We can't deny that we are all living under some very challenging circumstances in the world! It is very imperative to take care of ourselves and unload some stress from time to time to prevent burnout.

What is Self Care?

"Self-care is the key to living a balanced life. Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health." Read more here: https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2016/08/10/what-self-care-is-and-what-it-isnt-2/

Why is self care important, you might ask, one of them is "It’s the only way we can take care of others." Isn't that so true? More details: https://www.success.com/blog/8-reasons-self-care-isnt-selfish​​

Self-Compassion I had fallen back on my planned dates to send out this email. I had to lean on some self-compassion, let go and forgive myself. I get ambitious and set dates and forget that I also have a 24/7/365 job of running a home and being Mom to my fast-growing kids. https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2016/05/why-self-compassion-works-better-than-self-esteem/481473/

Boundaries/saying no

Have you wondered how our calendars and to-do lists fill up so fast? I would accept every request/responsibility that would come my way but have slowly learned over time to feel comfortable saying a tactful no without feeling guilty. Read about the fine art here:

https://www.mindful.org/the-power-of-no/

And how mentally draining our responsibilities, as women and homemakers, in this generation, can be? Do read this eye opener about it:

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/home/interiors/the-mental-load-is-burning-women-out/news-story/3ba7224a3a7db39a61fbdf096fff7465

Did you catch the point about lowering our standards? Wanting a spotless kitchen before bedtime was hurting my back anyways. Have to pick my battles and not expect perfection!

Delegating using family meetings has worked for us:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/on-parenting/the-simple-but-critical-function-of-family-meetings-to-listen/2017/09/26/10609242-9e2e-11e7-9c8d-cf053ff30921_story.html?utm_term=.02a292ceb093

Change takes time and is definitely tough but impertinent else we will be stuck in the same place where the problems arise. When you feel like you are falling back on your old habits, taking a pause to reflect is a proven strategy.

In the end, doing something fun is a big must have, read how pursuing your hobbies is such a necessity. https://www.mindful.org/something-creative-can-boost-well/

Some days, when nothing seems to be going right, I have given myself permission to watch some TV /movies. 8PM Frasier reruns anyone :)

Festivals are a great reminder how to have fun!

https://www.worthyjourneys.com/single-post/2016/09/21/Take-5-from-Fall-Festival-Fun

Wishing everyone the most wonderful festival season filled with food, fun and friends!