In life, it’s very easy to feel as though you’re in a perpetual tug of war with no end. Trying to pay the bills, get work completed, raising children (and oh yes, trying to raise them well,) and taking part in a whole host of other day to day responsibilities can require all of your attention, energy and time. And it can leave me feeling so drained and needing a break.
This can be exhausting over time, even if you’re working towards the outcomes you really care about – for instance, having a healthy family. And it is why it is so important, from time to time, to focus on ourselves, and to gauge how we’re really doing. Getting a new hobby and taking a look at www.singularsound.com/products/midi-maestro is going to be a good start. You want to look after yourself and making time for a hobby is going to be making time for self care. (Here are some guides to help you with this already.) And since no one can “pour from an empty cup”, we need to make sure we are making time for self care.
Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your (ever busy!) schedule:
A Comfort from Childhood
From time to time, it can be so lovely to experience those little things you loved as a child. That might be a bowl of sugary cereal, a homemade dessert a parent used to make for you, or even a comfort as simple as warm milk and honey, or a beautiful side dish that reminds you of your grandmother, like this delicious southern cornbread dressing. Sharing these cherished little pick-me-ups with your own family can be a wonderful thing to do, emphasizing how finding comfort in fond memories can mean more than you know. And it can be so special to pass these traditions on to your own kids.
Artistic & Intellectual Interests
It’s wonderful to pursue art or intellectual interests from time to time, and to showcase your creativity. You might decide to keep up a journal to express your thoughts intimately and privately, or get into watercolors just for the fun of it. It can be nice to read a non-fiction book on a topic you care about, or a memoir for an inspirational figure you really care about. These efforts we make time for can help us grow as people, and look out of ourselves with a sense of rejuvenated energy and insight. It’s a healthy and worthwhile habit to keep. For me, I love getting to bake and decorate cookies!
Relaxing & Taking That Load Off
Trust me, I know the feeling when you go to finally sit down, and you can’t relax because your to-do list is six miles long. But we need the time to rest and recover. This is why it can be good to plan out a mental health day in advance. During this day, you might just stay home and read and relax, or go to a spa with your friend after a lovely coffee morning. This might sound indulgent, and it is, but most people can factor in at least one day a year for this kind of activity. You might also pair this with a semi-frequent hobby, like going swimming once every other week. It’s all about accepting your needs, and moving forward from there. I love getting to go to a hotel every year for my birthday (totally alone!) It gives me 24 hours to do whatever I want and to relax and recoup.
Whatever it is you decide to do, make sure to make time for self care because we can’t pour from an empty cup. I promise it will make you a better mom, employee, wife, girlfriend etc. etc. 🙂
Leave a Reply