Take Better Care of Your Family by Taking Care of Yourself

It seems like there is no rest for the weary… and that weary person is usually a busy mom. Mom takes care of her home and her family without a second thought, but who takes care of her? But the saying “You can only give what you have” is has proved itself true time and time again as busy moms burnout. If you are a busy mom, you need learn to take care of yourself in order to better care for your family.

Each of us has the capacity to nurture others but that type of care takes its toll. It’s important as a busy mom to take time for yourself.

A car is filled with gas to make it run. Eventually the gas runs out and your car won’t move unless the car is replenished with fuel. The same goes for you. If you’re not filling your own tank, you will begin to run on fumes and your family will suffer. Taking some “mom” time refuels your tank so that you can give fully to your family.

Here are a few tips to help you fit in much needed “mom” time:

1. Get up early if you have to.

When you have kids, the day begins at a hurried pace. Once you hit the ground running, there is no stopping you. Waking 30 minutes to an hour ahead of time means quiet solitude to drink your coffee, read a book, spend time in the Word and prayer, exercise, and/or listen to music.

2. Turn ordinary experiences into major events.

When you take a bath, add candles, homemade bath salts, quiet music, and/or an inflatable bath pillow. Your regular bath has now become a spa level experience.

If you watch a movie, turn out the lights, pop a bag of microwave popcorn, and curl up on the couch – turn watching your favorite movie into a rejuvenating experience.

3. Ask your husband for help.

Kids love their mothers but time spent with dad is important too. Let them bond with dad while you go shopping for a new outfit, root around in the garden, or just get lost in a good book at your favorite coffee shop.

4. Use the Boy Scout motto.

Always be prepared, and you will find that you have more time for taking care of yourself.

Set yourself up for a less stressful morning by preparing for morning the night before:

Fix lunches the night before.
Set out clothes for the next day.

Place backpacks by the front door so kids can grab them on their way out.

The fewer things you have to do at a rush throughout the day, the calmer you will be with your family and not experience burnout.

5. Take exercise breaks.

When you get a few minutes the last thing you want to do is exercise but getting a little physical activity in your day has far-reaching implications. Exercise helps you to think clearly and stretches the muscles. It also is a great stress-reliever… your stress will drain away as powerful endorphins are released into your system.

Do jumping jacks, crunches, or push-ups during a television commercial.
Take a 10 minute walk during “the witching hour.”
Jog to the bus stop to pick up the kids.

6. Laugh at regular intervals.

Keep a funny calendar cube on your desk or subscribe to a daily joke site. Laughing releases stress and can lift your spirits significantly. (Bonus: It also keeps the abs tight!)

Busy moms, take care of you.

Your family would miss you if you were not around to love and care for them. You owe it to yourself and you need a break from the daily hustle and bustle.