Now that we are a month and a half into the new year, how are those resolutions going? Do not let it stress you out too much if they are not going as well as you had planned. It is important for busy parents to stay positive. Remember to take time out for yourself as well as all the other responsibilities you are juggling. Self care can help you avoid feeling burnt out. In order to be the best parent possible, you must take care of yourself including your mind, body, and spirit. Here a few things I’ll be doing for the remainder of the year to take better care of myself. Remember, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Practice prayer, mediation, or daily affirmations. These are great ways to start your day. These practices can be completed in 5 minutes or less. They can provide great emotional and physical benefits such as relieving stress and anxiety. Daily affirmations can be taped on your bathroom mirror and spoken out loud while brushing your teeth. A popular mediation app and website is headspace.com, which offers 5 to 20 minute guided meditations. There are many religious websites and apps that feature daily prayers and reading plans. I like the Bible app and Our Daily Bread.
Keep a gratitude journal. This could be as simple as once a day writing down 1 to 3 things you are grateful for such as being healthy or nice weather. If daily would be too much, try once a week writing down 3 to 5 things that you are grateful for that week.
Eat healthy. Try new recipes to include more fruits and veggies in your diet. If you can afford, have groceries delivered to save time or consider trying meal kit delivery. Several options are available such as Hello Fresh or Blue Apron.
Get a hobby. Whether it is something you are familiar with or something new. Go at it alone or try it with friends. Plan or attend a ladies night out event such as a vision board party, a book club, pole dancing classes, or aerial yoga. If you attend solo, this could be a great way to meet new friends.
