Right now we're working on our March issue, which will include a spring spruce up theme and three Mom Makeovers. The contest to enter for the makeovers is over, but we're wondering what hurdles stand in the way of mothers taking care of themselves. What are you going to do about it?
For me, it is juggling multiple jobs and then when I get home I feel like I'm being pulled by both arms -- everyone wants a piece of me.
To give myself some me time and to destress a little, I started taking private yoga lessons in November. Two mornings a week I bend, stretch, breathe deeply, meditate and practice deep relaxation. It is very difficult to fit it in, but so worth it!
De-stress my mess!
I remember a phrase that said "When they’re young, they’re on your hip - when they’re old, they’re on your heart" Now that my children are older, i find that to be the case, especially now that they’re working, driving and into activities outside of the home. As a working mother - I’ve learned to use their age to my advantage to help me de-stress with regards to housework. Implementing chores was one of the best things I could’ve started with my children when they were younger. It started out with teaching them how to do their laundry and graduated up to cooking pretty simple meals (or at least starting dinner). Each one of my kids has been tasked with "their" chore. My oldest has been keeping the kitchen clean for as long as I can remember (we do not have a dishwasher in the kitchen). He even sweeps and mops the kitchen floor every Saturday! My second son keeps the living room clean and will remind me when HE is low on furniture polish. My daughter keeps the bathroom clean - and even though i wish she would do a better job, she manages to do her best. Recently, we began to rotate those responsibilities and it is working out extremely well! I am able to come home to a house that has been picked up and can move from work mode into home mode fairly stress free. I often wonder what I will do without them when they spread their wings and fly away – I guess ill have to buy a dishwasher!!!
Smooches CyPhi!
Mother of two young boys
I am a stay at home mom to two boys, a 3 1/2 year old and a 10 month old. It's constantly running around all day long. My husband is very understanding that they are stressful and never allow me a moment to myself. So he always makes sure to provide me with alone time. Sometimes it'll be a couple hours out shopping by myself or just a few minutes in the bathroom. Even after he gets home from work he'll gather the boys up so I can cook without them under my feet or to clean up after them.
I recently joined a gym and am going to love taking that half hour or so to myself. I love my boys but I NEED to have a break every now or then or else I'd lose my mind. I'm just very lucky to have such a wonderful understanding husband.