Now Is the Time to 'Spring' Back into Self-Care
Ready to ditch the mom guilt and prioritize your well-being? This week, Ariella Monti (stepping in for Jenny) and I are sharing 4 clever ways to reset your self-care routine. It's time to reclaim your "me time" and feel like yourself again.
What You Get From This Episode
Ditch the Mom Guilt: Learn practical strategies to prioritize your well-being without feeling selfish.
Reclaim Your "Me Time": Discover actionable tips to carve out time for yourself, even with a busy schedule.
Practical, Not Preachy Advice: Get real, relatable strategies that fit into your everyday life, not just idealistic concepts.
Feel Like Yourself Again: Learn how to reconnect with your passions and rediscover your identity beyond motherhood.
Listen Here
Ditch the Guilt, Embrace the "Me Time": Resetting Your Self-Care Routine
The term "self-care" gets thrown around a lot. It's like the avocado toast of wellness trends. And honestly, I have a love/hate relationship with it. It can feel overused, especially when it's paired with that whole toxic positivity vibe. But here's the thing: when done right, self-care is all about you. And that's something we can all get behind.
Why I Love Self-Care: It's sanctioned selfishness. It's about doing what you need, without apology.
Why I Hate Self-Care: It's not a magic fix for burnout. If you're already on the edge (or over it), a bubble bath isn't going to cut it.
What Is Self-Care, Anyway?
My definition? Self-care is anything you do, for yourself, that helps you feel like yourself. It's about recharging so you can give your best to the things (and people) that matter.
Examples:
My daily solo walk with podcasts (no, I don't want to walk with you, it's my time!).
Laughing with friends (which is why recording this podcast is self-care!).
Don't know what your self-care looks like? That's okay! It probably just means you're a pro at putting everyone else first (moms, amirite?).
Finding Your Self-Care Sweet Spot
When someone yells, "FoCuS oN yOuR sElF-cArE!", I freeze. It's like asking, "What can I do to help?" when there's a mountain of dishes and a literal garbage avalanche.
Here's how to figure it out:
Ask yourself, "What activities make me feel good?"
If you're a parent, think back: "What did I do before kids that made me feel like myself?"
Remember, self-care is not one-size-fits-all. It's as unique as you are!
Kicking the Guilt to the Curb
Ah, self-care guilt. We've all been there. You know you need it, but you just can't bring yourself to do it.
The truth? It's probably rooted in guilt.
Heather Moulder says (and I agree) that ditching self-care guilt requires:
A good definition of self-care.
Knowing how to prioritize it.
A solid support system.
Here's what you can do right now:
Redefine self-care: Use my definition! (See above.)
Remember its purpose: It's about recharging so you can give your best.
Reprioritize self-care: It's not a to-do list item; it's a daily ritual.
Making Time for "Me Time"
Okay, you know what you need. Now, how do you actually do it?
"The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." —Stephen Covey
Here's the problem:
Your current equation: WORK + FAMILY + CHORES + OTHER (including self-care).
This is not okay! This is putting yourself last. You can't put yourself last! What does a flight attendant tell you? Put your oxygen mask on first.
Self-care is your oxygen mask. It's the thing that keeps you going when everything else is chaos.
Here's the solution:
Self-care must come first. It's not selfish; it's necessary.
How to make it happen:
Schedule it! Put it on your calendar.
Incorporate it into your routine: Like my daily walk.
Find "dead time": 5-10 minutes here and there adds up.
Delegate and outsource: If you can afford it, do it! Otherwise, consider swapping chores. Get creative with your partner and kids.
Speaking of kids... Make it a family affair: Teach your kids about self-care. They'll be a lot more willing to help if they know why you're asking!
Reassess your to-dos: What can wait?
Final Thoughts: Self-Care is Self-Respect
Self-care isn't an indulgence; it's about respecting yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness you show others.
Important: Don't wait until you're losing it to practice self-care. It's a daily thing!
Disclaimer: We're not doctors or therapists. If you're feeling burned out, please seek professional help.
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Make good choices,
Caitlin & Jenny
Sources for this episode
ReachOut Australia: Anonymous and confidential, ReachOut is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgment-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future.
How To Stop Feeling Guilty About Taking Care Of Yourself | Heather Moulder
How To Say No Without Feeling Guilt (Step-By-Step Instructions) | Heather Moulder
Self-Care for Kids by Age: Everything You Need to Know | ChildSavers
Who We Are
CK and Ariella are two moms who know the struggle of balancing motherhood and self-care. They're here to share their wisdom-ous-ness on how to ditch the guilt and prioritize your well-being.
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