What's Your Self-Care Strategy?

Stress, sleep deprivation, fatigue, frustration and that feeling of being overwhelmed. Shall I go on? 

We're working moms! We have responsibilities at home and the office. We've become pretty accustomed to trying to manage the load and then maybe, just maybe we find time for ourselves.

Self-care simply means to take care of you, even when you are taking care of others.

What's Your Self-Care Strategy?

Do you have one?

"Strategy" sounds like a major undertaking. It's really not when you incorporate the little things that contribute to your self-care along the way. It doesn't matter if you are a working mom, stay-at-home mom or part-timer. "Baby steps" will help you (and me!) include even the smallest self-care actions into the weekly grind. Pardon the "baby steps" pun!

Let's strategize with 4 easy steps...

1) Nourish Your Soul
Think of something you enjoy doing. Think of your needs and then put it to action by adding it into this week's calendar. Just a ten minute break will make a difference. There's no time like the present!

2) Stress Busting Rather Than Belt Busting
Hate to tell you this... it has to be said! All that extra stress we carry around can also contribute to the bulging waistline, the muffin top and the lingering baby weight. Ouch. I know, it was hard for me to type this out, too.

All is not lost though. Exercise is a great stress reducer and has so many physical benefits. Quick stress reducers with an immediate effect include 1) deep breathing exercises, 2) calming music 3) drink a lot of water 4) go for a walk and 5) get the posture in check and sit up!

3) Share The Load
Leave Supermom at the door! Who can help lighten the load at work or home?

And, don't forget by sharing the load you can also include medical appointments, the dentist or even a spa day into the program. Ok, the medical and dentists appointments may not be as fun as a spa day, but they are very important "must-do" items to stay healthy!

4) Practice The Positive Push-ups
Self-care also includes how we view situations, our response to things that pop up in our lives and our internal dialogue. Evaluate the positive aspects in your life and practice self-admiration in order to give away the self-doubt. I am practicing every day... 

Start out with one or two "baby steps" a day and your self-care strategy will become a part of the everyday adventure!

Tell us! How do incorporate self-care into the busy schedule?

This blog post was written by Stephanie Lema for WorkingMom.com.