A Prayer for Mother’s Day:
On this special day set aside to honor mothers, we ask for a
special touch from the Lord for each and every one of them.
May each mother in this room be granted a special blessing,
and may all of the work of her hands not be forgotten in Your sight.
Let her example to her children be a guiding force in their lives,
and may wisdom be passed down to the next generation of mothers.
Amen.
This Mother’s Day is certainly different than previous ones! Parents have been asked to assume roles that they may never have considered before…teacher, stay-at-home parent, entertainer…and the list goes on, and on, and on. Yes, the stresses involved in this pandemic are many, multi-faceted, and constant. And who is taking care of you??? At this time, self-care is more important than ever. Little things done to care for self can go a long way. I hope these tips will spark some ideas that will help.
9 essential self-care tips for busy moms from Kaiser-Permanente:
Time is valuable for any busy mom. There never seems to be enough of it. And when you think about your priorities, making time for self-care probably falls near the bottom of your list —below work, kids, home, and family.
But if you don’t take time for yourself, you could be doing more harm than good. Stress, exhaustion, burnout, and even illness can take more of a toll when you aren’t getting what you need. So whether you carve out a few minutes for yourself, or a whole day, here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Focus on the physical
Getting your blood pumping and getting outside is a great way to feel refreshed. Pick what’s right for your fitness level:
Take a walk around the block
Stretch or do some yoga
Kayak
Take your bike out for a spin
Train for a 5K walk or fun run
Spend time tending your garden
2. Give your brain a boost
Write in your journal
Sketch something you love or pick up a coloring book
Meditate
Read a good book
Do a crossword puzzle
3. Pamper yourself
Relax in a hot bath
Plan a spa day
Sneak in a nap
Splurge on your favorite flowers
Give yourself a facial
4. Find time for your friends
Make a walking date
Go window shopping
Volunteer with a friend
Join a book club or moms’ group
5. Take a leap
Do something big that you’ve never done before, like:
Visit a local landmark for the first time
Geocaching
Start writing your memoir
6. Hone your skills
Up your cooking game by trying a new and different recipe
Get back into a sport you love
Take an on-line painting or drawing class
Strum that guitar you’ve neglected
7. Get silly
Sing along to your favorite music
Host a family game night
Watch a comedy show
Dance in your living room
8. Prepare to unwind
Fill your pantry with your favorite teas and healthy snacks so they’re there when you want them
Stock up on basic self-care items like sunscreen, lotion, and cough syrup, and fun ones like nail polish, essential oils, and bath products
Find a space in your house that you can prep with comforts, like a favorite blanket or pillow, for a go-to relaxing spot
9. Have a plan…just in case
Before you can get started on any kind of regular self-care routine, keep in mind that you’re going to need support. Fellow busy mom, Rosie Martinson, from the blog Tacoma Working Mom, recommends you admit when you need a helping hand. “Ask for help when you need it and tell your spouse what you need,” says Martinson.
Another mom and blogger, Tiffany Huebner, shared how she manages to make time for self-care in her busy day: “I try to get up five to ten minutes early and get ready before the kids wake up. Otherwise it doesn’t always happen.”
The benefits of self-care are twofold: you’ll feel reinvigorated and, and your family gets a healthier, happier mom. Happy Mother’s Day! Take good care of yourself.
May God continue to bless and keep you,
Becky Williams
Sources:
https://www.praywithme.com/prayers-for-mothers.html
https://wa-health.kaiserpermanente.org/self-care-tips-for-busy-moms/