Spring is here!! When I think about spring, I think about renewal and rebirth. Springtime has a way of bringing out the “new” in so many ways. When springtime rolls around, I find myself thinking about how I can regroup, recharge and renew myself. “Spring cleaning” also becomes part my plans and a part of how I spend my “blessed” spring break holiday! (Side note: Even though being in the field of education can be draining and hard at times, I’m soooooo grateful that there is a spring break in EVERY school year!)
As a working mom, things can tend to get EXTREMELY hectic. Between work Mondays through Fridays, Saturday events and church on Sunday, it can start to feel like I’m giving all I’ve got and there’s nothing left for me. I find myself wondering where my time and days have gone.
As women, we wear many hats. We are wives, sisters, daughters, mothers, friends, professionals… the list goes on. It’s so important that we make time to take care of ourselves. It’s so easy to neglect ourselves while we are busy taking care of everyone else. There’s a saying that goes like this:
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to rest and replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” Eleanor Brownn
How true this is!! This is so important and this is definitely something I need to work on doing more regularly. Not taking time for myself happens to me more often than I would like it to. I just recently got a mani and it was so refreshing to do. Because I hadn’t had one in so long, I forgot how relaxing it is to be pampered like that. This past weekend, I even arranged for one of the Aunties to take Rissy so I could have some time to myself and get some things done. It’s amazing how just a few hours to myself made such a huge difference for me. This weekend I found myself so much more relaxed, productive and in a place where I could really prepare for the upcoming week.
As life has gotten busier, I have had to be more purposeful in taking some time to slow down, rest and recharge. With my new role as “mommy” it takes a little more planning to find time for myself, but it can be done.
With all that said, here are 8 simple ways I have found helpful for me to REFRESH and RECHARGE:
Take a personal/”mental health” day off from work
This one I’ve done a time or two. I’ll plan to take a day when the baby is at daycare and I’ll arrange for daddy to drop and pick her up. That way I don’t have to leave the house and can stay in my PJs all day if I want to. These days have been so helpful. The important thing about taking a day like this is to make sure you rest and relax. Don’t use that day to catch up on housework and laundry. And def don’t use that day to run errands. Be purposeful about using that day for yourself. And don’t feel guilty for taking that day off either!! You work so hard on the job and at home, you deserve a day or two for yourself!
Do ABSOLUTELY nothing!!
Yep! I said it! Sometimes we use every free second we have and fill it up with something to do. I know it’s tempting to empty the dishwasher RIGHT NOW!! But you know what… it’s okay if the dishes hang out in the dishwasher a little while longer. Sometimes just sitting on the couch with a nice cup of hot tea is just what we need. It’s important that we not only relax our minds but our bodies as well.
Curl up with a good book… or two
If you’re anything like me, between work and home life, you don’t have a lot of extra time for reading. I am a huge reader and used to read ALL. THE. TIME. With a little one in the home, I barely have enough time to cook, let alone read. Whether you’re catching up on a novel or reading a self-help book, this is a great way to relax yourself. You can even tackle the stack of magazines lying around that are just waiting to be read. Admit it!! I know you have a magazine stack somewhere too!!
Treat yourself
It’s important to treat ourselves from time to time. We do so much for everyone else that it’s easy to forget about ourselves. This could range from going to the local coffee shop for a few hours and enjoying your fave latte, to taking yourself out on a mini shopping spree. It could also mean getting your hair done, getting a massage, or even going out to lunch. You are important too and you need show it to yourself!
Hang out with a friend.
This past weekend I got to spend time with a friend getting manis! It was so nice to get pampered for an hour or so. Like I mentioned before, I haven’t had a mani in FOREVER!! So it was a nice pause in the busy-ness of my world! It was also so nice to be able to have grown up conversation. My friend and I were able to encourage each other, laugh and had a great time. Afterwards I felt so energized and encouraged! Sometimes great conversation with great people is just what you need to be refreshed!
Soak it off
It’s amazing how relaxed and refreshed you can feel after a nice, long soak in the tub. Add some bubbles/bath salts and a good book and I am in heaven! (Well almost!) I’m a “shower” girl, but when I get the chance, I will enjoy a nice hot bath. This is a great way to relax my body and muscles. I also find that after a nice hot bath, I sleep really well too! So go ahead… pamper yourself with a nice hot bath tonight… You’ll be so happy you did!!
Rest
No really… take a nap! When I had a snow day last week (woohoo!!), Rissy and I took a 4 hour nap! I couldn’t believe we had slept so long… but honestly… that sleep was JUST what I needed. When I woke up, I felt refreshed and ready to get things done. I had such a productive time afterwards. I got caught up on the laundry and cooked for the rest of the week! It’s so easy to just go, go, go, but your body also needs rest and if you don’t slow down you can wear yourself out. I know I have done that before. If you can, take the time to nap. If you don’t have kids yet, take advantage of this time you have to rest as much as you want. Believe me… you’ll be sooooooo glad you did!!!
Be still
When I say this, I don’t mean stay in one place and do not move!! LOL!! When I am still and quiet, I use that time to pray. I still my mind from the many thoughts running through it and focus on the Lord. Many times things get so busy that it’s easy to put prayer on the back shelf. But spending time with the Lord is such a great way to be recharged. He is able to give you strength that is unexplainable. A strength that helps you get through each day and meet each demand as it comes.
Taking care of ourselves is imperative as women. We need to be the best we can be for our families, and that means taking out time for self-love and self-care. I’m already planning my next “mental health” day…. I can’t wait!!
So dear friends, what are some simple ways that you rest and recharge yourself? Please share in the comments below! I would love to hear your ideas and even add them to my list of things to do!
Gr8fully Yours!
PS: I wrote a similar post titled 5 Simple Ways For Moms To Rest And Recharge for the blog, Mother’s Uncensored. You can find that post here.
