Mornings to yourself! #momlifeneverends
Hello everyone,
I hope that when you read this post, you are safe and healthy. Yes, the weather is finally warmer. However, we still need to be vigilant because Covid-19 is still out there. The pandemic is not over and you still need to be safe.
This morning, I had breakfast and coffee on my own - with no interruptions! It was such a treat and I loved every moment of it. Don't get me wrong, I love having dinner with my family. However, as the Mom of three small children, there is something so delightful about having breakfast and warm coffee (my previous post) all by yourself. I usually would have taken the time to pray and journal as well, but this morning, I chose to write down my task list for the day and leave prayer for when I had more time - which was right before I started this post.
I always told Moms, before I had children, that they needed to take time for themselves - no matter how short or long. Then, I had children and I realized how hard it was to take that time to yourself. I had to learn to make time for ME without feeling guilty and that took some time - it is still very hard, at times. But, if we don't take that time to put some care into us, then, we are really no good to others.
How to find the time is a bit tricky but here are a few tips:
1) start by making it a ten minute time to yourself, for example, getting a face mask or reading a chapter of your favorite book
2) increase it to twenty minutes, for example, a shower or bath or having a glass of wine or your favorite beverage (try to do it when you are outside, if possible)
3) increase it more and more, when you can and as time allows
4) do things that are only for YOU (no laundry or house chores)
5) learn how to not feel guilty - that will take time
6) have a Mom buddy you can take time to yourself with - that helps to feel less guilty
7) plan ahead each time to yourself
8) try to indulge a bit - chocolate, bubble bath, nice candle, painting your toes
9) write in our planner when you will take time out
10) VERY IMPORTANT - enjoy yourself, smile and take this time to feel grateful
Before we adopted our third child, I had my morning routines down to the minute. I would wake up very early (5-5:30am) and I had, at least, three hours to myself. During that time, I would shower, get ready, pray and journal, plan my day, get my things ready to leave the house, maybe do a load of laundry, empty the dishwasher, clean-up the kitchen or other rooms and even get some work done. When I wanted to treat myself, I would watch a show on YouTube or Netflix. It was such a treat and it really gave me a great jumpstart to my days.
Then, we have a newborn and that routine is harder to keep...and then, we went into a lockdown and then, it all went out the window.... but, the hard newborn moments do go away. Like anything else, this too shall pass. He is starting to sleep for longer stretches at night - we had a treat a couple of nights ago where he slept all night!!! It is getting easier to sleep better and I am starting to get up early again without feeling so tired and exhausted from having woken up at odd times during the night.
My ME mornings are slowly coming back and I am looking forward to them all. I would get so much done so that my days were smoother - as smooth as they can be with three small kids. Regardless, it is getting easier to rest and find that time to rest.
Are you a new Mom? Are you just starting with a newborn and all those odd hour night feeds? Hang in there because it will pass and get better. If you are struggling, please ask for help. Do not do this on your own. Try to take time for you because you need it and deserve it.
If you have something to share about this topic, please feel free and let's build our community. Until my next post, keep safe and healthy, wash your hands and don't touch your face. Stop the spread of Covid-19 by keeping to social distancing and wearing a face mask. Remember, easing restrictions only mean there is a place for you in the ICU.
SM
I hope that when you read this post, you are safe and healthy. Yes, the weather is finally warmer. However, we still need to be vigilant because Covid-19 is still out there. The pandemic is not over and you still need to be safe.
This morning, I had breakfast and coffee on my own - with no interruptions! It was such a treat and I loved every moment of it. Don't get me wrong, I love having dinner with my family. However, as the Mom of three small children, there is something so delightful about having breakfast and warm coffee (my previous post) all by yourself. I usually would have taken the time to pray and journal as well, but this morning, I chose to write down my task list for the day and leave prayer for when I had more time - which was right before I started this post.
I always told Moms, before I had children, that they needed to take time for themselves - no matter how short or long. Then, I had children and I realized how hard it was to take that time to yourself. I had to learn to make time for ME without feeling guilty and that took some time - it is still very hard, at times. But, if we don't take that time to put some care into us, then, we are really no good to others.
How to find the time is a bit tricky but here are a few tips:
1) start by making it a ten minute time to yourself, for example, getting a face mask or reading a chapter of your favorite book
2) increase it to twenty minutes, for example, a shower or bath or having a glass of wine or your favorite beverage (try to do it when you are outside, if possible)
3) increase it more and more, when you can and as time allows
4) do things that are only for YOU (no laundry or house chores)
5) learn how to not feel guilty - that will take time
6) have a Mom buddy you can take time to yourself with - that helps to feel less guilty
7) plan ahead each time to yourself
8) try to indulge a bit - chocolate, bubble bath, nice candle, painting your toes
9) write in our planner when you will take time out
10) VERY IMPORTANT - enjoy yourself, smile and take this time to feel grateful
Before we adopted our third child, I had my morning routines down to the minute. I would wake up very early (5-5:30am) and I had, at least, three hours to myself. During that time, I would shower, get ready, pray and journal, plan my day, get my things ready to leave the house, maybe do a load of laundry, empty the dishwasher, clean-up the kitchen or other rooms and even get some work done. When I wanted to treat myself, I would watch a show on YouTube or Netflix. It was such a treat and it really gave me a great jumpstart to my days.
Then, we have a newborn and that routine is harder to keep...and then, we went into a lockdown and then, it all went out the window.... but, the hard newborn moments do go away. Like anything else, this too shall pass. He is starting to sleep for longer stretches at night - we had a treat a couple of nights ago where he slept all night!!! It is getting easier to sleep better and I am starting to get up early again without feeling so tired and exhausted from having woken up at odd times during the night.
My ME mornings are slowly coming back and I am looking forward to them all. I would get so much done so that my days were smoother - as smooth as they can be with three small kids. Regardless, it is getting easier to rest and find that time to rest.
Are you a new Mom? Are you just starting with a newborn and all those odd hour night feeds? Hang in there because it will pass and get better. If you are struggling, please ask for help. Do not do this on your own. Try to take time for you because you need it and deserve it.
If you have something to share about this topic, please feel free and let's build our community. Until my next post, keep safe and healthy, wash your hands and don't touch your face. Stop the spread of Covid-19 by keeping to social distancing and wearing a face mask. Remember, easing restrictions only mean there is a place for you in the ICU.
SM
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