Self care can be hard.
Can I just be real for a minute? I get it.
When your spouse is deployed and it feels like the whole world rests on your shoulders, the last thing you feel the need to do is take care of yourself.
I mean how could you.. that's selfish right?
There are kids to take care of, dishes to wash, laundry to fold, dinner to make… and lets not forget the deployment curse where it seems like everything that can go wrong, does.. and who has to handle it all.. YOU!
I've been there, actually just last year my husband returned home from a 9 month deployment. But this time it was different.. my cup was full.
My mindset had changed over the years, after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and I learned that taking care of me wasn’t selfish at all. It was exactly what I needed in order to not just survive the deployment but to THRIVE.
Working in the area of health and fitness area over the last 7 years I see it all the time — women put their selves last. We care for everyone else around us, neglecting ourselves.
Girl, you need to fill your cup! You are running on empty.
How can we give to others, when we first don’t first take care of us?
We cant, and at some point it all comes to a screeching halt.
When the stress, anxiety, and feeling of being overwhelmed becomes too much.
It’s time to take a step back and find out what fills your cup!
As I thought about the most impactful thing I did as self care during the last deployment, of course fitness and nutrition came to mind first, but as I dug deeper I realized that my morning routine was what really set me up for success everyday. It centered me, and gave me a sense of peace that enabled me to be the mom, wife, and friend I wanted to be.
I thought I would share a little of what my morning routine looks like, and encourage you to find a rhythm that works for you!
1. WAKE UP A LITTLE EARLIER: I hope I didn’t lose you! Stay with me here. Even if its just 10 minutes, wake up a littler earlier than the kids. I never realized how wonderful a hot cup of coffee (or tea!) tasted when it wasn't interrupted with questions. ;) This is also a great time to pray or meditate.
2. GRATITUDE JOURNAL: Grab a gratitude journal. This can be an empty notebook, or on amazon there are a multitude of gratitude journals! Sit down with your hot cup of coffee and write 3 things you are grateful for. I find this especially important during deployments because its so easy to get bogged down with what is going wrong.. this helps you switch your focus to what is going right. Even during the hardest challenges of our life, there is always something to be grateful for.
3. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT: Grab a book, and read for 10 minutes. 7 years ago I read my first personal development book and I became addicted. There is just something so amazing about feeling empowered and inspired when you finish reading! Your outlook and attitude is completely different. If you need some suggestions, 3 of my favorite books are:
Girl Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis
The 5 Second Rule” by Mel Robbins
You are a BadA** by Jen Sincerno
That's it!
I know, sounds too easy, but let me tell you..
Some of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself, are also the things that are easy to do… but easy not to do as well.
Is waking up a littler earlier a sacrifice? Absolutely.
But your sanity, your happiness, YOU ARE WORTH IT! Guest Written by Amanda Cheasty