Hey good mommas. I’m writing this as laundry load three tumbles in the dryer, morning coffee is brewing for my caffeine-addicts, and the husband is getting ready for work.

My body is drained from being on night shifts this week plus having two kids home from school with a flu-bug. It’s been “one of those” weeks, both challenging and exhausting; as my five-year-old says, I have turned into “grumpy mommy.”

This Mommy Needs a Time Out! Self-care is calling my name loud and clear!

Why making self-care a priority makes better parents

Sigh….. She’s not wrong though. I admit I have been less than loving at times this week. After devoting my energy to patients at work, then patients at home, my patience has left the darn building!

Which is why, today, my kids are uber grateful I’m taking a mommy time out to get in some much-needed self-care. And, honestly, it’s well overdue.

It’s time for me to put some juice back in my batteries and take care of the only mother my kids have. I know how important self-care is to my family and me, so I share these words in the hopes that other mothers will prescribe themselves a time out too. Maybe even before the family becomes frightened of “grumpy mommy”!

I’ll throw an easy dinner in the crock pot and practice what I preach … taking care of me!

Self Care For Mom. What is it? Why do we do it? What does it cost?

What is it? Simply put, self-care is the time when you can focus entirely on yourself. As a mom, that might sound unrealistic, but I’m here to tell you it IS possible. And, that self-care is an essential key to maintaining good mental health. Taking care of our sanity is just as important as taking care of our teeth!

Why do we do it? Self-care is for our kids. Wait! What? Self-care is for our kids??? Well, yes. And no. It is for us, but when we do something good for ourselves, the results are also good for our kids.

Personally, I know I can’t be the giving, loving, present parent, -that I know my children deserve- if I’m constantly in “mombie” mode. So, I engage in self-care, known in my home as “mommy time outs” so I can be the mom I want for my kids.

What does it cost? Self-care does not mean costly trips to the spa, although, if it’s in the budget then go for it!

While indulging yourself in expensive treatments is lovely, don’t only choose self-care options that come with a hefty price tag. There are many ways to recharge your spirit without using your charge card.

Keep your fave tea stocked and take 15 minutes alone every day to enjoy a cup. Quiet Yoga before bed. Extra long showers are good too. The important thing is to find what works for you and leaves you refreshed.

My time out today is a bit more than my usual ten minutes of respite and deep-breathing. Today’s time out is a rare afternoon of indulgences. First, a lunch date with the husband. Then, a walk with the dog at my fave spot; followed by an actual, at the spa, PEDICURE.

So, go on good mommas! Take a time out! Take yourself away from your family until “grumpy mommy” goes back to wherever it is she came from.