We all know of moms who do so much for their children, their husband and everyone else, but are rundown themselves. If you’re one of those mothers, this article is for you.
Mother’s Day is just one day a year, but on the other 364, you should celebrate and love yourself, no matter who is or isn’t providing the positive feedback in your life. Many moms feel like they can’t do for themselves because of all their responsibilities to others, but when you run yourself down, are you truly present for those you love?
Here are five ways you can celebrate yourself. And if no one else told you, here’s wishing you and all the world’s mothers a very happy and healthy Mother’s Day!
BUY YOURSELF FLOWERS.
Maybe the man you loved left you high and dry with kids to raise, or the man you’re with isn’t that romantic. Ladies, you don’t need a man to buy you flowers. Fresh flowers are like accessories for your home, no matter how humble. Buy them for yourself, and get creative with arrangements (Baby’s breath – out; bud vases and non-traditional containers are in). Keep flowers in every room in your house so that when you come home, you have something cheerful to greet you. If budget is an issue, by dollar-store bud vases that hold a single flower and scatter them around your home. Flowers are a great gift – to yourself.
TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.
Busy moms are almost always overextended and rarely have time alone just to think or breathe. But if you can, find that time. It could be a few minutes in the car listening to your favorite music when you pull into the driveway, or taking a bath with a locked door and an iPod while your older children watch out for the youngest ones. Maybe it’s taking time to journal or scrapbook or just to take a walk – whatever brings you peace in the midst of all your responsibilities. Make some time to replenish yourself for the ones you love. That will better help you provide them with the quality of love and care you want to give.
GET IN GOOD PHYSICAL SHAPE.
If you find yourself snapping at the kids and your significant other all the time or you’ve gone from exhaustion to depression, and your clothes seem to be shrinking rapidly – and it ain’t the dry cleaner, it may be time to invest in a gym membership or choose a workout. Not only can it help you lose weight, but it can also improve your mood and disposition.
Find a workout that you like either at the gym or at home. It could be African dance, Zumba, spin class, yoga or step. Walking is great, and it’s free and requires no gym or special equipment. The key is to get moving at least three times a week and see how much better you feel.
GET IN GOOD MENTAL SHAPE.
If you’re a single mother, divorced, in a challenging marriage or relationship or have past traumas that are playing out in your life, seek professional help. A lot of health insurers include mental health as part of coverage. If you know you are struggling to get through the days or nights, and it’s starting to impact your family or if you’re drinking or smoking too much, seek help.
Yes, it’s great to …..
AFFIRM YOUR WORTH.
You, my sistah, are worth it. If that means you need to buy those shoes, do it. If you need to plan that trip, do it. If you need a break, say so. Many times, mothers put everyone else first, but putting yourself first is something you need to do sometimes. Stop dressing like a schlump, and buy some new clothes because you’re worth it. Get your hair done. You’re worth it. Say “No” when people – including your family – make unreasonable demands on your time or your wallet. Don’t allow a bad relationship, the troubles of your children or the mistakes you’ve made in the past challenge your self-esteem. Pray and affirm at the same time. Replace negative thoughts with new thoughts. Don’t feel guilty about taking time for you, and most of all, when no one else loves you, is making you feel good or affirming you, do it for yourself. Be your own lover.
