Do I sound like a broken record for reminding you, yet again, of the importance of self care?
As parents, and especially as mothers, it can be very difficult to set aside time for ourselves. I don’t know about any of you, but when I take some time to myself, my initial reaction is to feel guilty:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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❣️I should be cleaning⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
❣️I should be meal planning⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
❣️I should be spending time “soaking it in” with my children⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
❣️My partner needs me⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
❣️My partner needs a break too⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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etc etc⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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It really is a learned behaviour to see the time you spend on yourself as an investment in your family. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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How much better do you feel when you’ve taken a nap? Gone for a coffee with a friend? Worked out? Taken a long, uninterrupted shower? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When you spend time filling your own cup, you have more to give to your family. The more you care for yourself, the more you are actually caring for your family.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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So the next time you feel guilty for taking that time for yourself, remind yourself that it’s not just time for you, but it’s time that will be reinvested in your family in the long run.
