Finding Self-Care and Balance

Balance, wellness, and self-care are terms as Moms that we hear so often on social media and from our peers. I don’t know how you feel sometimes, but I feel that self-care is something that I add to my super long to-do list. But what does it actually mean for me? How do I do authentic self-care when I am looking at it as an item to be checked off?

Looking back on when I became a Mom, I was so overwhelmed and anxious. I didn’t realize it at the time, but feeling the way I do now I realize how much I struggled back then. My husband always urged me to go take some time for myself. So, I would go to a workout class or run errands or go shopping for my kids. I love working out, but shopping and errands definitely did not fill my cup. Looking back, I should have taken more moments to walk in nature, sit on a bench, and read. I think this would have centered me and the true rest I needed.

My girls are now both in scheduled care- preschool and kindergarten. So, I now have the odd day where they are in school and I’m off work. During these times, I am more intentional about carving out time to do relaxing things. Such as a simple walk, sit and read with a cup of tea, or be creative by writing this blog. Taking even 30min to 1 hour of strict “me-time” really helps me keep my perspective and be present with my kids. 

It doesn’t happen every day, but even taking the time every other day has made a huge difference for me in my perspective. I was listening to a podcast on the Good Life Project, and what really stuck with me about this episode was a phrase “dare to be unproductive” (by Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, Jan 5 2025 episode), essentially saying that you don’t need to be working on your to-do list all the time, taking a break and daring to do something unproductive is so great for your mental health and helps you be productive in other areas of your life. I think this is a powerful and necessary as we are all so busy in our day to day lives, that these “unproductive” breaks are crucial for our mental and physical health. 

So, I would say that I find balance and mental well-being by being intentional and consistent about scheduling "me-time". My husband and I work together to both have our separate "me-time" and having that support has been huge for me in finding balance. As my close friend once told me "you can't fill up your kids' cups if yours is empty". It is so true, so give yourself permission to take time for yourself!

Walking with my girls. Quality time is so important with them and with yourself.