Wellness is something we work on, think about, and strive for. We know that the better we feel physically and mentally, the better we can function. And while we make sure to prioritize our family’s wellness, It’s also something that we moms don’t prioritize for ourselves.
We often say we’re going to do things to prioritize our wellness, but then life gets in the way. It’s essential to prioritize our family’s wellness. But, it’s also crucial to make sure that we are part of that “family wellness prioritizing.”
So how do we do that when we are already spread so thin? How do we do it without sacrificing the wellness of those we care for?
We do as moms do; we find a way.
This post is not what to do for wellness but goes even further back. This post is about how we, as moms, can find ways to prioritize our wellness.
However, if you are looking for ideas on health (physical and mental), nutrition, fitness, or self-care that can fit into the busy mom life, we have those here too. Check out the pages I linked above for some excellent MMC posts that can help!
Now it’s time to start prioritizing us!
1. If I am nourished, my family will be nourished.
You are not lowering your family on your list of priorities by adding yourself to that list. There is enough room for everyone.
Think about a time when you have been stretched way too thin. How do you react with your family? Could you say you feel less patient, more anxious, more on edge? I can. Take this mantra and play it on repeat in your mind until it sticks: When we nourish ourselves, we are better for us and better for them.
2. Remember quality over quantity.
I have said it before and will keep saying it: Self-care doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. If you only have 10 minutes to sit on the couch and enjoy the silence, don’t do it while thinking about the errands you have to run. Give yourself those 10 minutes; give them to yourself entirely.
3. 1 hour a week.
This is a strategy I love! There are 168 hours in a week. Dedicate 1 hour a week to something for you. That is less than 10 minutes a day. It sounds like it’s not enough time, but remember, quality over quantity. You can choose to use it up 8 minutes at a time, a half-hour at a time, or the whole hour all at once. Note: Basic necessities like showering, sleeping, eating, doctor appointments, etc. should be met separately from this time).
It’s hard to think about taking big chunks of time, but when we break it down to 8-10 minutes a day, the time seems a lot more plausible. If you feel you can take more, by all means, PLEASE DO!
4. Schedule me-time.
Put it in your planner! Block out the time and treat it as unchangeable as you would a non-refundable plane ticket. When we block out that time, we are more likely to actually do it.
5. Make a list, pick 3.
What are some things you need to be well? Make a list. Put it in order, starting with the things that are most important for your personal wellness.
Be specific; if you want to be more mindful, maybe you list adding a 5-min meditation to your day. If you want to incorporate more healthy foods, maybe add meal prepping on Sundays to your list. Does working out help clear your mind? Add a 30-minute workout to your list.
Everyone’s list will look different.
Then start at the top. Pick 3 things you can incorporate into your week. You know your schedule. It might be one long thing and 2 shorter things, or all 3 quick things. It might be things you do every day or maybe once a week. Take it one week at a time. “This week I am going to…” no need to look ahead. It might make it overwhelming and be discouraging.
Some things might be reoccurring; others might be a one-time thing. As time goes on, you can add more. If doing 3 sounds like too much for the week, start with one.
6. Social wellness.
Be sure to surround yourself with supportive, caring, and kind people. People who lift you up. We are moms, and wasting time with people who do not support or care about us is not how we should be spending it.
It’s time we normalize moms taking care of themselves like we do our family.
These are some of the many ideas out there. Pick one and start today. If you have some of your own, please share them in the comments below!
If you take one thing away from this post, I hope it’s that you matter. Your wellness is just as important as your family’s wellness.