Disclaimer: * This is a sponsored post *
If you all have been following along with me on Instagram, you’ll know we’ve had quite a busy summer already!
It all started when we decided we were moving. And on top of that, brought home a puppy at the end of May that we personally are training to be a therapy dog.
ALL good things of course, however, that on top of normal everyday tasks and trying to still pour into the boys as much as I can, it’s a lot.
Mamas, I know you’ve been here too. It’s one of those stressful seasons.
(Check out my other posts on how I’ve tried my best to manage my time!)
I try to remind myself daily that the puppy will not always be a puppy. That we will not always be training him. That we won’t always be in this pressure cooker of getting the house ready to sell and packing our life up.
It’s just a season.
But, in these stressful seasons it can sometimes feel almost impossible to take any time for yourself.
Stopping to take care of yourself and “regroup” is so important in life. Especially during the most stressful of times. Otherwise, you can burn out and just run clear out of steam.
I’m writing this to myself as much as to y’all. I am the worst at slowing down. I literally don’t know how to sit still!
So! Here are some great reminders to take a moment for self care even during the most stressful of seasons.
1. Feed Yourself Well
Once again, this is just as much a letter to myself!
During stressful times, I tend to go for the worst, quick and easy foods. My adrenaline is running high and, of course, those “comfort food” cravings take over!
But during these crazy seasons is when our bodies need the best fuel to keep us going.
Do your best to grab healthy food and snacks when you do get to stop and eat. Grab an apple or a handful of almonds rather than an oreo and a handful of goldfish. (I have a toddler and often eat like a toddler! It’s terrible!)
Stress can urge you to eat badly, but fight back with healthy fuel for your body.
For some of you, stress makes you lose your appetite all together.
Push yourself to stop and eat something even if it’s just a banana while you’re wandering the kitchen thinking what is next on your list. You’ll feel better and think clearer!
Drink more water! Grab those huge tumblers and keep them with you all day long. Make it a goal to refill it “X” amount of times during the day! Hydration is so important!
2. Do Your Best to Stay Active
If your plate is totally full with “life” it can be hard to find time (or want to find time) to move your body.
But just as feeding your body the right type of fuel is so important while you’re in a stressful season, so is staying active.
If you have a gym membership, make it a point to get there at least 2-3 times during the week. Even if it’s just for 20 minutes on the bike or elliptical!
If you’re in the Tennessee area and looking for a great gym option, CrossFit Solid Orange is definitely worth checking out!
Crossfit Gyms in Nashville offers Interval-Training Bootcamp, Strength and Conditioning Sessions, Olympic Weightlifting, and Personal Training.
They have a ton of amazing classes that are available basically all day so you’ll be able to find something that works for your schedule.
During stressful seasons, there are times when the gym can be hard to even get to! If that’s too much, go for a walk!
Put down your list, grab the kids and the dog and take a walk! Even if it’s only five minutes up the street and back.
Getting fresh air in your lungs and stepping away from “life” for a minute to clear your head feels so good.
You’ll come back refreshed ready to dive back in.
3. Get Rest
Sometimes during busy seasons you’re TOO active and your body doesn’t need extra movement, it needs rest and recovery.
This can be hard for those of you, like me, who don’t know how to sit still well. It’s great to stay active and be moving, but you do need to know when to put your feet up.
Find a time at least once a day to give your mind and your body a rest. Whether that’s watching a show, scrolling through your phone while the kids nap, or listening to some calming music with your eyes closed.
Just take a moment and do something to “veg out” for even 20 minutes.
I’m terrible at just “doing nothing”. But when I leave my phone in the other room and just take a few minutes to put my feet up, just like taking a walk, my brain feels calmer and ready to take on what’s next on the list.
4.Do Something That Feeds Your Soul
Ok … this one sounds a bit deep but really! It is SO easy to “lose yourself” in the project or the stress of the season.
As moms, we already struggle with losing ourselves while taking care of our sweet babes.
Be sure to not only rest, but take some time every day if not several times a week doing something that makes you feel like you!
Go grab coffee or drinks with a friend! Even a good Facetime catch up chat can put wind in your sails!
Spend a half hour doing something that YOU love! What are your hobbies?!
Go work in your garden! Paint something! Turn on some good music and crochet a throw blanket! Sculpt some pottery! Go shopping at Target! HAHA!
Whatever gift God gave you, use them! You’ll feel a bit more centered and whole.
5. Relax and Unwind
This goes along with getting some rest.
Find something that can help your body and mind relax. Have a glass of wine and read a book.
Take a candle light bath. This one sounds all romantic, but really it’s just nice to have the lights off but not be in complete darkness! If you haven’t tried it… it’s a must!
Try to do something that feels relaxing and “unwinding” like this at least once a day if not several times a week.
6. Prayer and Meditation
Lastly, if all else fails. Even if you ate alllllll the things, never put your feet up once, never took that bath…. at the end of the day, there’s still time for prayer.
This one is probably the most calming to me out of any of the rest. If you can find just 5-10 minutes during your day to turn on some soothing music or white noise (or something along those lines… you do you!), just sit and pray.
Ask for peace. Ask for guidance. Ask for wisdom and strength to finish the tasks before you.
I talk to Him about all the things that are stressful or scary. And when I’m done. They usually don’t seem so troublesome.
When I stop to take these moments, I realize I’m not praying the whole time. There are times where my mind is quiet.
I have found it’s a wonderful moment to recenter and ask the Lord to calm my spirit.
However you choose to stop and pray and/or meditate is up to you. But it is so good for the mind, body, and soul.
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Have you been able to slow down and use these self care techniques during stressful seasons? Do you have anything to add? I’d love to hear from you! Shoot me an email! Be sure to subscribe below so you don’t miss a thing as well as follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!