As we get ready to send our kids back to school, I thought it may be a good time to set some resolutions for ourselves. It is just as good a time as January to think about what we can do and what we can give up. There is a lot to mentally prepare for and be ready to tackle a new school year.
I hope you find these ideas helpful.
- Turn off the tech.
Set some limits for yourself, even if it a small one. No phone for n hour a day may be what you choose and that is ok. Maybe you will choose not to have the TV on while you are home alone. Anything that will disconnect you from being “on” and help you be present. I have tried this for the last few months, small steps, but it is helping.
2. Forgive Yourself
You are not perfect and you do not need to be perfect! If something falls through the cracks or you did not get all on your list completed, it is ok! There is always tomorrow.
3. Say No / Set Limits
It is ok to say no. Be selective with what you agree to take on or commit to.
4. Self Care
Don’t forget to schedule your doctor appointments. We always set our kids appointments, help to be sure our partners have their appointments set as well, but we are last on the list. Not only doctor, schedule your hair and any other that brings you joy. A friend suggested to me that I always make my appointment for hair when I leave the last one, that way it is already done!
5. Have An Outlet For You
This can be anything you enjoy, including doing nothing. For me, it has been reading and walking. I fit it in based on the day I have set, but it gets done, just like everything else I “have” to do. Start small and schedule it!
The overall theme here seems to be to allow some time to take care of you. To remember how important it is for you to feel good and be clear enough to tackle each day with your kids. I think it is as crucial to our family that in order to be a caregiver we need to be taken care of too.
I am here to remind you, and myself, that we deserve just that!