Why Mom's Self-Care is the Secret to a Successful School Year

As the school year kicks off, moms everywhere find themselves juggling a flurry of responsibilities, from packing lunches to managing after-school activities. Amidst this whirlwind, it's easy to forget one crucial thing—taking care of yourself. While the demands of the school year are important, prioritizing your well-being is essential for maintaining balance and being the best version of yourself for your family. In this post, we'll explore why self-care isn't just a luxury but a necessity, and how you can incorporate it into your busy routine.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Taking time for yourself is NOT selfish. Please read that sentence again. I spent most of my early motherhood believing that taking any kind of time for myself was selfish and my kids would suffer somehow if I did. Let me be the first to tell you if you haven’t heard it already, this will lead to burnout and resentment, and I know that you don’t want that. When you prioritize your well-being, you’re better equipped to handle the demands of the school year and support your family. By being mindful of your well-being, it helps you be able to show up as your best self for the people that you love. Schedule it in, find the time to fill your cup so you can then pour out into others ❤️

Setting Boundaries

Being able to set clear boundaries around your time and energy will be your biggest asset. Learning how to say no to extra commitments will help to protect your time and energy and keep you focusing on the things that matter most. It will also help lessen the chance of burnout because you’re not trying to do all the things.

I know boundaries usually have a negative association with them (trust me, I get it. This part is the hardest for me) but they are not meant to be taken that way. Protecting your time and energy is crucial in helping you care for yourself well.

Maintaining Healthy Routines

Sticking to healthy habits like regular exercise, balanced nutrition and sufficient sleep just to name a few, can be a stabilizing force for you during the busy school season. These healthy routines you set up can help you have the stamina and bandwidth in your brain to endure those longs days and helping with homework 🙃 These habits and routines that you set up for yourself are important for you and your family so think about how you can implement some if you don’t already. Your body and mind will thank you.

Seeking Support

It’s okay to ask for help. Read that sentence again too. You don’t have to put everything on your shoulders and carry the weight. Lean on your spouse, a friend, a service, someone that you can lean on to help lessen the load for you. Stress can do horrible things to the body and taking everything on and making yourself do everything will not help you show up as your best self for the people that you love. So, delegate, and allow yourself to receive help so you can do what you need to do to show up well.

Mindful Moments

Incorporating small, mindful practices into your daily life like deep breathing, reading The Word, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee can help reduce stress and help keep you grounded. And these things don’t need to happen when you’re at your wits end. Think about how you can add them to your days so that they are happening regularly. These moments can be something for you to look forward to and help get you through the busy times.

As the school year unfolds, remember that taking care of yourself is the foundation upon which you can build a successful and fulfilling season for both you and your family. By prioritizing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and incorporating small moments of mindfulness into your day, you’re not only nurturing your own well-being but also setting a powerful example for your children. Self-care isn’t an indulgence—it’s a necessity. So, take the time to recharge, refresh, and remind yourself that you deserve the same care and attention you give to everyone else.