As busy Moms we might start off feeling energized in the morning but before we know it you are plopped down on the couch, exhausted and have no idea where the day went! You probably have a to-do list but are you anywhere on it? Of course we could all use a personal assistant, a nanny, a chauffeur, but what if the key to a more productive and rewarding day was actually taking care of you?
There is a widely held misconception about putting yourself on the to-do list that it is a bit, you know, self-absorbed. But if you really think about it, why is it important? Maybe it would help if you think about it this way; you know when they do that announcement on the plane to put your own mask on first before helping others…how can you be any good for anyone else if you aren’t taken care of? Among the many repercussions of not taking time for you are; feeling down, depleted, depressed and less motivated. As a result many Americans are taking pills, overeating, and drinking alcohol, to suppress the pain of their depleted spirits.
The cure for all of this could simply be pleasure and not suppression. By working more things into your daily life that bring your authentic self true pleasure you can recharge your spirit to accomplish more personally and professionally.
One of the things I do with the people I coach individually or in my workshops is to have them write down the top 10 things they love to do. Don’t feel bad if you can’t think of 10, or even 1, many people I work with have lost touch with what they love to do. Instead of letting this be yet another source of stress, start by thinking about what you would be doing if you could or things you used to love to do.
It could be little things like:
1. Spend time with my children laughing and playing
2. Date night with my husband
3. Bubble baths
4. Fine dining
5. Dinner parties with my closest friends
6. Lunch with girlfriends ~oh so good for the soul!
7. Watching my kids play sports or perform in a play (I cry with pride every time)
8. Taking 30 minutes to read a book
9. Fishing
10. Walking on the beach
If you take a look at your to-do list and you couldn’t possibly fit another thing on it, then maybe it’s time to take something off! I know, you’re thinking, “Easier said than done!” If give yourself just a few minutes a day, at least a few days a week, you could be saying, “Everything is done, easier!”
