We read countless books on the subject of parenting. We try to prepare the most nutritious foods. We comfort, play, and teach. We schedule activities. We put aside money in RESPs.
We endlessly discuss choices, ideas, and ways to improve the lives of our children.
This just might be the best time in history to be a child. And that is a pretty wonderful thing.
But let's not forget, that as parents, we too are children of this vast universe. And we need to be cared for with the same love and generosity.
It's a gift that you have to give to yourself over and over, in order to be the best possible version of that incomparable you.
It's a gift that you have to give to yourself over and over, in order to be the best possible version of that incomparable you.
In my experience, these 4 things have made the most positive and lasting contribution to my happiness.
They take time and consistent effort, but without them, I become irritable, exhausted, and impatient. With them, I am a source of energy, compassion, and creativity. Which would you like to be?
They take time and consistent effort, but without them, I become irritable, exhausted, and impatient. With them, I am a source of energy, compassion, and creativity. Which would you like to be?
1) MEDITATION:
Did you know the average person has approximately 40,000 thoughts per day. Our minds are constantly racing, attempting to arrange the pieces of this never-ending puzzle we call life. We need relief from this deluge.
Meditation can be as simple as reading a book intently, weeding your garden, or repeating a sanskrit phrase for 10 minutes. Whatever form you choose, allow yourself a small space each day where you are more than just a series of thoughts. Allow yourself to just be in the moment.
If you're unsure where to start, I found The Chopra Center's 21 Day Meditation challenge to be a pretty life altering introduction to meditation. After a few days, I began to crave that time where I could be free from my meandering, somewhat anxious thoughts, and feel profoundly grounded.
2) SLEEP
Yes Sleep. It's a biggie. A chronic lack of sufficient sleep has been associated with: high blood pressure, diabetes, decrease in sex drive, decrease in long-term memory, increase in obesity, increase in depression and anxiety, and much, much more. (1)
We may not be able to get our perfect 8 hours a night every night, because let's face it, occasionally our children need us during those precious sleeping hours.But, we can avoid staying up late trying to catch up on things we think we should do. Laundry. Dishes. The latest episode of Sunny. Whatever it is, ask yourself if it can wait until tomorrow. For the sake of your health.
Yes Sleep. It's a biggie. A chronic lack of sufficient sleep has been associated with: high blood pressure, diabetes, decrease in sex drive, decrease in long-term memory, increase in obesity, increase in depression and anxiety, and much, much more. (1)
We may not be able to get our perfect 8 hours a night every night, because let's face it, occasionally our children need us during those precious sleeping hours.But, we can avoid staying up late trying to catch up on things we think we should do. Laundry. Dishes. The latest episode of Sunny. Whatever it is, ask yourself if it can wait until tomorrow. For the sake of your health.
3) PERSONAL CARE:
Now, I have a fairly relaxed approach to style and fashion. I rarely wear makeup. But I very much admire (and secretly long to be) a well-put together woman.
I read recently that you should wash your hair the day before you really need to, and that has seriously (and sadly) stuck with me. I always feel kind of amazing after I put in the effort to wash and style my hair. But, the prospect of doing so always makes me put it off for another day when I have more time.
But time, my friends, is very elusive.
I read recently that you should wash your hair the day before you really need to, and that has seriously (and sadly) stuck with me. I always feel kind of amazing after I put in the effort to wash and style my hair. But, the prospect of doing so always makes me put it off for another day when I have more time.
But time, my friends, is very elusive.
So, I urge you to seize the day and take that extra time to do whatever it is that makes you feel kind of amazing. Isn't it so much nicer to look in the mirror and say "Wow!" instead of "Whoa!". Think about it.
4) EXERCISE:
This one is a win win.
When you exercise, you, a) feel more energetic and b) are healthier, and therefore, look better!
I know the list of reasons why you don't have time to work out is long...but...the benefits are so extraordinary that you've got to dismiss the list! The dishes can wait. So can the laundry. Your health comes first.
A recent study has proposed that exercising for as little as 15 minutes a day can increase your life expectancy by three years! (2) Exercising has also proven to improve your mood, sex drive, and sleep, as well as prevent and manage a vast range of health problems.(3)
As mother's, we need our energy levels to be at maximum, and the ONLY way to do that is to be active (and of course, sleep). My cousin once said, "the hardest part of working out is putting on your shoes." And it's true.
Once you get those shoes on and commit to your workout, it's all downhill! The energy you receive from expending energy (sounds counterintuitive) is its own reward.
You may have to experiment a little to find out what kind of a schedule and practise work for you. I, for instance, am having a love affair with an at-home yoga practise from my online gaia subscription.
I only workout for 20-30 minutes but I choose programs that make every minute count. I also do an awesome dance class once a week (taught by my amazing friend!) and that brings me so much joy!
Maybe you like to sweat it out on the treadmill or shake your butt in Zumba. Whatever works for you is what works! Don't get too caught up by what you should do or how much time you should work out. It has to fit into your regular life or you won't do it. And you must do it!
This one is a win win.
When you exercise, you, a) feel more energetic and b) are healthier, and therefore, look better!
I know the list of reasons why you don't have time to work out is long...but...the benefits are so extraordinary that you've got to dismiss the list! The dishes can wait. So can the laundry. Your health comes first.
A recent study has proposed that exercising for as little as 15 minutes a day can increase your life expectancy by three years! (2) Exercising has also proven to improve your mood, sex drive, and sleep, as well as prevent and manage a vast range of health problems.(3)
As mother's, we need our energy levels to be at maximum, and the ONLY way to do that is to be active (and of course, sleep). My cousin once said, "the hardest part of working out is putting on your shoes." And it's true.
Once you get those shoes on and commit to your workout, it's all downhill! The energy you receive from expending energy (sounds counterintuitive) is its own reward.
You may have to experiment a little to find out what kind of a schedule and practise work for you. I, for instance, am having a love affair with an at-home yoga practise from my online gaia subscription.
I only workout for 20-30 minutes but I choose programs that make every minute count. I also do an awesome dance class once a week (taught by my amazing friend!) and that brings me so much joy!
Maybe you like to sweat it out on the treadmill or shake your butt in Zumba. Whatever works for you is what works! Don't get too caught up by what you should do or how much time you should work out. It has to fit into your regular life or you won't do it. And you must do it!
Remember, it's a lot easier to give when you have a reserve to draw from. So make sure your inner well is always full. Your children will thank you for it!
Sources:
Sources:
(1) http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/10-results-sleep-loss
(2) /lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2811%2960749-6/abstract
(3)http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/exercise/HQ01676
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