Give yourself a high-five for all that you’ve been able to manage in the last decade or so. No matter what came your way, you dealt with it. You are still standing.
How are you doing? “Fine” is probably echoing through your head. But I’m asking…really, how are you doing?
It’s so easy as a parent to forget to take care of yourself. Self-care can easily end up at the bottom of your list, somewhere after laundry, carpool, making dinner, and organizing your closet. Time for yourself becomes something of a joke.
You might be busy, but even YOU can manage to fit self-care into your day. Here are a few things to try…
Take Five Minutes to Breathe
As parents who has time to breathe? As it turns out, you do. Stopping in your tracks for a few deep breaths is an incredibly calming experience. This is especially useful when your day has been extraordinarily stressful. You know the days I’m talking about when your teen has an emotional meltdown, you end up at urgent care because you cut your finger, or you got bad news from extended family . Even a few minutes of deep breaths can do wonders to improve your physical health and your emotional well-being.
Go Green
Numerous studies have been done to prove just how much nature matters. Green spaces can recharge you which positively affects your cognition, yyour stress levels, and even our physical health. With this in mind, try to get outside when you can. If you can’t, consider creating an indoor garden to enjoy year-round. Or even easier, stick a potted plant in the corner.
Read
It might seem laughable for a parent to have time to read a book. At the same time, you’d be amazed how quickly you can get through a story by reading a page here and there whenever you have a free moment. Reading engages the mind and gives you a much-needed respite. For bonus points, join a book club (like the Teen Wise Book Club!). Talking about something you’ve read with other adults is some of the best self-care there is.
Create an Oasis
You need a space that belongs entirely to you. This can be hard when you’re a parent but you can make it happen. Try to carve out a cozy nook somewhere which is entirely yours. Maintain the space with knickknacks and delights of your choosing that bring you happiness and joy.
Take Some Alone Time
Grab a few minutes for yourself while the children are at school or at other activities. Use this for an indulgence designed just to pamper you. Enjoy a bubble bath. Visit a friend. Organize a drawer or two. Sit on your back deck sipping tea.
Whatever you decide to do, take time for yourself in a way which helps you to recharge. This is crucial, as your children really need a parent who is calm and relaxed and ready to take up the challenges of raising a teenager. To keep your calm when the going gets tough, you have to take care of YOU.
