themumzone

 

Who knew!

I even wrote a post about it before I knew it was a whole day! Self care is very important. Especially for a mum who works for herself or is in paid employment. Sometimes we neglect ourselves in the process of taking care of everyone else. And we usually don’t stop until everyone is taken care of (which is never) or we pass out or break down. Amiright?

So  here’s a list of things that I do to relieve some stress and put me in a better state of mind. As I tell my boys, if mummy is happy, you will be happy. Okay?

• FRESH AIR

Living in a city like Lagos you barely have time to just take a walk in a less polluted area, between getting the kids to school in the morning, rushing to work then rushing to get the kids from school, going back home to probably do more work and then repeat the cycle over and over again. So since about last year October, I have taken to taking my breaks outside in the garden area. Believe me, I initially resisted this. I don’t like heat and flies, but I found my spirit was calmed by 10 minutes in the quiet space, inhaling fresh air, not the recycled air-conditioned air of a confined space. I also started taking evening walks. The fresh air definitely helps clear my head and I end up worn out enough to get a good night’s rest.

• MANI-PADI

As small as Manicures and pedicures may be, they can be refreshing and do give a boost to the spirit. Just getting that silly color on your hands and toes can be refreshing and looking at pretty nails never hurts anyone. Even if colour is not your thing, getting your feet rubbed down and massaged won’t hurt either. Unless you don’t like people touching your feet in which case try the next one.

• SEEING A FRIEND

You know how I am with my girlfriends, and how I can’t wait to hang with them. Getting together with friends can be the best thing most times. Just sitting down have a drink, talking and dishing about random things from children to your dreams and plans for the future. Try to stay away from drama filled memories or gist, work or gossip. This way you get to just laugh and let go of some of the stress that comes with living the big city life.

• GET HELP

Sometimes we often forget that we have a lot of options when it comes to childcare. Some creches offer an hourly rate to help you watch your kids and there are lots of cleaning services that could visit daily if you don’t care for live-in help like me. If you don’t like the idea of these, try getting a friend to watch and take care of your children while you do things by yourself and catch a breather. It might be a good time to make new mummy friends with kids the same age so you can schedule playdates. Just remember you will have to reciprocate sometime.

• SLEEP

Lastly sleep, sleep is that one thing that always leaves you feeling the most refreshed. Sleeping helps the brain relax and rest, it helps it take a break from all the stress, when you don’t rest the immune system becomes weak and sleep is just the best. Even a 15 minutes nap can change your attitude for the rest of your day and leave you feeling amazing all day long. So don’t forget to take care of yourself today. And tomorrow. And everyday after that.