Hey Mama!
Whew! Has it been a year since I last posted? Time flies, and let me tell you, a lot can happen in twelve months! I won’t bore you with a full year’s recap, but I want to pick up where I left off... Balancing Work and Self-Care. I was supposed to wrap this series up in February 2024, but let’s not dwell on that; we are here now. I wrote that post exactly one year ago, and as I reread it today, I had to laugh. Isn’t it funny how we can give great advice to others but struggle to follow it ourselves?
For the past few years, I’ve been a workaholic. Boundaries? Nonexistent. There were days I worked 12 hours straight, arrived at the office at 6 AM, or left close to midnight. Some weeks, I worked all seven days, not because I had to but because I was passionate about what I was doing, and, in that passion, I prioritized work over my well-being (DO NOT EVER DO THIS).
Instead of practicing self-compassion, I just pushed through. Between work, being a full-time student, married life, parenting, and managing household chaos, I was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. I ignored my limits because I believed slowing down meant giving up on my dreams. I told myself I couldn’t afford to stop because I started too “late,” so I had to keep going (a topic for a different day). We live in a world that glorifies pushing through at the expense of our health. We’re praised for being “strong” and “resilient,” but rarely are we encouraged to slow down or rest. As moms, we often push our self-care to the back burner, telling ourselves, “I’ll get to it later,” or “There’s just no time.” We become so focused on meeting everyone else’s needs that we forget how crucial it is to take care of ourselves. But here’s the truth: Your self-care is a necessity!
If you made it this far, whether at work, at home, or sneaking in a bathroom break, I want you to pause, take a deep breath, and say this affirmation with me: My self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. I will not place myself last or believe everyone’s needs should come before mine. I want you to write this down and place it where you will see it daily. Remind yourself that YOU matter. Your wellness and happiness aren’t just vital for you; they're essential for your family. When you prioritize your well-being, you can show up fully for the people you love.
So, how do you create a self-care routine that truly works for you? Only you can determine what that looks like, but I can offer some starting points:
Wake Up with Intention: Start your morning by setting a positive intention for the day.
Practice Gratitude: Think of three things you’re grateful for, shift your mindset.
Take a Break: Listen to music, go for a walk, enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine, and take a moment to simply breathe and not think about your work or household tasks.
Unplug: Limit evening screen time to wind down (I do this religiously).
Prioritize Sleep: Create a bedtime routine to help your body rest. Don't underestimate what 8-9 hours of sleep can do for you physically and mentally.
Incorporating these simple habits into your day can make a powerful difference. I know life can be overwhelming, and finding time for yourself isn’t always easy, but you deserve it. So, take that time, whether a few minutes or a whole afternoon; honor yourself. Life with kids, work, and other responsibilities is unpredictable, so give yourself grace. Self-care isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing journey. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s okay! Celebrate the small victories, be kind to yourself on the tough days (I’m still working on this), and remember consistency, not perfection, is the goal. Though I’m a year late, I hope this post reaches you at just the right moment. And when it does, I want you to remember you’re not alone in this beautiful, chaotic journey of motherhood. I’m cheering for you every step of the way!
With Love,
Devon
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