Okay, mamas. You survived the Christmas cray-cray. I’m amazed you’re even looking at your computer today—but maybe it’s the much-deserved break after all the shopping, wrapping, cooking, assembling toys, and all the general amazingness you are and do over the holidays. I’m glad you’re here!
Now it’s time for you. Yes, you. And yes, this post is about the ever-elusive topic of self-care. I don’t have to remind you that self-care is important. Judging by how tired you probably feel right now, you already know how important it is!
I recently wrote a book called Beyond Burnout: What to Do When Your Work Isn’t Working for You. It will be published in late summer 2020 (Harvest House Publishers), and it has a lot of advice for how to set boundaries and heal from burnout amidst a busy schedule. I’d say that being a mama, which involves managing humans and a household plus working a job or engaging in hobbies, would constitute for a busy schedule! To thank you for being a regular reader of The Christian Mommy, I’m going to give you a sneak peek at Beyond Burnout right now.
The place to start? Define self-care. Self-care means something different to you than it does to me. It should not be indulgence, but rather activities that support your health and wellness. What are those activities? Take a few minutes right now to think about a few. Perhaps self-care means scheduling your annual exam (ugh) or spending a weekend organizing your kitchen drawers so that mornings are more efficient. Activities that restore your energy—such as girlfriend nights or a date with your sweetie.
Self-care is not indulgence, but rather engaging in activities that support your health and wellness.
Next, get out your day planner and write in your self-care activities for the month ahead. Use a color code to mean that these activities are non-negotiable. They cannot be moved or changed, with the exception of a major emergency. Doing so psychologically denotes their importance, which helps you be accountable to yourself to honor them.
Finally, do them. Honor your commitment to yourself. I know that as a mama, self-care is hard. We have a natural pull to take care of everyone else before we take care of ourselves. But what if you could change your perspective? What if care was a gift for everyone, including you? When you are your best self, with your needs cared for, your children and family are naturally going to be taken care of. That’s part of the mama-CEO job description!
I love this verse in 3John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.” Even though it is the Apostle John writing this letter, the message is clear. Mama, you are beloved. Wishes for good health—and the practice of good health—nourishes your soul. Your soul is connected to God; when you nourish your soul, you connect more deeply with God. Self-care isn’t selfish. It is a manifestation of your faith and love for your Creator. It’s the gift for you—the one that wasn’t under the tree—but one you will benefit from all year long.
Self-care isn’t selfish. It’s a manifestation of your faith and love for your Creator.
What is one new thing you will do for self-care in 2020? Take a moment and post an answer below!
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