It is that time of year when days are becoming shorter and shorter and my energy is depleted more and more. Am I the only one who wants to go to bed at 7 PM? I wonder if it is that it is dark at 4:30 PM – or is it truly that I am exhausted? I mean…..aren’t we meant to hibernate? I like to suggest to my kids that I think the bears have it all down right! Who cares about the swine flu if you are holed up in a cave sleeping for 5 months – sounds pretty great to me, especially if there’s cable and a down comforter!
As I work with other busy mom’s I coach, it seems like it is NOT just me. We all struggle to find time to take care of ourselves. Many mom’s do not make the connection between that time-out they take for “me” time and how it can positively change the way their day is, but even more importantly how their evening goes. Isn’t that the time when patience are nearly non-existent? At least for me, it takes a magnifying glass to find them scattered around the house – all used up during the day.
Feel like changing up your evenings and having more energy to face the bedtime routine without blowing your top, or collapsing on your sofa? I have an idea to help that you might really enjoy!
There are a lot of great resources out there for help with ideas on self-care for busy moms, but one idea that I just discovered and have truly enjoyed are Self Care Cards for Busy Moms by Sarah Zeldman. This is a MUST for you to check out. Wonderful ideas that allow you to flip through cards you make up so you don’t end up trying to “think up” something to do for you! I love the idea!!
So take a few minutes and print this PDF out, put them together and keep them in a handy place. I can’t wait to hear your comments on how these cards make a difference in your effort to take care of yourself, especially during the holiday season – but even better if you keep it going into 2010!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Thank you for passing on that link! I am a true believer that mothers need to take care of themselves in order to take care of their family. This is a great, practical way to encourage us to slow down and take time out for us! Thanks!
Thanks for the link. I like to make a “To Do List” for myself when the kids and my husband are gone for a while. There are some great suggestions to add to my list. Thanks!
Great post! I agree, you have to take control of your day by mapping it out and scheduling in “me time”…I’ve found that if I don’t prepare my day…the day controls me and I end up a crazy person! Thanks for the great tips!
Btw-Congrats on winning the Nativity Hurricane Trio at Simple Mom!!
Kelly
http://thepursuitofmommyness.com/
Thanks, I LOVE that hurricane and cannot wait to get it. Thank you for your comments….I love what you say….Your day controlling you rather than the other way around….very good point! Thanks and look forward to sharing more information!
Excellent post Susan.. and very, very timely!!
I am glad to hear that there are other people out there that feel the pull to “go within” this time of the year..!
I can’t wait to check out the Self-Care cards for busy moms.. I can think of many of my friends (including me!) who can use a great reminder of what things nurture my heart and soul!
Thank you for your insightful and helpful article Susan!