self-care
/ˌselfˈker/
Noun
- the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.
- the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
Self-care is something that can be difficult—and by difficult, I mean nearly impossible when it comes to trying to keep little humans alive.
For me, it has become something that is a priority. As some (most) of you know I am a big Barre3 supporter, I love not only the workout, but the community and overall feel of the studio. It is such a supportive space that I really can’t get enough of. At the end of each class there is time for breath work, that is probably my favorite part. The instructors do an amazing job of keeping me in a positive head space. One of my favorite instructors—hi Jess—has said numerous times that we should take time to “be selfish so we are able to give selflessly.” This strikes a chord with me. Every. Single. Time. How can I give my best self to my family, my friends, my job, if I am not taking care of myself?
I wake up early to have me time and get a workout in, not because I feel like I need to work out, but because it is some of the only time of the day that I get to myself. Whether I am being an at home mom for the day or going to work, it is my me time to prepare for my day. I choose to go partake in group classes, usually barre or spin, because they make me feel amazing and strong not only physically, but mentally. It makes me feel like a part of a community that is so ambitious and bigger than just me. I know this isn’t for everyone, but it is my jam.
Self-care is different for everyone:
I was recently speaking with a very dear friend of mine, and fellow earth loving mama. We were talking about changes she wants to make this year to take better care of herself. For the past 5 and half years she has been mom or wife—needless to say it doesn’t leave a lot of time to just be her. I am sure most of us mamas can relate. She casually mentioned that the last time she got her hair dyed (professionally or otherwise) was when she was pregnant with her first child. Now, this may not be important to some, but the point is it was something she enjoyed, but after having a baby, she just didn’t do it anymore.
This is the year she is taking it back and making self-care more of a priority.
“…My self-care is all kinds of different things: I take 30 minutes after the kids go to bed. I literally put on a timer. Then I focus on myself. Either: workout at home, meditate, take a bath, call a friend, paint my nails…you name it. Something that makes me feel better but isn’t the usual laundry and house cleaning…” -JO
It such a simple concept, but as a mom, it is mind blowing. Can we get to a place where we are okay with taking just 30 minutes to ourselves and not feel bad about that? Not having a running list of things, we “need to get done” when the timer is up. Take time for just us…and feel great about it!
So, I want to challenge you to find your self-care. Find something that works for you and makes you feel like not only a better mom, but better as a person. Share in the comments what you are doing so we can support each other.
I am also happy to report that my friend went and got her hair done at a “real salon where she doesn’t take her kids.” That’s a total win in my book.
