Self-care Sidekick

I have been on a self-care kick for the past few weeks. Not that I have been taking an unusual amount of self care time for myself, but I have been on this super - love yourself!, you can't give if your empty!, develop your skills and talents!, relaxation and quiet time is so important! - kind of a kick. I know, even in my head I am shouting and it sounds quite preachy. Opa.

Here is the jist of what is going on in my head and heart. 

Motherhood-and humanhood- has its overwhelming times. I am in one now, and I talked about it in my last post. We all have a lot of different tasks, jobs, roles, appointments, services to give--we all do a lot for people. It is easy to feel overwhelmed, burned out, and off-centered. 

I love the concept of being centered vs being off-centered. I feel off-centered when I feel like I am no longer in control of my feelings and reactions to things happening to me. I also feel off-centered when I have been putting off important things like reading my scriptures, praying, and exercising, or when I am stressed out by things I cannot control. Everyone feels off-centered differently and everyone needs something to help them feel centered again, and that, my friend, is SELF-CARE.  The trick is to keep self care regular so that you feel overwhelmed and off centered LESS FREQUENTLY. 

Another great reason for self-care is that it helps us to be more effective and focused on important things. If we have filled our cup (spiritually, physically, emotionally, mentally, etc.) it is much easier for us to serve others willingly (and without resentment) and to not feel empty after giving. 

God wants us to take care of others but first, He knows that we need to take care of ourselves in order to serve His children. By doing so, we can create a home of peace, quality time, personal betterment, and appropriate relaxation.   

I personally enjoy planning and goal setting, taking a bath, and just being able to work and do homework in peace and quiet without being interrupted. Through Instagram I asked you what your favorite and most effective ways of self-care are. Everyone is different, and here is what you said:

• Self Feedback/setting goals session
• Netflix and carbs
• Socializing
• Being with friends and family that I can truly be ME around.
• Meditation
• Talking about freedom and liberty
• Listening to country music
• Taking a bath
• Diet Coke
• Saying no-making sure to not put too much on my plate
• Running
• Getting ready in the morning
• Waking up before the kids for my own me time
• Quality time with my family

 Wrappin it up: A challenge for this week and forever after is please, please PLEASE take time for yourself. DO the things you love and the things that love you back!