We’re constantly bombarded with mixed messages that we shouldn’t be selfish yet we should take care of ourselves.
Where is the balance?
Most of us has heard the flight attendant clarify that parents of young children should put on their oxygen mask first before helping their kids with theirs.
It makes sense. If you pass out from lack of oxygen, you’re no help to anyone.
Now, I’m all over the getting a mani pedi like most moms would be, I’m sure. (I haven’t had one since April btw.) I also haven’t gotten my hair done since March. So there.
I know some moms who go every week to the salon for their nails and religiously every six weeks for their hair. I’m so glad they can find the time and money to do that. It takes over an hour for nails and almost three hours to get my hair done. And it’s super expensive.
I don’t think that’s necessarily self-care. I think it’s selfish – especially if their kids are in so many activities outside of the house that they don’t even have time to make a mess at home. Some of these moms are traipsing about town getting all beautified to impress other moms?
Most moms I know struggle to eat well, exercise regularly, stay healthy and fit.
And enter than mommy guilt that we know we’re failing ourselves and possible our families, if we get sick or develop a chronic illness that affects our later lives. We know what happens if mama gets sick. We press on.
How do we find the time for self-care when we constantly have little ones vying for our time and attention?
Quit making excuses. [I’m totally telling myself, y’all.] It is doable.
Exercise at least 30 minutes per day.
Everybody. Do it together as a family. Family Time Fitness and Fit2Be are two great options we love. Run around the block. Go to a park and play. Go hiking and call it nature study. Get outside in the sunshine and air with your kids!
Alone. Work out a time when your husband can watch the kids. Go to the gym. Go on a power walk. Some malls even have walking groups after hours – window shop and exercise! Some gyms even offer mommy rooms or kids clubs.
Tag-team. Swap with a friend who can watch your kids for you to exercise and you can watch hers later. Or start a neighborhood or homeschool fitness group and find a cheap babysitter for everyone’s kids.
Eat whole foods.
If God made it, eat it. Steer clear of packaged products. Try a plan like eMealsto help with fun new recipes. We limit our grain and dairy intake and eat lots of organic fruits and vegetables and farm-fresh eggs and meat.
It’s soooo much easier to do this in Europe and I dread going back to the States where it was so expensive and difficult for us to find trustworthy sources for food. You’ll feel better and have more energy.
Start a nature’s health cabinet.
Essential oils, herbs, supplements, tinctures, tonics.
When you start with food and prevention methods, you won’t need all that medicine so much. Your skin will glow with mineral supplements and natural skin care and makeup.
Follow my Pinterest boards on Natural Beauty and Natural Living.
Make yourself a priority, but don’t go overboard to point of selfishness.
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