Stressed? Remember, If Mama Ain’t Happy, Ain’t NOBODY Happy!

Probably right now, you're likely caught up in the hustle and bustle of making sure that everyone else is looked after.  You're making the lunches, preparing dinner and doing the laundry (I'm tired just thinking about it!)  In all of this, have you forgotten to take care of your needs?  When you're stressed, you need to look after yourself first!

Hey, I know it's hard.  

I've been there.  As a single mom of 2 kids , not only was I working a full time job outside of the home,  I was taking care of the household chores,  paying the bills, taking the kids to their sports activities and lessons and all of the things that JUST NEEDED TO GET DONE.  It's a tough life.  

Maybe you're part of the generation now that is 'sandwiched' between caring for your children and your aging parents. My sister in law is going through this right now - in addition to her full time job, and looking after her child, she is responsible for an aging aunt and mother who put great demands on her time.

And even if neither of these situations apply to you, it still can be tough trying to balance everyone's needs while still taking time for yourself.

I'm sure I don't need to remind you what date it is on the calendar.  You're probably already stressed enough without having to think about getting the perfect presents, making the perfect meal, having the perfectly decorated house, tree, table  Are you just wishing it's January already?

So, what can you do?

One thing that I learned the hard way, was that if you don't look after yourself and keep yourself healthy, you're not going to be able to look after everyone else the way you want or need to.   Being extremely exhausted, sick and in poor health makes all of the things we need to accomplish that much harder.

We love our families and we want whats best for them, but it shouldn't be at the expense of our health.

So, for today, (well, not just for today, I hope you'll do this more than once!) I want you to give yourself permission to take time for yourself.  It doesn't have to be the whole day or even hours, but give yourself a time out.  Not for being bad, but to help you become more relaxed.

Trust me, your to-do list will still be there when you get back to it, but coming back refreshed will make that list a whole lot less stressful.

Here are a few suggestions you can try.

• Get outside and walk around the block for 5 or 10 minutes
• Put on your favorite music and dance (by yourself, or with your kids and/or partner
• Take a bubble bath
• Call a friend who might be in the same situation and meet for a cup of tea (but don't use this time to bitch about your problems, talk about what makes you happy)

One of the things that I love to do to unwind and de-stress is pull out my coloring pencils and coloring book - I can't tell you how relaxing this is (even as a perfectionist, I still find it relaxing!)  Check out one of my favorite coloring books HERE  

What are some of the ways you  make sure you practice self care for your best health?

Comment below - I would love to know!

If you're looking for more ways to take stress out of your life, especially during the hectic holiday season, check out my 10 Day Beat the Holiday Stress Challenge. - You won't regret it!

Til next time, Happy SelfCare Sunday everyone!