3 Simple Steps to Reduce Mama Fatigue
/I know, I know. You are reading that title thinking is that even possible? I am here to tell you it is- and it’s probably easier then you think! You know you are ready to implement these three simple tips when you have done one of these things lately; 1. Locked yourself in the bathroom just to get a few minutes alone. 2. Found yourself dreaming of a tropical vacation only to be brought back to a kiddo saying “mom, mom, mom…listen, mom.” 3. You are on your third cup of coffee for the day and it’s yet to kick in. Oh, mom life. It’s not that you really want to escape it- because when you do get a break you are immediately missing your little ones. It’s more that you want to know how you can possibly be present in the moment and actually enjoy it when there are so many needs coming at you at once. It can be overwhelming, and it’s not ever going to go totally away, but it can get better. It really can. It all comes down to automation. Simply getting a few key areas on automation will simplify the decision fatigue and help you be distraction free.
- Decide. If you are anything like every mama I know you have a love-hate relationship with the concept of self-care. You want to do it, you desperately need it, but at the end of the day you believe that it’s selfish. Your first step is to change your mindset. Let’s call it out like it is; self-care can be selfish. BUT- the truth is, I know a lot of mama’s and being selfish isn’t an issue. Most mamas are the salt of the earth, literally, the most loving and endlessly selfless people on the planet who are so selfless they don’t even see themselves that way. I am going to bet you fall into that category. Instead of seeing self-care as selfish, I want to propose a new way of seeing it- as STRATEGIC. When mama takes care of herself well, she can take care of others well. So let’s decide today that Self-care is Strategic and give it a space in your life.
- Now that you have decided. It’s time to start small. Think about one thing. Just one, that will help feel a little less frazzled each day. Here are some starter ideas to get you thinking. Get up before your kids, set out your clothing the night before for the next day, wash your face before you go to bed so you wake up fresh, know what your plan is for breakfast before its time to get it ready, learn a 5 minute makeup routine, have 2-3 go to hairstyles that make you feel great. It may sound small, but good habits build and produce more space in your life.
- With your idea in hand, it’s time to commit. For the next 10 days, do your self- care habit every day without fail. Make it a priority. Re-evaluate after 10 days. Did this simple self-care habit help you? Do you want to re-up your commitment or try a different habit that will give you greater results? It takes 66 days to build a solid habit, so when you find a good one that improves your quality of life- double up on your commitment and try for 66 days straight!
Building good habits cuts down on decision fatigue and gives you simple wins that build over time. When good habits become automated, you start to do them without even noticing. One habit over time, will free up your mental space and have enjoying the life you already have- without needing an escape. You got this mama, and I am cheering you along!
