Being a mum is hard. Being a mum with burnout is harder. When you constantly feel exhausted, irritable and isolated, then this is a clear sign that you need to prioritise yourself! Say hello to self care – a non negotiable part of your daily regime that is necessary to move you out of the burnout zone. Although an all expenses paid trip to a health resort would be amazing, here are some more affordable and easy to implement options:
1) Walk barefoot on the grass – This simple technique is often called earthing or grounding for very good reason. It has the ability to connect you with yourself. Do this as often as you can, but for a minimum of 10 minutes a day. Obviously this is more appealing in the warmer months, but a quick session on cold wintery day can do wonders too.
2) Hang out in nature – Whether you’re drawn to the the trees, the beach, a forest, the hills, botanical gardens, rose farms or water of any kind, nature is essential to filling up your soul cup. The great part about this is that even if you have kids in tow, you’ll still feel invigorated after a forest bathing session. Nature decreases stress and floods you with happy hormones. Camping anyone?
3) Find something that you love to do and DO IT – If you used to LOVE yoga, but stopped since having kids, enrol in a class stat. Obviously if yoga isn’t your jam, then find something that is. The gym, knitting, baking, cycling, reading, country drives, dancing, netball. Whatever it is that makes you happy. Do more of that.
4) Negotiate me-time – It took me a long time to ask for extra babysitting favours as I thought I could and should do it all. This is one of the fastest ways to get an express ticket to the burnout zone. Use this time to do something special just for you – whether its catching up on netflix, reading a book or simply having a HOT cup of tea (the holy grail of mum’s life).
5) Relaxation bath – Remember those? To notch it up a jazz, add candles, epsom salts and a couple of drops of lavender oil. You’ll feel like a new person, I promise (just remember to lock the door first).
6) Catch up with a friend for coffee or wine- Make this a priority and set a regular date, because it becomes all too easy to let time slide, especially with kids and their various schedules in the mix. Hanging out with those who lift and inspire you can create magic in your heart and soul.
7) Incorporate exercise into your day – Not just for the physical benefits, exercise can do wonders for your mental heath too. But whatever you choose, make sure you love it. There’s no point in slogging it out at the gym because you feel like you have to when you hate every minute. I’m a morning walk kind of girl. This is the best way for me to clear the head and gain extra mum power for the day ahead.
8) Social media boundaries – I’m the first to admit that I’ve let social media seep into every waking hour of my life. This is a sure fire way to up the anxiety ante as comparitinitis sets in and you wonder how is it that all these mums seem to be doing so much better than you. Throw some boundaries in such as creating time limits, no social media before bed or even a weekly detox from time to time. You will feel amazing afterwards, guaranteed.
9) Journalling – Writing can be deeply cathartic, especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed with the constant demands of life. Its a tough gig this motherhood thing, and sometimes it helps to put those thoughts to paper
10) Art therapy – I can’t draw but I love to colour! You probably have a billion crayons or coloured pencils lying around anyway. Crank up the music and channel your inner picasso. Wine optional.