Reaching your breaking point is no fun, yet I think it happens to all of us. I know I’ve already written an article about “Staying Organized in Survival Mode” (https://www.indigospacesllc.com/blog/staying-organized-in-survival-mode) and this topic is similar. The major point here is how setting up self-care can prevent survival mode from taking over. Being organized definitely facilitates quality self-care.
Preparation prevents me from spiraling out of control ALL. THE. TIME. I prepare the basics for myself with food, water, and extra clothes. Then, I take it to the next level by proactively planning my days. Struggles are going to happen, so how can you better equip yourself to manage the tough stuff???
This week, I was overwhelmed by a literal shit show as my ambitious toddler attempted to change her own poopy diaper. Raising kids is no joke, but it sure is hilarious. At the end of the day I wondered, “How do you quit your job as a stay at home mom?” Faced with no good answers to this question, I opted for some self-care. When Brad got home, I quickly exited mom land to go write and eat sushi. Ah, the sweet relief of being served food in an adult environment. Self-care for the win!
Planning ahead is an indispensable part of my life. I make daily to do lists and pack gear ahead of time. I update my calendar weekly and appreciate repeating events. Scheduling in reminders is a great way to keep up with infrequent necessities like dentist appointments. I also have specific tasks I complete each month like updating the budget and booking babysitters. During my planning sessions, I block out time for self-care. I set up things like housecleaning, massages, family days, and other rejuvenating appointments. As I hustle through my everyday work, I truly appreciate having self-care appointments to look forward to.
Sometimes good self-care simply means knowing when you need to take a break. I have learned there is great power in kindly tell in my love ones I need a minute to myself. Having time and space to recharge my batteries helps everyone. There are other moments when I tell myself, “if it’s not crying don’t fix it” to avoid overdoing things. The truth is that when the focus needs to be on your own care, other stuff can, and should, wait.
Here are my other tips for setting yourself up for success with self-care:
Use apps to your advantage. Meal delivery apps can make dinner, grocery apps can help complete shopping, financial planning apps can save money, and calendar apps keep planning ahead simple.
Put a toothbrush and toothpaste in the shower. I’ve shared this tip before and may again, because I seriously love brushing my teeth in the shower.
Buy and use “combination products” like foundation with lotion and sunscreen or cleaning solution that works on basically anything.
Create simple and achievable daily plans. I like to have a top priority “to do” item for each day.
Keep some prepared food on hand. Frozen meals, salad kits, and some other quick meal ingredients are great to have in the house.
Hire help! It can be a total win-win to hire a housecleaner, yard worker, babysitter, or other helper. It supports your community, and it supports you.
Treat yourself. Prepare rewards for yourself. I personally love good chocolate, new clothes, massages, haircuts, coffee, and sushi.
Discover the joys of a bathrobe and slippers. Enough said.
Use the library. If you have questions, need a break, or want a fun addition to your family space the library can fulfill your needs.
Go for a drive. Turn your music on, roll your windows down, go through a drive-through, sit in a parking lot, recline your seat, and soak in the magic of the car environment.
Avoid definite appointments and allow for flexible timing. I like to set up as many things as possible for “around a certain time” and text when I am in route to give my exact timing. I would rather wait for someone than frantically race to be on time, and I find most people feel the same way.
Prioritize hydration. The one simple step of drinking more water is hugely beneficial! Do what works for you with this. I like to always have a big cup of room temperature water within reach.
Workout. Kind of an obvious point but getting the blood flowing feels awesome.
Shower or take a bath. This is a total game changer for me… best idea ever!
Go to bed early. Easier said than done, but the act of going to bed early is an awesome refresher.
Get outside. Even if it is just to throw out a poopy diaper (my life lately), getting outside can help you feel so much better!
Love Always,
Meg
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