It is no mistake that as our days get longer, and spring gifts us with more time and energy, our lives get busier, especially if you are a Mother. Some days I feel like I just don’t get time to breathe. I am a mother of three, domestic goddess and homemaker, wife, teacher, and human being- which is like having a few full-time jobs.
I know I am not alone in that story. It’s the way we do life. It’s the way we survive. It’s installed into our genetics; Master Multi-Tasker! This is also why I am a big supporter of self-care and rest. I actually find time to make space for ME because I know that if I am not grounded, centered, and nourished, I have nothing to offer others in my life. That might require that I go for a walk by myself after dinner instead of sitting around – or that I get up an hour earlier than my children to journal and drink my tea in silence. But I have learned the value of this time and space. It gives me my happiness and my sanity.
Here are some simple ways, that I hope you find helpful, to begin a new habit and give yourself a gift:
Get out of Your House!
Leave the place that you constantly clean, but it doesn’t ever seem to stay that way. Changing up the venue – taking a walk, going for a hike, moving your body in a yoga or dance class – or just going outside to take a few deep breaths while leaving the mess behind can do wonders to make you feel peaceful again.
Connect with a Friend
My best friend and I love to go soak at a local spa and sauna. It is so relaxing. I also enjoy visiting with friends while sipping a warm beverage at a local café and just getting real about the life we are living. Relationships are essential to living a life fulfilled.
Make a Gratitude List
Nothing shifts the bad story I have playing in my head about how I did not do enough, or make the right decision, or whatever the judgement is that is keeping me grouchy. I will just write it down wherever I am if my journal is not within reach, and let my life regain a sense of perspective.
Read a Few Pages and Reflect
I tend to be an all-or-nothing type person; it’s either chocolate or vanilla, read a whole book or don’t bother, but this kind of thinking is what stresses me out. I give myself permission to read a page (or paragraph) or two of something inspiring, and then I will contemplate it, meditate on it, or write about it. It’s a great practice to cultivate positivity.
This Mother’s Day, I hope you find time to give yourself what you deserve, and if you are the partner to a wonderful Mama, then give her the best gift of all; some space to rejuvenate.
Jennifer Allison is a parent-child teacher and early childhood educator at Gnome’s Home. Please go to http://gnomeshome.org/ for more information on classes for children and adults.