Self Care for The Back-to-School Season

The time of year has come when the kids are back in school. While it may seem like there should be less worries for moms now that children are in the classroom, that is not necessarily the case. Calls from school, homework woes, bedtime angst –with all that stress, we moms tend to put ourselves last.

If we want to continue to help our kids to be the best they can be, we need to slow down or we can burn out. Take a few moments out of your day while the children are at school for yourself. If you don’t, you will find yourself running on empty when your kids need you most.

Here are five things you should do regularly to recharge:

1. Eat better.
A lot of us with children on restricted diets spend time and effort creating safe meals for them, but resort to fast food for ourselves. It’s time to start eating better – and that doesn’t mean eating bad-tasting food! For example, make a green kale smoothie with strawberries, almond milk, and flax seed. This delicious powerhouse is chockfull of nutrients and tastes good, too.  Take stock of which fruits, veggies and health foods you love and work them into your diet, and you’ll probably start to feel more energized.

2. Take supplements.
Last year, I was feeling down and out for no reason. A friend told me it might be a vitamin deficiency. So, I put myself on a high quality daily supplement for women. I noticed a big difference in how I felt right away. If you are not getting enough vitamins and minerals in your food, find a good, complete supplement or research a specific vitamin for what you might be missing. Check with your doctor for advice.

3. Get moving.
I can’t stand crunches and push-ups, but I love dancing and Zumba. Also, walking really charges my creativity. Don’t make “working out” a thing you must do. Make it a time to re-energize yourself. Find a physical activity that you enjoy and pursue it passionately – swimming, bike riding, roller skating. There’s no rule that says you can’t have fun while you get fit and it’s a healthy way to take time out for yourself.

4. Treat yourself.
I know that budgets are tight, but indulging in a latte and a muffin at the bakery from time to time can provide a welcome respite. You can get a cost-effective manicure, pedicure or beauty treatment through deal-of-the-day websites such as Groupon or researching special promotions, or finding a local cosmetology school to get it done for much less. Browse a bookstore; visit an art museum; enjoy a nature trail; even take yourself to the zoo! Making a fun “date” with yourself will not only reduce stress, but it will stimulate new ideas about how to take on some of your everyday challenges.

5. Take a break with a friend.
Sometimes you just need an adult to talk to. Grab a quick lunch break with a friend every now and then. It will go a long way to keeping you happy and healthy. And while it’s great to connect with other moms, it’s also great to spend time with a friend who does not have kids and enjoy a conversation that doesn’t involve how Johnny’s doing in school!

A little “me” time will go a long way to easing your stress, recharging your batteries and being more fully available for your kids. Share how you plan to refresh!