monday musings: on making time to look after you

Monday is the day I veer off topic and muse about something other than wholefood...

It is an age old story we are so busy taking care of everyone else that our needs fall to the bottom of the washing basket. Well, as the safety card on aeroplanes advise when traveling with children place your oxygen mask on first. After all we are no good to our children if we are struggling to breathe ditto if we are not caring for our spiritual, emotional and creative selves.

Today I've written a check list for you. Read through it and see what jumps out at you along with the thought 'I've been meaning to do that for a while'. Then commit to doing it. You are just as important as everyone else.

Some things on the list you may have on your 'want' list rather than your 'need' list but if it has been over 6 months since you nurtured yourself with something on your want list then make it happen for yourself. If a tight budget is holding you back it is time to get creative, sell something on ebay, have a garage sale, do an exchange with a friend, set up that Etsy shop you've been thinking about.

Here's the list. It is a mixed bag but I am sure you will find a few things on it that yell pick me pick me!...

*dental check up
*pap smear
*medical check up (I have a blood test every year to check my cholesterol, triglycerides, iron levels etc; I do this mainly because my mum died at 44 of a heart attack and it gives me peace of mind to know everything is as it should be. If you have a health issue you are avoiding dealing with don't put it off)
*skin check up (for moles, freckles etc;)
*chiropractic adjustment
*haircut
*facial
*manicure
*pedicure
*massage
*tax return
*consolidate superannuation funds
*heal your money woes by reading Kate Northrup's book Money: A Love Story
*look into a course you want to study
*do something creative just for fun
*exercise - yoga, skipping rope, bike riding, walking, swimming, exercise dvd, running, dancing there are plenty of ways to exercise that don't much or anything and if you have toddlers and can't get to the gym or a class, exercise at home or invite a friend over and tag team going for a walk or run while one minds the children. Go on make the effort you will feel so good, more energy and mental clarity. Nicole from Planning with Kids fits in one hour of exercise per day and she has 5 young children! You might not want to go to that level but if you do here are her tips for finding time to exercise.
*see a counsellor if you have an emotional issue that is weighing you down and you can't resolve by yourself
*psychic reading
*astrology chart reading
*Read Julia Cameron's The Artist's Way to discover or reconnect with your creative heart
*create an altar to nourish your spirit, on a shelf, on top of a set of drawers you don't need much space just somewhere that is dedicated to you. Decorate it however you wish: special fabric laid down, fresh flowers, a candle, some crystals, oracle cards, whatever is meaningful to you. Then tend to it daily, light the candle, arrange the flowers, take a moment just to breathe and be in the space that is just for you.
*update your wardrobe - this doesn't mean go on a spending spree. This means going through your wardrobe and getting rid of anything that is shabby or doesn't make you feel great to wear. Once you have done that you will be in a better place to see what you might actually need for the season ahead. For more tips on doing this on a budget go here.
*find your happy weight. If you are carrying weight that you would like to lose then definitely get moving with some exercise and I recommend Cyndi O'Maera's 21 day weightloss ebook (I am not an affiliate for this ebook, though I should be! I highly recommend it for getting yourself back on balanced way of eating)
*meditate. even 10 minutes each day will make a big difference to your mental clarity and well-being.
*go on a date. If you are in a relationship it is often underestimated the difference spending some time together without your children can make. And if you are not in a relationship go on a date with yourself, do something that you truly love or catch up with a friend without children, you deserve some time just for you.
*weekend away with your partner or with some friends. I am yet to do this but I am working up to it some time soon!

While thinking about self-care, self-love the following words came to me...

Accept yourself
Believe in yourself
Love yourself
Be kind to yourself
Empower yourself
Ask for help when you need it

After all, isn't that what we want for our children?

I am celebrating today the work that we all do as mothers, each and every day. And I also want to acknowledge all the women for who becoming a mum hasn't been easy or possible, nurture your precious hearts in every way possible.

Nikki x