Take Care of Yourself, Moms

By Sylvie Griffiths:

Sunday, May 13 is the annual holiday dedicated to Moms. And yet, for most us Moms, Mother’s Day is another day of raising our kids, feeding pets, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking, and cleaning. Our to-do list, as matriarchs, is never-ending. Moms are almost celebrated for their selflessness, but when do we give a little back to ourselves? And where is the addendum stating that Moms require care for themselves?

So, during the entire year, and not just on our specially designated day, us Moms need to take care of us. Four simple words can keep you on track to be the best Mom, sure, but also the best you. Commit to these ideas and put yourself higher on that to-do list, this May, and for the rest of the year. You earned it, and you owe it to yourself!

Sustain
Very simply put, take time to strengthen or support your mental and physical needs. Every day we take care of other people. We go to school conferences; we drive all over town to sporting events, and so much more. Put your needs first and do not feel guilty or ashamed. Meditate, do yoga, read a book that you dusted recently on your nightstand, but do something you want to do that will make you feel good. Exercise is lovely too as it relieves stress, increases endorphins, helps you sleep, and makes your butt look amazing. Take time for what will help you mentally and physically!

Reflect
Just because we are raising mini adults, supporting spouses and everyone else does not mean we should exclude our hopes, dreams, and desires. Set goals for yourself, make a plan regarding how to obtain these personal objectives and track your progress. This type of inner reflection reminds us not only who we are but what we can accomplish. Doing things that you want to work on empowers and encourages not only us but our children alike. You can set a great example while working on yourself!

Celebrate
Yes, as mothers we are loving, nurturing, selfless creatures, and that is great. However, we tend to diminish our light as we tell ourselves that others should always come first. We multitask like queens but never put that crown on. There are so many days we look back on and think “I could have done more” or “I should have done better.” If you battled weekend shoppers at your local bulk grocery store, celebrate with a glass of wine afterward. Tell your kids about your accomplishments too because you are raising them, and they are your world. I am guilty of rarely doing this, and I am always pleasantly surprised when I do. My brood celebrates me as I should be doing for myself. Love yourself as others do!

Reconnect
Reconnecting is a challenging one, I know, but making time for your socialization is key to your health. We make excuses and say things like, “there just aren’t enough hours in the day” instead of attempting to get out of the house kid or partner-free. Take the time. Enjoy the time. Make it your time and do not fit it in around all your other responsibilities. Stop counting hanging out with a friend as talking to another mom at cub scouts. Make plans with people you work with or friends or family members you like to hang out with. Meet for a coffee, see a movie, or have a nice dinner out with your inner circle. They had missed you and remind you of who you were before you became a Mom. She is still in there, and she might be dying to get out.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you amazing, smart, strong, women who are raising the next generation! I am a proud member of your tribe.

About Sylvie Griffiths:

Sylvie is a happily married mother of four who enjoys writing, people and chocolate.

She is an Evaluation Associate and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Healthcare-Adult Community Concentration, from the University of South Florida. She holds more than ten years of experience in performance assessment and behavioral health services and is currently enrolled as an MBA student at Springfield College, School of Professional and Continuing Studies.