Is Taking Care Of Myself Selfish?

No! It's not Selfish to make your Health & Well Being a Priority.

If we don't take care of ourselves, eventually we wont be able to take care of others. We as Moms are naturally nurturing caregivers who put others first, especially our family. We often push ourselves beyond our limits to make sure everyone is happy and has everything they need before we take a minute for ourselves. Even then, we feel guilty to sit down to relax knowing that load of laundry in the dryer is ready to be folded or hung up and put away. Or as you sit on couch to rest for just one moment your child yells for you to help them out of the shower/bath. When does it end? How do we find the time to do anything that will help us become a healthier version of ourselves when we are needed so much?

The answer... We have to learn to say No when needed.

KIDS: The kids don't always need us to drop everything when they call. If they are older than toddler age, they are more than capable to do some things on their own. Like, making their own snack, getting out of the shower on their own, picking out their own clothes, dressing themselves and turning on the TV to their favorite channel. If we teach them little ways to be self-sufficient it will take a little bit off our plate and free up some time for our personal health & wellness goals. Plus it will greatly benefit our children by giving them the confidence to be able to achieve more things & "make mommy proud". For younger children it can be a little more tricky. We would have to learn how to do little things in advance to free up time elsewhere. Like, planning/prepping snacks and having them ready, or planning our workouts/food prep around nap times. Getting in a routine would be best so that the little ones know what to expect and when.

HOUSE WORK: House Work is never DONE. There will always be more work to be completed. There will always be at least one load of dirty laundry (2 if you have a large family) to wash per day. There is always going be dirty dishes to wash as long as the family is eating anything that doesn't come individually wrapped single serving package (unless your kids are like mine and pour their gold fish and other snacks in a bowl just so they don't have to dig their hand in the bag). So why stress about keeping it all caught up when we repeat the same things 2, 3, or 4 times per day. It's time to delegate some of these responsibilities. Or at least push something to the side to complete at a different time of day. We are Moms! We are not maids right? Do they pay us to wait on them hand and foot? Nope. Stressing about housework being complete is just not worth it. Relax, take a moment to breathe. (after all, it's not going anywhere, it will be there tomorrow waiting on us).

Taking the time for ourselves is important in so many ways. Don't ever feel guilty about wanting to do something for your own wellbeing. You are a real person too! You are just as important as anyone else. Neglecting to take time for Self care can result in health issues , low energy levels, overwhelmed, stressed out, depression & burn-out.

Here are a few simple things you can do for self-care & well being.

1. Get 7-8 hours of sleep per night

2. Drink 8 - 8oz. glasses of water every day.

3. Get some exercise. (30 mins per day)

4. Take good care of your skin & teeth. (skin care routine & dental hygiene)

5. Eat a healthy diet like lean meats (protein), omega-3's, whole grains, fresh veggies and fruit.

6. Time alone with GOD, prayer, devotion

7. Laugh & have fun! Enjoy Life to the fullest.

Let's Age Gracefully through Faith & Fitness. You are worth it! ;-)