Being a mom is one of the most rewarding yet challenging jobs on the planet.
And for moms who work outside of the home, and have a chronic illness – it can sometimes seem impossible to practice basic self-care.
But unless you are filled up from the inside, you won’t be able to serve those around you.
Having a chronic illness makes everything harder, so here are a few tips on how to mange self-care – while managing a household and career.
It’s Okay To Set Boundaries
You may feel obligated to volunteer to chaperone all of your children’s school activities, or sign-up for charity events around your neighborhood.
But resist the need to do it all.
Sometimes the answer is “no”, and that’s okay.
It’s critical to give your body (and your mind) time to rest.
And needing to please everyone around you, especially when your tank is on empty will only lead to burnout later.
When your body is critically ill and you are dealing with a chronic condition, you must prioritize giving your body rest, before your body forces you to on its own.
Embrace Different Seasons Of Life
As a mom, you know all too well that there are different seasons in life.
While your children are young, you’re probably not going to be taking vacations around the world or having a lot of date nights with your husband.
If the bills are high and you have unexpected house expenses, your family might not be able to spend money on as many activities as the past.
Caring for aging parents, dealing with the loss of a loved on, moving to a new place – all of these life events can change the way your household runs drastically.
And when you are battling a chronic illness, it can be draining to your mental health if you constantly feel the pressure to keep all the balls in the air perfectly.
Accept the way things are and embrace the seasons.
You Must Prioritize Self-Care
Self-care looks different for everyone.
Sometimes it’s hiring a babysitter to watch the kids so you can simply go out and get some errands done.
Or maybe it’s a night out with your girlfriends for dinner or an afternoon at the spa.
Self-care could be as simple as tasking your husband with getting things going on the weekend and sleeping in on Saturday so you are well rested.
So many moms feel guilty for even thinking about themselves, but self-care is not selfish!
Motherly reported:
“Repeat after me: Self-care is not selfish. Prioritizing your health and wellness as a parent does not make you a ‘”bad” mom or dad. It makes you a smart parent, an empowered parent, a setting-a-good-example parent.”
It’s good for your children to see you take time for yourself.
To help manage pain or other effects of your chronic illness, make massages and visits to the chiropractor a regular part of your self-care routine.
You’re Doing Great
Moms can be hard on themselves, and often think they are missing the mark.
But have faith that you are knocking it out of the park.
Your children love you, and the greatest gift you could ever give them is your time.
If you are battling a chronic illness and working, it can be tough to do it all – so don’t.
Delegate tasks like cleaning or picking up the dry-cleaning.
Consider having a meal service for a week if you are really in pain, or see if your network can help cook for you.
Resist the need to do it all!
Are you a mom who has a chronic illness?
If so, what are some ways you practice self-care?