Mom Burn Out; Why Self Care Matters

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The best and worst thing happened yesterday...

Let me preface this with telling you a little bit about myself. I am one of those freakish and annoying, high functioning human beings. I live for crossing things off of lists, then rewriting those lists just to keep them shorter than they were before. I will literally run myself ragged, to the point where I become this psychotic and slap happy version of myself. Then I crash, and when I crash, it's usually followed by some bizarre nervous breakdown where I lose my shit in front of my poor and unsuspecting family.

Yesterday was one of those days.

I have been spreading myself really thin lately between working, housework, and my family. It's hard for me to really unplug and take a break. My mind is ALWAYS running.

I left work yesterday and rushed to pick up Olivia from my in-law's. From there I ordered the groceries online and picked up some dinner. I came home and fed Olivia. I had so much I wanted to accomplish after she went to bed. After dinner I put on a movie for her and we sat on the couch.

I have absolutely no recollection of anything after that. I PASSED THE EFF OUT.

Before I knew it, I awoke to Olivia crying at 4 AM... I slept for at least 9 hours! I honestly think the last time I slept that much was when I was like 10...I then proceeded to go up to Olivia's room, comfort her, then climb into her little toddler bed and sleep with her (uncomfortably I might add) until about 6:30 AM...

I felt so good waking up after all that sleep...but I was so pissed at myself... I had SO much I wanted to do! I had so much that I felt like I NEEDED to do... Ugh. I was so frustrated...

Then it hit me... I need to end this cycle of running myself ragged. I NEED to focus on self care, because if I don't start taking care of myself, how can I take care of anyone else??

So here is what I'm doing for self care, to make sure I am the best Mom I can be:

1. Using a Diffuser at Night

I got a diffuser for Christmas this year, and I am OBSESSED with it. I mainly use it while I'm sleeping. I've recently gotten into the routine of going up to bed early and laying in bed with the lights off and the diffuser on while trying to focus on quieting my thoughts. It sounds ridiculous, but I have to say that it has 100% made a difference and improved my sleep! I use lavender essential oils mainly. Even though I don't get a ton of sleep, the sleep that I do get is a lot more restful! Check out the diffuser I use here:

2. Yoga

One of my goals for this year is to get my "om" on. I need to bring a little more peace and serenity to my life, and what better way than yoga? I am loving working on my strength and flexibility. While I'm still a beginner, I think I'm hooked! Check out the yoga products I use here:

3. Getting More Exercise

Getting more exercise will get my Mom bod in shape, but this year I'm focusing more on getting my mind right! I definitely notice a correlation between getting more physical activity and and having a better mental outlook! Here are some of the products I use to get more exercise:

4. Treating Myself

I never spend money on anything for myself. Ever. Never ever. I just don't even think about it. There are plenty of things that I see and want, but I just never treat myself because I'd rather spend money on our family. That is ending. I have decided that I deserve to treat myself every once and a while. If there is something that I really want, I'm gonna go for it.

What do you do for self care?