When we think about the job that comes with being a parent, we can be instantly overwhelmed by the enormity of it all. The responsibility in raising kids is not simply about raising the little human beings sitting on our lap to be good, honest people as they run into adulthood. But rather, it includes being engulfed by 967 daily jobs, a rollercoaster of emotions, and a possible gap between recognising who you are outside of the house and caring for your children.
It’s a pretty big challenge to expect any of us to routinely manage the workload and not hit burnout at some stage. It’s worthwhile remembering in this entire parenting journey that we need to be mothered too (whether you're a mum or a dad). When we think about how a mother cares for her children, we think about nurturing. And that is exactly what we need to do for ourselves.
Learning to mother and nurture ourselves is the ultimate self-care.
Make Time to Listen To What You Need
Life is busy. Work is hectic. The house is loud. We can easily forget, or be unable, to listen to ourselves. Make the time to listen deeply to your inner thoughts and hear your own voice amidst the chaos of life. Pull yourself back in, away from the responsibility and loudness, and listen to what you need to say, what you need to do, and what will nourish and nurture your thoughts, feelings, and wants. If we forget to listen to ourselves we are in many ways abandoning our own needs. Remember to pay attention to yourself.
Make Self-Care A Priority
What you consider to be self-care will be completely different to your neighbour or best friend. The necessity behind self-care is to recognise that you need care, nourishment, and nurturing as much as anyone else in the house. Whether it’s a round of golf, expensive freshly ground coffee, or a ten-minute break from the bedlam, make it a priority. And don’t feel guilty about it!
Celebrate Your Wins
Nurturing ourselves comes in so many different forms; from encouraging ourselves to make changes in our lives to respecting ourselves for making those changes. It includes being kind to ourselves, giving ourselves time to learn and grow, and standing up for ourselves. It is about protecting our boundaries and learning to say no. And it is always about celebrating our wins. From the minor win of seeing the end of the laundry basket to the big leagues of getting a promotion or launching your business. Celebrate every single win and recognise your achievements.
