Do you find yourself running in circles? Are you busy taking care of the family? Are you busy multi-tasking into the late hours of the evening, neglecting yourself all along? You’re not alone. Too often we get so involved in what needs to get accomplished that we put ourselves on hold.
It’s no wonder with all that we do that we don’t find the time to relax or nurture our bodies, mind and spirit. This lack of time often leads to feelings of frustration, overwhelm and sense of imbalance. Below I share some tips that will help you make the time that is necessary to take care of YOU!
- Meal times – these are the times where we tend to run in circles, instead let’s plan. If you have to prepare school lunches, consider preparing a week’s worth and freeze them. For lunches, and dinners double your recipes and freeze half of those casseroles, soups and burgers for another meal. Plan your meals and get your family involved.
- Treat yourself – this doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Meet a friend for coffee, join a book club, a craft club, etc. Consider doing something you’ve always dreamed of, such as skydiving, driving a race car or ballroom dance classes.
- Schedule some time away with your significant other – this can simply be a lunch date, or dinner date. Make arrangements for your children to be picked up from school or looked after so you can truly enjoy your time. A mere walk around the park or going to see a movie will help you relax while spending important time with the one you love. Try to also spend a weekend away together occasionally, after all to strengthen the relationship it is necessary to focus on our partners.
- Organize quiet time at home – turn off the television or other distractions and simply enjoy the peace. How about an at home spa treatment? This can be truly enjoyable for you and if you have children, they will love it too. My kids love to give us manicures and massages, even if they are not professionals. You’d be amazed at what some aromatherapy candles and soft music will do to ease your tension.
- Go outside – sounds easy enough, right? You’d be amazed at how occupied we can get that we neglect to enjoy the fresh air. Try to get outside at least once a day, walk the dog, or simply sit under a tree and enjoy the day. If you have children, take them to the park and enjoy their company.
If you find yourself overwhelmed or that your life is out of control, or you place others before yourself, it is time to create some time and space for yourself. Taking this necessary time not only allows you to renew your energy it will also help in the healing and finding the peace your mind and spirit requires. Remember if you don’t care yourself, then you will be completely useless to those who depend on you. Honoring yourself helps you to discover your truth, and experience a sense of peace, wholeness, purpose and balance.
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, mentor, speaker, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Help Busy Women and Men with her 'Get Real' approach to living a happier and healthier lifestyle. Watch for new book: 'Letting Go of Super Mom' coming out August 7, 2012.
