Are You Taking Care of Yourself?

I’m a mom with a high-needs child and I feel chronically tired. It takes my all to make sure that everything is covered for him to live safely and comfortably. But what about me? How do I cope? 

I think my biggest coping method is rest and sleep. If I do not get enough, the whole family is toast! Just like I protect my child’s bedtime at all costs, I must protect mine as well. To sleep and wake at roughly the same time daily means I have enough energy to get through the day. It’s the same for my kiddo!

I also cope and care for myself by doing something I love. I enjoy being with family, spending time with my grown kids and seeing my grandbabies! An afternoon of visiting them goes a long way for my well-being. 

When practicing self-care, experts suggest a hobby or exercise. I am not big into either of those, but a walk around my neighborhood on a pleasant day does wonders to boost my mood. Another physical activity I enjoy is taking my son with me to ride his bike. We get to bond and exercise together. It’s a shared activity with little demand. Win-Win!

My other go-to is a hot bath. There is something therapeutic about water for me. I love to swim in the summer, but my tub is there any time, day or night, whenever I need a bit of soothing quiet time.

But my mainstay, a foundational \ self-care practice, is my prayer life and my faith. I have faith in something greater than myself that I can turn to when things get really tough. I can say, “This is yours - I must turn this over to You now. “

I have a strong belief this life is a journey, and I don’t have to go alone. Even when it seems as though I am alone, I’m not. It also helps me to know that my child has his path. I’m here to help him, not do it for him. 

Take care of yourselves, friends! Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things for you and your family.