Self care. It’s a bit of a buzz word at the moment, but I am a big fan! You want someone to tell you that whatever you’re planning for YOU is a good idea? I am your girl! I am all for it! It is so important - especially for mums. The people who keep the wheels turning and look after everyone. If it’s a weekend away, a coffee by the water, yoga, a night out with the girls, a walk, a bubble bath with wine and candles, playing sport, doing the groceries on your own, sneaking chocolate from the high cupboard, turning the music up in the car on the way to school pickup, or peeing with the door closed - we all need a moment, or seven, to switch off and gather ourselves.
Whatever it looks like, we all do what we can to ensure our cup is full and we are fresh and able to be the best version of ourselves for our little people. And mostly this works. But what happens during those times in our lives when life is incredibly overwhelming and everything is just hard? The mum guilt is real, the house is a bomb, the tiny people are emotional, you are snappy, the husband is stressed, everyone is exhausted, and the brain fog will just not clear.
Having just (very poorly) navigated my way through one such week, I thought I would share with you what my self care looks like when I am in survival mode because everything is topsy turvy and my world has turned to 💩
E A T
Regularly. You won’t feel like it but your body needs fuel to function. And your little people need you functioning. At a level slightly higher than zombie. I find light, fresh foods are best but whatever makes you feel good. Just eat.
And drink water. It helps with the brain fog...
S L E E P
This is SO hard but sleep deprivation makes you crazy. I find that a sleepy tea and guided mediation / quiet music before bed helps. Cuddles with little people also help. I try to avoid (often unsuccessfully) getting stuck on the couch mindlessly scrolling social media / watching trashy television for too long and aim for a reasonable bedtime, if an early bedtime is not possible. Sleep is hard enough when stress and anxiety are at the helm, so darkness and calm are your friends.
T A L K
Find your tribe. Surround yourself with people who allow you to be raw and vulnerable, yet leave you feeling strong and capable. Who are kind and gentle and wrap you in love. We have a rule in our house - if something is bothering us, worrying us, stressing us out - we are to say it out loud. No matter what time of day or night, just put it out there. It always sounds way less dramatic and much more manageable once it’s out in the open and discussed with your safe person. Talking through any situation always helps.
S U N S H I N E
Go outside. Walk the block. Have a coffee in the sun. Take a deep breath of fresh air. Never underestimate the effects of the wind in your hair, sunshine on your face and taking a moment to truly admire and appreciate the beauty in our world. Not only is it good for you, it can also reenergize you for whatever is up next.
B E K I N D
To yourself, and to others. But mostly yourself. I am my own harshest critic - and when things get tough, the harsher I am. But remember you are doing the best you can with what you know in this moment. All of your decisions are made with love and with the best of intentions. Regardless of why you’re suddenly in survival mode - you got this mama xx
Pam is one of our regular blogging mummas and you can find her on Instagram as @twobowsandtheirbeau.
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