Tis the season… to (continue) running on empty! The month of December is fast upon us. I think most of us can relate - the calendar is already full, our to-do list’s are overflowing, the littles are full of excitement, and our minds have 8 different tabs open - 5 of which are still loading, 2 are frozen, and 1 is on a loop of Dominick the Donkey (hehaw hehaw). Someone please send help!
Although there ain't no hood like motherhood, it is important for us to take care of ourselves. I've got you covered with a few tips below to help slow down and put some pep back in your (exhausted) step! Self-care is a must. You're gonna hear me stress it a few times here, schedule these things and stick with it. It will all get easier as you go along. After all "excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." -Aristotle
Spend time with God. Isaiah 26:3
Spending time with God forces you to do a heart check and stay positive. Do things that are going to make you the best version of yourself that you can be. Listen to positive music, read positive things ( the word of God), surround yourselves with good people, and practice filling your mind with things from above. By spending time with God and focusing on soul-matters, we put less of a priority on self-matters.
Take time to eat - and eat nourishing food. 1 Corinthians 10:31
We are what we eat… I guess that makes me a large chick-fil-a fry. Most of the time, I run out the door with my littles, forgetting to feed or hydrate myself. I’m a superhero and superheroes don't need sustenance. Unfortunately, this just isn't reality. I can’t even stretch the truth on this one - what you eat makes a huge difference. Try meal planning once a week. I promise, once you start scheduling it on the calendar, it becomes routine. Pre-pack healthy snacks, buy food that you can pronounce the ingredients in and know where it comes from, avoid sugars, and make sure you are getting greens. Your body will thank you by making you feel better, helping you feel energized, and you’ll be proud of yourself for sticking to a hearty diet.
Take time to exercise. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
I know, I’m the worst. Rules rules rules. But again, once you get into a rhythm of scheduling time to take care of yourself, you get used to arranging your schedule in a way that allows you to continue doing what's best for you. Exercise looks different for each of us, and I’m certainly not one to run a race, or even a mile for that matter. For me, I’ve scheduled time to walk for 15-20 minutes a day and another 10 minutes to do light arm resistance. I feel so calm after clearing my mind and taking care of my body.
Put your face on….or whatever makes you feel like your best self. 1 Peter 3:4
God made me beautiful, inside and out. Sometimes, I need to show that by having my face match my heart. In order to do that, I like to feel put together. If I feel "together," I do more. My secret weapon is my mascara. I’ve made it a habit to glam up my lashes after brushing my teeth. Two simple swipes, and I'm ready to conquer whatever the devil throws at me that day. Even when I’m rocking my favorite sweatpants or just wearing my christmas jammies, l feel unstoppable. Do at least one thing a day that makes you feel like the best version of you!
Find Solitude. Mark 1:35
Everyday at naptime, my toddler fails to comply with quiet time in his room. He always finds some reason to come out and investigate what I’m doing. Just like him, I too possess a rebel spirit when it comes to my own quiet time. With so many tabs open, and so many things to do, I forget to just “be." I have, though, been intentional about not wearing headphones while I work out, but I also have a quiet gym. I have found a special embrace in the ability to clear my head with no extra noise. Try quieting your noise (whatever it may be), listen to your breathing, and see how it feels to be back in touch with your body. There are many times in the bible when we see Jesus intentionally seek isolation, be it to think about making a big decision, or if He wanted to pray, or whether he was upset and needed to process His emotions. Embrace the quiet!
Practice giving thanks. Colossians 3:15
Especially at Christmas time, we tend to get so caught up in ABC, we get frustrated when XYZ doesn’t go according to plan. I catch myself doing it; I can be trying to put up the Christmas lights and I get frustrated at my kids for touching the blow up decorations, for example. I have to pause and be grateful for so many reasons. (1) we have lights (2) my kids are healthy enough to be curious and also be outside (3) we have a house, etc. Let your kids be kids and don't let your attitude be the reason Christmas loses its magic. Also, remind yourself that Christmas isn't about the presents but the presence. Especially in our current economy, so many are struggling to survive and can't afford the newest trend. Instead, give thanks in the simple ways; call that person you’ve been meaning to call, see ALL of your family and be happy about it. Spend time with each other. That thing that someone is dying to have will be discarded in a few weeks, so spend time making memories. Tomorrow isn't promised, be grateful for today!
Breathe in, breathe out. Yes, the kids are still banging on the bathroom door. Breathe in, breathe out. Remind yourself that it is all gonna be okay. You mean so much to so many, mama, so take care of yourself.
Cover Photo David Lezcano on Unsplash
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