There's a lot to juggle when the kids are at home over the summer holidays.
It's really lovely to have more time together as a family but if you don't get any down time for you then it can start to take it's toll!
It's essential, in my opinion, to get a mini self care ritual or routine in place
It will help you to enjoy the holidays so much more.
You'll feel more relaxed knowing you're going to get some down time to do something lovely for you.
Your kids will thank you for it too as you'll feel calmer and more patient.
We're only human after all. We have needs too.
With less kid free time you need to make sure your self care practices are as easy and as automatic as having a shower and brushing your teeth.
It can feel tricky so here's some tips to help you start a routine for your self care:
1. Choose one thing to start with and make sure it's easy to fit in
If you choose something that feels fun to you and simple to fit in to start with you have the best chance of succeeding. Then you can celebrate achieving it and feel confident to keep doing it. Maybe even taking a little more time over it or adding something else.
It's important it is something you find benefits you and something that you really enjoy. Otherwise it's going to be hard to keep doing.
And it isn't self care in my books if you don't enjoy it.
There's some ideas at the end of this post.
2. Play around with the time of day and what you choose to do.
If the first thing you choose and the first time you try to practice your chosen self care doesn't work out don't fear!
Try something else or try a different time of day.
Is there a time when your partner is around that you could use?
Can you take time when the kids are busy doing something else?
Maybe sometimes if you need to you involve the kids e.g. exercising
3. Set things up in advance
Make sure you're all ready to go and don't get distracted.
For example, buy a new journal, download the audio book or meditation app, get your running kit out the night before. Or set the kids a craft or activity up before your chosen dedicated self care time.
4. Don’t overthink it or talk yourself out of it.
Keep it really simple. And just do it!
Tag it onto another activity to help you. This is called habit stacking.
For example, go for a run around the park while the kids are inside the park.
Listen to your audio book while you're driving home from dropping the kids off.
This helps you to fit it in and makes it more automatic and something you find easy to do.
5. Use a visual cue to remind you to do it.
Leaving things somewhere unusual will ensure you get a physical reminder to take your Me-Time until you get used to taking it.
For example, leave your journal out by the coffee machine.
Use kids chalk markers to write on your bathroom mirror to do your stretches
Once you get used to seeing it there move it so you don’t just start ignoring it and forgetting to take your me time.
Another idea is to pop an alarm on your phone.
6. Make a deal with the kids and encourage them to be independent
You can help your children to understand that you'll be doing something for you for 10 minutes and then we can you'll be spending time with them afterwards.
It's also a chance to give them an age appropriate job or self care task of their own while you're busy doing your self care. Then they can have a reward for doing it if you need to. Praise or a sticker may be enough!
Be a model to your children.
Show them how to honour themselves sometimes so that they can feel their best when they are with others.
Are you fired up to get some self care and Me-Time this summer?
Here's some Ideas for you:
5-10 minute meditation or read your book
Yoga stretches or a 5-10 minute sun salutation you tube routine
Exercise class while they are in the creche at the gym
Coffee while watching them in the local library craft session or playing in the garden
Special evening drink/ mocktail, biscuit/ fruit salad, bath or book time
An evening walk with a friend
Let them play on their tablet while you read your book on your kindle.
Go for a run while they are having breakfast with their dad or another family member.
Listen to your audio book while they’re playing in the garden or watching TV.
Sit down and enjoy your morning cuppa and they are having a snack.
Combine your healthy happy habit with something the kids like to do e.g walk around the lake before you hit the play park at the local country park.
All do cosmic yoga or Zumba together via You Tube on the TV or laptop.
Play running games in the garden or if you're feeling less energetic have a 6 second hug to boost your happiness hormones.
Have a check list or activity for the kids to complete so they don’t need to bother you while you’re doing your morning self care.
Gratitude practice at the dinner table with the family each day. Everyone is asked in turn "What am I grateful for today?" Use your shower time to practice gratitude. Think "What am I grateful for today?" Choose 3 things and try to come up with new things each day to keep it fresh.
Put a poster of affirmations up in a family room or the kitchen to say together each morning - I am Kind, I am Helpful, I can do hard things. I am loved. I am enough.
So now you have some top tips and some ideas for self care you can try alone or with the kids.
it's time to pick something and give it a try.
Remember it may take some time to get used to doing this and for it to become automatic. And you may miss a day but don't let it put you off.
Keep going as you'll feel so much calmer and happier if you know there's some time for you to do the thing you really want to do each day.
All Mums want and need this! You deserve to take some time for you!
Enjoy getting started on your self care routine.
I just know it will help you to fully enjoy the school holidays knowing you'll still get some time for you to relax and look after yourself too.
Want to know more about How To Get Set for the Summer Holidays?
Grab my Get Set for Summer bundle which helps you to manage your mindset so you enjoy your summer to the max.
The workbook prompts you to plan as a family all together. So you can share the load, think about your need for routines and healthy habits and choose fun days out. Plus there's 12 mini ritual ideas to help you set your positive intentions for a fab day ahead and relax and unwind at the end of the day knowing you've done your best. Find out more here
Have a great Summer!
Enjoy it!
Rebecca
Follow me on Instagram @rebeccahogancoach to find out all the details as soon as they are available
Have a read of this blog too - 8 Top Tips to make sure you enjoy the summer holidays