Wife.
Educator.
Friend.
Volunteer.
Are you like me?
Life is busy, and my list could go on and on of all the ways that I pour out into others. Most days I don’t even give much thought to how what I am doing for others impacts me because I enjoy what I do and it is fulfilling. That is until I find myself running on fumes. Immediately, I start to notice my conversation and tone are short, and my patience is thin. All of this happens when I fail to take care of me in the process of taking of everyone else. I needed to make taking care of me a priority.
Unfortunately, it took me much longer than I care to admit before I truly understood the importance of self-care and creating a self-care routine. For some reason, I saw self-care as being selfish. I especially thought this way true when my hubby was away from home on deployment or other military assignments. I push me to the side to make sure I am taking care of everyone and everything else.
The truth of the matter, self-care is absolutely important for our overall well-being.
Being intentional in taking care of my mind, body, and spirit allows me to have overflow in other areas that matter.
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Let’s start at the beginning.
What is self-care?
Basically, self-care is the intentional practice of slowing down to take care of all aspects of who you are so that you can be the best version of you. Self-care includes taking care of your body, your mind, your gifts, your heart, and your spirit.
I recommend you start with my blog post: 5 types of self-care to include in your healing journey.
But how do you create a self-care routine that will work for you?
Because what works for me, my personality, and my interests may not work for you. So taking time to brainstorm and create a self-care routine that is unique to you is worth the time.
Creating a self-care routine doesn’t have to be complicated or feel like one more thing on your long to-do list. Instead, you get to decide how often, how long, and how much self-care is needed depending on your season in life.
Step 1: Remove the excuses
Any time that I wanted to spend time doing something I love or simply having time to spend by myself, I found that I somehow felt guilty. My life revolved around taking care of my family and my job. It became easy to make excuses why I didn’t have time to scrapbook, crochet, write or any of the other things that I enjoyed or helped me to relax. After all, who has time to do all of that when you have kids that need to go to basketball practice, finish homework, get potty trained and still make it to bed on time? By the time all of that was done, I was exhausted. Busyness and the needs of others became my excuse for ignoring me.
If you are like me, it’s time to let those excuses go. If we can make time to ensure everyone else can participate and get things done, then we can do the same for ourselves. All of those things will be there, but we get to decide how and what we do with our time.
Instead of making excuses, start making decisions
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Decide to start. Do something small-but start. Creating a self-care routine is part of helping to prevent one burnt out woman.
Some questions to consider regarding your self-care routine:
- How do you feel prioritizing my needs?
- How will you communicate your needs to others?
- What barriers stop you from practicing self-care?
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Step 2: Brainstorm what matters to you
No sure how to get started with creating a self-care routine? No worries. I understand.
Here’s the thing, there isn’t a magic list of what makes a good self-care routine. You do what works for you and your current season in life. The self-care routine you have with a new baby and toddler at home will look different that the self-care routine you have when they all are in school. The routine you have preparing for your wedding will not look the same as being a care taker of your parent. Nothing is stopping you from changing your self-care routine. The important thing is to have one.
Some of the areas to include in your self-care routine are:
- Taking a bubble bath
- Carving 5 minutes of deep breathing
- Pray
- Create intentional time with Christ without distraction
- Spend time with people who you can be your most authentic self
- Write a letter
- Keep a gratitude journal
- Meditate
- Work on your hobby
- Go somewhere you enjoy
- Remove foods that make you feel yucky
- Eat foods that promote a healthy version of you
- Go for a walk
- Go dancing
Step 3: Carve out time and protect it
Now that you have identified some activities that you can do for your self-care routine, it’s time to commit to it. Take out your calendar and schedule time to make this a reality. The gentle reminder that pops up on your phone will help you to keep on track with actually taking the time to take care of you. Remember your self-care routine does not have to be complicated. Only you know the schedule of your household. What is going to work for you to make your self-care routine happen?
Once you have the carved out when you will implement your self-care routine, protect that time. If self-care is going to the gym, don’t schedule your dentist appointment during that time. If a part of your self-care routine is the quiet time in the morning so you can have devotion, prayer time and read, then you cannot stay up late on a Netflix binge. Protect the time. It can be easy to let that time go because we feel the need to continue to take care of others. But remember, taking care of you helps you to be able to take care of others.
Remember, creating a self-care routine does not have to be complicated. Find what works for you then spend time each week making your routine a priority.
Cheering you on,
Raluca
It’s such a curious thing how we manage to write everything on our daily to-do list, but not manage to include taking care of ourselves! “Instead of making excuses, start making decisions.” – I need to write this down 😉
Mamie L. Pack
RalucaI know right!! I have to be intentional or I will go the entire week only to realize I didn’t do anything to replenish what I am pouring out.
Rachael
I love your thoughts on self-care because I think most of us moms feel that way. But it’s better for EVERYONE if we take the time to reflect on and act on the things that make us happy. Some great ideas to get started here, thanks!
Mamie L. Pack
RachaelYes it is! I don’t know how we get those thoughts in our head about taking care of us. We need to continue having the discussions and create healthier patterns.
monicalorelle
It is so true with the excuses! There is always something, for me is I’m tired, I don’t want to spend the money on me, don’t have time….. Love all of your ideas, simple and doable. This year I’m working on a couple things because if mamma is happy and healthy everyone else too!
Mamie L. Pack
monicalorelleYay Monica! What is one thing on your list for the year?
cakestokale
I love this. Self care is so important.
Mamie L. Pack
cakestokaleOh thank you!
Chris McGinn
I love to read. I consider that self-care.
Allison | Healthy Living in Colorado
These are great points, Mamie. As a homeschool mom and entrepreneur, I always have stuff to do. I make time for everyone else’s stuff to care for them, but “me time” often gets overlooked. Thanks for the ideas of what to do and reminding us it is so important!
Stephanie Helie Eddy
These are great tips- it can be so hard to not feel guilty taking time for yourself. I really started to focus on that the last few weeks and found my demeanor, and patience, were so much better!
Ariana
Awesome suggestions, self care is insanely important especially for parents. I learned this the hard way when I became a preemie mom. Emotional burnout is real and very damaging, simply self care routines can make or break you! Thanks for sharing!
Mamie L. Pack
ArianaThe emotional burnout of being a parent, especially when taking care of a child with high needs, is something we much continue to discuss and help others with.
Amanda
I love the idea of carving out time and protecting it. I am so bad at that!
Mamie L. Pack
AmandaWhat can you do this week to protect your time?
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wanderwinkels
Well said. I love the way you say to determine what is important to you and carve out time for it. Moms NEED this
Stephanie
Love self care!! It was hard for me at first but now I know the value and the benefit for me and my family. This is great advice and a good list of examples.
Mamie L. Pack
StephanieWhat would you add to the list? Hey
GetItTagetherMama
We have so much in common! I’m a momma and educator too and self care always falls at the bottom of my priority list. Going to try some of your tips to fix that
Mamie L. Pack
GetItTagetherMamaYay!!! Learning how to prioritize ourselves without guilt is so important.
SabrinaLee
I need to start working on the excuses, such a procrastinator.
Mamie L. Pack
SabrinaLeeBeen there! Just pick one area for you to work on. Getting started is half the battle.
SabrinaLee
Mamie L. PackOh without a doubt!
Beth
Great tips to make self care a priority in your life!
Mamie L. Pack
BethThanks Beth!
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Raisa Mia
These are really great suggestions! Self-care is so important. I feel that when when you are taken care of, you are better able to manage your emotions, work, and care for others in return.
Mamie L. Pack
Raisa MiaI completely agree Raisa!
Megan Beaver
These are some wonderful ideas. My self-care routine is lacking so I am definitely going to implement some of them.
Mamie L. Pack
Megan BeaverPick one place and start. Today’s a good day for beginnings.
ayslynne15
Such a helpful list and for real – need to drop the excuses! Thank you!
Mamie L. Pack
ayslynne15Taking care of you helps you to take better care of others.
Ceci Rey
I know self care is so important…I need to dedicate more time to it! 👓👜🍕
Mamie L. Pack
Ceci ReySounds like this week is a good week to start.
Dr Surabhi
Great tips! Its important to get rid of excuses.
Mamie L. Pack
Dr SurabhiAbsolutely!