Photo by Greg Riegler
These are a few goals I'm setting for myself these days, trying to stay fueled so I can care for my family:
- go to bed by 1030pm
I'm really aiming for 10pm most nights. Sleep makes such a difference to the life of a mama.
- read one chapter of fiction each day
Reading really clears my mind, but because it doesn't seem "urgent" I often find myself putting it off. I've remedied this by making this activity the first thing I do when my kids begin their rest times.
- take a 20-30 minute nap every afternoon
I find short naps so refreshing, but have often felt super-guilty about the desire for one. But since I read this article, my guilt vanished! A quick nap helps me be a better, more patient mom in the afternoon/evening hours.
- take a daily walk of at least 15 minutes
When Steve is home on the weekends, I can get out for a longer walk. But I've taken to walking around our property when the kids are playing so that at least I get a bit of exercise each day. It makes such a difference!
- maintain online social media boundaries
For me, this means not checking email all day long on my phone, and spending my writing time on activities that fuel rather than drain.
- enroll in an online class; learn something new
Online classes can be the perfect solution for mamas who can't get out easily. I have taken workshops from both Heather Bruggeman and Lisa Byrne on whole foods and healthy living. Both have been fabulous!
Lisa has a course coming up called Cleanse Your Life (and before April 12th you can enroll 2-for-1, a pretty cool deal). Check out her free video workshop to find out more. (And yes, I am an affiliate for Lisa's work--because I believe in what she does and know that she's a total rockstar.)
May I encourage you to think through a nourishing self-care routine that will give you what you really need? Even just adding one small activity can make a big difference to the joy you experience throughout your day.
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