How Do You Care for Yourselves?
- Rating:
5 after 2 votes
It's tough, right? With kids, with all that entails.. how do you care for your body and mind and soul? We need it the most, we get it the least. In my practice, I'm dealing with more and more women who are bringing in physical manifestions of 'caring soley for others' syndromes. These are typically women on the other end of the mommy-ing spectrum.. with older kids. I'm interested in knowing how I can help mommies still in the thick of it.. how to help you/them make time for yourself to recharge. If you had a shiatsu practitioner at your disposal, what would you ask her?
Tags: self-care
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Genell Hodges on -
This is a "Great" topic for discussion! I have found not very mommies who do take care of themeselves enough, by treating themself to something just spectacular with out the guilt, on a consistent basis. Like getting your nails done, massages, girl's nights, glass of wine with out the whine (from the kids), a quiet bath with the works (bubbles, candles, mood music, and great reads), a liesure walk, a movie (at the theatre). I'm sure there are more way's to treat yourself to some relax time.
It has takin me a LONG time to start doing things for myself and NOT feel guilty for any of it. It took envy watching other mommies who would fit the extra's in their life for me to JFDI (just focus and do it). The down fall to it though was listening to the yucky comments from hubby and children, because mommy and wife weren't there at their beckon call, they got over it, and so did I, eventually. I find sometimes, I do slip back into TCOES (taking care of everyone sydrome), but atleast now I am aware of it and when things are tense or stressful, I do what it takes and make time to release, schedule a nail appointment, a haircut/color, lock the door to the bathroom and take a bubble bath, or schedule a "Girl's Night". I sure give lots of credit and gratitude to Megan for creating TM, a place to vent, connect, share, and be a WOMEN of greater good. Thank you to all you TM's out there who give it your all, from well before sun up to way after sundown. Just remember, somewhere in between those hours, keep your inner "You" intact! Many blessings to all!
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Permalink Reply by Gina on -
Genell... I, too, admire moms who've able to treat themselves (which is really a telling term, isn't it, for how we view our non-mommy time) to things like a bath or a night out. I would even say, though, there may be a lot more everyday ways in which we neglect our own needs... certainly has been true in my own life.. taking on the role of 'mom as receptacle'.. for stuff that no one else wants to carry.. trash, toys, emotions, etc. and how we subvert our own needs and desires to keep the peace. i think these are more of the issues I see manifesting in physical issues.. the priority of keeping the peace over saying 'no' once in awhile, or asserting our own preferences. This, too, is taking care of ourselves. Thoughts?
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Permalink Reply by Ruthie Appleby on -
Wow this is a great topic...I have bottomed out at least 2 times in my life from over work and too much stress..Once I cried for about a year...I worked long hours through my entire pregnancy and it just wiped me out and again I did it later...but God was very merciful to me the second time...YOU MUST TAKE TIME FOR YOU>>>OR your body will demand it!!!
I have learned to change my lifestyle...
I read books (mental vacation)
Join as many groups as I can... I am a people person and people energize me so I try to meet people all the time :)
I also don't make those groups big commitment groups if I don't come too bad.
I am myself always...I am just me...If you don't like me...your big loss...no to sound snotty but I used to have to have everyone like me or I would be devasted!
I work 6 days...NEVER 7... I have fun!
I don't take myself or others too seriously-
I tan, go to 2 gyms...
I force myself to get out of the house...so I don't get housebound.
I learn to let go...
I learn to pray and be thankful and to laugh at myself and others...
Bottomline...just enjoy life and yourself!
Ruthie
http://www.myparklane.com/Rappleby
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Permalink Reply by Tammy Dantzler on -
This is a simple discussion to easily have different views and conversations. Life on this earth is just a sequences of test. Motherhood is love, guidance and patience. Understand that is that simple you are raising little people to adulthood! As far as your mind be strong don't fall prey to having "Why me pity parties" just do the best you can and pass life's test. Realize that somethings in life can't be controlled be strong in your faith and leave the things in your life that you have no control over into God's hands. Try to never stop learning about something that you are interested in. Focus on adding value to your family's life and others. Take care of your body nutritionally, eat good foods to feed your body that provide energy and release anti-toxins such as green foods and vitamin A, K and C. Exercise about 15 minutes a day or dance to your favorite songs to help release stress. I really don't worry about my soul. I gave my soul to Jesus years ago, when I accepted him as my savior. My soul is in his hands.
Even though we are moms there is many facets to a woman's life. Be the queen in your life and treat yourself with respect to your personal needs. Life isn't always about money or material things it's about how loving and giving you are to others and respecting yourself for your accomplishments. Raising awesome children to be respectful and productive adults is the greatest accomplishment and heavenly reward a mom could ever receive.
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Permalink Reply by Irene on -
What does "taking care of yourself mean?" LOL. Kidding. Seriously though, I do not do much for myself these days. I know I should, especially when I hit total burn out mode, and this is something I may try to work on this year. I will have a bit more time when my 4 year old starts Kindergarten in Sept. So we'll see if I get some mommy time in then!
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Permalink Reply by Ruthie Appleby on
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I learned a great thing from Creflo dollar only give from your overflow.
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Permalink Reply by Ruthie Appleby on
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learn to give all things to the Lord
