Parenting is one of life’s greatest joys; however, it is very demanding and exhausting. The moment you become a parent, your focus turns to take care of your children and you might prioritize your family’s needs before your own.
For many parents, finding time for yourself can be a challenge as you try to balance family, relationships and other responsibilities with your home and work life. But, as demanding as life as a parent can be, practicing self-care is crucial in order to take good care of your children and be a better support for your loved ones.
Self-care is any action that you do to improve your health and well-being. It is about taking time for yourself and engaging in activities that nurtures your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs.
1. Physical self-care activities may include:
exercising;
eating well; and
getting adequate sleep.
2. Mental self-care activities may include:
reading;
listening to a podcast;
setting healthy boundaries; and
seeking help when needed.
3. Emotional self-care activities may include:
practicing mindfulness;
compassion; and
gratitude journaling.
4. Spiritual self-care activities may include:
meditating;
going to a place of worship; and
being in nature.
There are a wide range of other forms of self-care that are tied directly to a person’s specific preferences like engaging in calming activities or enjoyable hobbies.
Proper self-care has many benefits for you and for your children. It can help you cope with stress, replenish your physical and emotional energy so you can be better equipped to meet their needs.
It has been clinically proven that self-care improves productivity, mood, attention and concentration and helps prevent anxiety, depression and burnout. That is why it is very important that you recognize your own needs and make sure they are met.
When you prioritize your self-care you are in a better frame of mind to deal with the challenges that come with parenting. If your children see you taking care of yourself, you are setting an example for them to learn healthy habits, coping skills and boundaries which they will learn to respect and do the same for themselves.
Remember that self-care is an essential part of parenting. While it is easy to prioritize your children, you deserve to take good care of your well being. Setting aside time for yourself will help you maintain the best mindset for purposeful parenting.
P.S. To schedule an appointment with Stephanie Gosset, you can call our office at 305-445-0477.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“If you want to have enough to give to others, you will need to take care of yourself first. A tree that refuses water and sunlight for itself can’t bear fruits for others”. Emily Maroutian
