Hey Loves!
I recently returned from a much needed momcation which you can read all about here, here and here.
With that, I want to share some things I do and plan to do that will sustain me mentally, physically and emotionally until I can get away again. Listen, it isn’t easy being a parent doing most everything and when you add educator, curriculum director, researcher and administrator, it compounds monumentally.
We all need breaks. There is no glory in masochistically running yourself into the ground. I’ve learned there needs to be very regular maintenance of myself to continue being what’s needed for my family. Here they are.
The Bare Essentials: Food and Water- It sounds crazy but you won’t believe how many days I have not fed myself and/or hydrated properly. Sometimes I get so dehydrated, I get headaches. That’s not cute. To curb this, I keep filled cups and water bottles all around and keep cans of sparkling water handy. I will also prepare meals and snacks that are easy to assemble or grab to make sure eating is easy.
Endorphins: Look, exercise is a need mentally and emotionally, not just physically. The endorphins I get from a good ride or fitness class set up my day or days for absolute success.
Connection: I get it, we have separated from one another and had to take very real and necessary precautions to stay safe but isolating is not going to help us. Connect with others however you can! Date nights, GNOs, zoom chats, and checking in via zoom are weekly, sometimes daily for me.
Planning and Reflection: For me, being prepared and competent in our schedule, activities and lessons is soothing for my mind and my heart. It also eases my children’s anxiety knowing expectations and what is coming up. I also have comfort when bags are packed and items are prepped for whatever we are doing outside the home?
How are you practicing self care?.
