Getting your groove back

ME time. Say after me, “Me time”. This is an issue that moms grapple with on a daily basis – how to get their groove back with all their daily child-centred activities.

Last week I received feedback from a reader who sent me a Facebook message asking for tips and ideas on how to manage as a single mom. I thought about it long and hard and decided to tackle this ongoing issue for moms in general.

There is no getting away from the reality that our jobs as mothers make us nurturers. We are givers, creators, and the list can go on. Many times we sacrifice our own dreams and plans just to put our children first. This is all fine and dandy in its purest form, but there is something wrong with sacrificing to the detriment of your soul.

As mothers we must find ways to learn how to support our children, but to never leave ourselves out.

Allow me to share some tips I think we as moms can follow to ensure that we strike that balance. A happy woman is a happy mom. Just think about it. When you’re on an aeroplane, what do the flight attendants tell you about the oxygen masks? They instruct you to put on your oxygen mask FIRST before helping others. What does this tell us about survival and life? Simple – if you run out of oxygen, you can’t help anyone else with their oxygen masks. This is an important metaphor for the many of us who run around taking care of everything and everyone else except ourselves.

Not taking care of yourself will definitely lead to fatigue, depression, frustration, anger, stress, burnout, eventually causing health problems, anxiety, inability to sleep, and even death. Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

Well, it is time to put your oxygen mask on first. You can do this by including the suggestions below in your daily life.

1. Just stop

Be still. In stillness you reconnect with your inner man, our Creator. Allow the Holy Spirit which dwells in you to resuscitate your weary soul. This can be done easily through exercises like prayer, and reading positive material to encourage, enlighten and inspire you to keep travelling on your journey as parents.

2. Breathe

Inhaling new breaths brings oxygen to your brain, which is essential during stressful periods. Practising breathing techniques is an easy way to reach a more positive groove. Every new breath gives you more life.

3. Clear your plate

As mothers we try to do everything. Many times this action of trying to be ‘supermom’ is subconsciously connected to us trying to feel a sense of, “Yeah, I’ve got this”, or “Look at me, I am so extraordinary.” But just get rid of things that really aren’t so important. Shift up your to-do list, be practical, and prioritise.

4. Get enough rest

Rest makes a difference. I am a known road runner and I have been trying every now and then to go to bed a bit earlier, and I really have been seeing the results.

5. Go on a date

Go out, even if it’s with yourself! Have a girl’s night out, have a drink. Last year I went to see the movie SELMA all by myself and I had fun. I also went to the beach with a book I was in love with and actually fell asleep. So attend a women’s empowerment talk. Go to Bible study. Just go out!

6. Eat right and exercise

I know it works, but I need to do better in that department.

7. Listen to uplifting music

Close your door and go down memory lane, or look up music that always makes you feel good and just relax to it. Candles and wine work for me too.

8. Read an inspiring book

This is a great way to break up the monotony of mom duties. You will begin to look forward to that book as your little escape.

9. Write in your journal

This is my favourite. I love to write down my feelings. I love to create a vision board and look back at my accomplishments. Writing gives me hope.

10. Start a gratitude list

Do this to thank all the people that have made an impact on your life.

11. Watch your favourite TV show

I like to watch

CNBC, Undercover Boss, Shark Tank, The Profit, Follow the Leader, and every now and then, some dumb flick simply to lighten up a bit.

Tamiann Young is a full-time wife and mother of three very creative and energetic children. After leaving the corporate world to take the entrepreneurial plunge in 2015, she began her journey as a brand marketing strategist, publicist, and motivational speaker, focused on all things mummy. Her passion for sharing her life’s challenges and the challenges of those around her to aid, encourage and inspire has been driven by her personal mantra, “We must all live our best life that God created us to live, because the world is waiting on our greatness!” Contact her at booktamiann@gmail.com and see more at www.youngmommydiaries.com; Facebook.com/youngmummydiaries.