Hi Depanx,
Time is indeed limited and big respect to you for what you are doing. Your kids and family must be so proud.
You have a lot on your plate and like you mentioned, looking after yourself is extremely important. Self-care is all about doing things that make you feel better and activities you enjoy that allow you to have some time to yourself and recuperate your energy. Some common self-care techniques include :
- Talking with someone about your emotions - maybe some of your girlfriends, work colleagues etc. Expressing your thoughts and getting them "out of your system" can be extremely beneficial. If you are up to it go and visit your GP and ask for a mental health plan. You will be entitled to 10 free psychologist sessions. This might help you a lot. In my social work profession many colleagues see counselors, psychologists or therapists regularly just so that they maintain good levels of self care and can voice any concerns that they may have.
- Get out of the house and do something fun that you enjoy. I can't begin to imagine how much you have on your plate as you work full-time, care for your children but I think getting out of the house and leaving the children with family or someone else who can look after them and going out for a night with your partner (if you have one) or your girlfriends or whoever is so important. Try to make a concerted effort to do this regularly at least once or twice a month. Let your hair down and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.
- Eat healthy and exercise. This may be pretty generic and a tad cliche but it really does go along way to maintain good levels of self-care. Don't deprive yourself of eating something naughty on occasion and if you are craving something go for it but exercise and a balanced diet goes is super important.
- Pamper yourself. Once a month or twice a month spoil yourself. Now everyone's finances are different and I assume you would have many like most so treat yourself to either a massage, spa treatment, movie date (if you have a significant other) or even just enjoying a day out in the city where you can do some shopping. You deserve to spoil yourself every once in a while.
You have a lot on your plate and you are an inspiration.
I really look forward to hearing from you again sometime soon.
Hope this helped.
All the best,
Baet123
