝
Don't procrastinate! 🤯😅 (it'll bite you in the a** later)
Take “power naps” 😴 (30-45 minutes at least once a day; use your discretion on the time of day)
Say “no”! 🙅🏾♀️ (especially if you're getting overwhelmed... Don't wait for the build-up)
Trust others & Ask for help! 🙋🏾♀️ (do not be passive or passive-aggressive... Be clear and direct; utilize safe and healthy options as much as possible)
Get in the 🛏️! (make sleep an essential part of your day; no lingering in the kitchen snacking or messing with your phone)
Create your sanctuary! 🧘🏽♀️ (I’ll write a post on this later, but make space for only you)
Eat & Drink Healthy and Exercise 💦 🍇🥕🍎 💪🏾 (I'm sure you already know about this, but this is just a reminder!)
There are a few more, but start with this! These little 💎’s can help you thru the week.
I want you to read this post knowing there is someone who understands and cares. You are not alone. The lessons I've learned about making my well-being a priority has helped me do better. Setting healthy boundaries with myself and others, eating & drinking healthy, exercising, and so much more, have been a part of me not just existing! I intend to share more of my story and how I overcame and am overcoming the issues I described in this post, along with other experiences. Later on this week, I will post some resolutions. Venting and sharing are healthy, but getting to the root is even better!
See you around!
With Love and Gratitude! 💕💕💕