I am constantly go-go-going. Between chasing kids, running errands, cooking meals, taxi-ing people around, managing a business and keeping the house in somewhat of an order – my days are full. Recently, I took a look at how I spend my time and I found that almost none of it was spent on me. Aren’t I important? Shouldn’t I be a priority? The answer is YES – but the question was how.
I spent some time thinking, and I talked with my husband, and we found some ways I could start prioritizing myself. Not all of the time, not even every day – but sometimes. And let me tell you, it has made such a difference in my mood! I can tell when I am falling short on making myself a priority, and I’ve learned that simply doing something small for myself makes a world of difference! It was a challenge to find the time, but talking with my husband and making sure he understood how important it was to me to find time for myself helped a lot. Having him on my team – making sure that when I needed it, the time was available to me – made it possible to put myself first sometimes. Which, as other moms will know, is really (really) hard to do.
So, here are some of the things I am doing for me – I’d love you to share some of your suggestions too!
1. Scrap! I am on the computer a lot, but most of the time – I am working. I am designing or marketing or responding to customers. I am not taking time for our memories, which are important to me. So, I am making sure to take some time each and every week to focus on scrapping at least 1 layout of our memories. I grab a treat, I let my husband know (so he can entertain the kids) and I sit down to SCRAP. The sense of accomplishment when I do a page for myself, instead of something for work is huge. I know most of you are scrappers, and this may just be how you scrap all of the time. But, maybe you’re a designer who doesn’t take time for your memory keeping (like me) or maybe your a CT member whose pages are always geared around what HAS to be done for your designers – whatever you struggle is – taking a few minutes to scrap a page that YOU want to do – regardless of what else needs to be done might bring some more joy to your hobby and your life!
One of my recent pages, using a Digi Scrap Parade kit and Pocket Pals templates by Nibbles Skribbles
2. Yoga. Ok, yoga may not be the answer for everyone – but for me, it wasn’t so much about the what as the fact that it was something that was on the calendar for me. It gets me out of the house about twice a month, and it’s a quiet, peaceful routine that involves no screens, no connection to anything other than myself. Plus, it’s a work out so it’s good for me. I found a local place that offers classes several nights a week and allows you to just drop-in. So, I don’t have to stress about scheduling around my classes, I can fit them in around everything else (which isn’t prioritizing me – but keeps the stress low knowing we don’t have to work around it). I tend to leave a little early most nights, run an errand or wander Target before heading to my class. I come home refreshed, relaxed and ready to face the next day! Plus, the classes happen around bedtime, so I get a break from my normal routine too.
Image from Greatist
3. Pampering. It’s funny how the simple act of taking a shower can improve my mood. With a 2 1/2 year old and a 4 1/2 year old home with me full time, working a shower into our days can be a challenge. But, I made this a priority. I find a time mid-day when they can be entertained by a snack and a screen and hop in. It doesn’t have to be a long, relaxing shower- a quick one is all it takes – but taking those 10 minutes for me makes me a better me. Other things I do when I need to take care of me: Paint my nails (I’m a fan of Jamberry wraps and quick dry polishes), put on makeup or get dressed up (even if I’m not going anywhere) or just sit (read, watch a movie or show, or just sit) and not take care of anything (regardless of what needs to be done). Doing something that improves my exterior appearance gives me a boost on the inside!
Image from “manicure” tumblr search
4. Don’t. As silly as this may sound, one of the BEST things I’ve found to help on those rough days is cleaning my kitchen. I get the dishes done, wipe the counters and call my husband. I call to tell him I cleaned the kitchen and I need it to stay clean, so I’m not cooking. He understand that this means I need a break – and not making dinner is that break. By going out or ordering in, my kitchen will stay clean a little longer – and having a clean kitchen (which is in the center of our living space) reduces my stress and makes me feel accomplished. I don’t abuse this, it’s once or twice a month, but it is a great little trick I use to make the work I put in last a little longer! I do this with other things too. If something is just too much for today, I don’t do it. Maybe it’s the laundry, the dishes, baths for the littles – if it’s too much, I just don’t do it. If it has to be done, I pass it off to my husband or one of the kids – if it doesn’t have to be done today, it can wait. I don’t let it get to me.
Clipart from google search
Alright, so there you have it 4 of my little tips that make me a better me – now it’s your turn! What do you do to make sure that YOU are a priority!
Leave A Comment