Top 5 ways to practice Self Care

I am by no means an expert on the subject.  Like many parents we give a lot of ourselves through love and forget that we are running on empty ourselves. In my previous job I would preach to other mums about how they cannot pour from an empty jug while all the time I was like a dried up vessel myself.

Boy what a hypocrite!

I always feel so selfish having 'me time' and question how I can justify stepping back from my family for a few moments to care for myself.  But it's essential to my wellbeing and mental health. In the long run it will be my family who benefit from having a relaxed, Untroubled Mum around.

So here's some things I've been pondering on that may help. Hopefully I'll add to them along the way!

1) Take care of my physical health.  This means thinking about what I'm eating, drinking enough water, indulging in special treats (I'm saving up for a facial), booking a long overdue appointment at the dentist, bath time rituals.  There's probably lots I'm missing out but I'm so adding to this list!

2) Being Creative!  I get such a buzz from this. Making music, craft and reading are my main focus here and to be honest I'm pretty good at making time for this area of my life, I guess I can always improve on it!

3) Jumping off the comparison train! Why do all other mums seem to have it all together, while I'm last through the school gates having mixed up the boys PE kits whilst looking akin to Wurzel Gummage dragged backwards through a hedge. I've really got a long way to go on learning to love me for me. Warts and all.

4) The Great Outdoors. I find being outside so grounding and have so many reasons to get out and about. But sometimes just planning a dog walk, time with my horse, gardening or a simple Summer picnic seems so hard to fit in amongst all the daily demands.  So when I do any of these things the enjoyment is zapped away.  Even getting out the door with my troops is like a military operation.

5) Digital Detox. My name's Emma and I'm an addict. Netflix, Facebook, Instagram and my beloved Pinterest. I'm hooked and I'm not ashamed to admit it. But while I'm wasting my time on all these things think of all the positive experiences I'm missing out on.  After all there's only 24 hours in the day.  These things all have a place in the modern world but I really want to work on using them purposefully. Maybe even practice a Digital Detox. Steady on love,

one step at a time!

How do you practice self care? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments x