All parents know that when the calendar fills up the first thing to be sacrificed is self care. We are programed with all the expectations of our family members and somehow the time for ourselves gets forgotten. In my case, when I get sacrifice my "me time" the whole family pays the price. My fuse is shorter, my moods are swingier, my thought process is weirder. As you can tell, I'm in that place right about now.
So what can I do? How should I react? Who should I punch? Or wait, maybe that is not the answer. Here is what I am prescribing for myself during these next hectic few weeks.
1. EXERCISE! I read once that if all the benefits of exercise were contained in pill form, we would all be taking it! And I know from experience that exercise, even just a walk around a block or two, can have a calming effect and elevate my mood.
2. Dial Down the Caffeine and Sugar: I don't need to be adding any substance in my body that is going to add to my already jittery self. When my mind says "go ahead and indulge, you need this"...I will stay strong and brew a cup of herbal tea or an icy glass of club soda mixed with a splash of fruit juice.
3. Stock Up: If I am shopping, I am going to consciously try to buy the necessities in bulk, so that running out of toilet paper or paper towels will not be an issue in the next hectic few weeks.
4. Call in Reinforcements: Have a friend or relative or babysitter come over to lend a hand if I am truly overwhelmed or need help. There is no shame in asking for help.
5. Reevaluate Expectations: Okay, maybe I need to reevaluate what I can humanly achieve in the month of May. Vegetable garden might not make the cut. Sorry Michelle Obama, I need to go brew my herbal tea.
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