Queens & SuperWomen,
Today the topic of mindfulness & self-care is heavily on my mind. You see for many of us, it is a difficult task to take time out and concentrate on our individual selves. For many of us, it is more of the norm to rush, to take care of others, and to not think about what is it that we need. I understand……I have been on this emotional roller coaster myself. Nod your head yes if some aspects of my day coincides with your day:
5:00 a.m. – Waking up, showering, getting the kids lunches together
6:00 a.m. – Hustling both kids so that we can hit the door by 6:45 a.m.
6:45 a.m. – Out the door and doing drop offs for school
7:20 a.m. – Report to work
7:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. – Work, work, work, work work
3:30 p.m.- Rush home to eat a brief snack before heading to my 2nd job
4:00 p.m. – Oops I forgot my daughter needed a ride to cheer practice……
4:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m. – Backtrack to get to work by 5:00 p.m.
5:00-9:00 p.m. – Work, Work, Work, Work, Work
Normally I get home by 9:30 so exhausted that I eat a pot pie or a sandwich before hitting the bed by 10:00. But if the kids need help with homework that has to be done. There is no time for me…..there is no time to even breathe or exhale so to speak. There is no time for mindfulness and self-care. There is no time…………
Did you nod to your head to any of this schedule? I’m sure you did. Without even thinking about it, we as women just “do;” we dive in and just do. But the reality is that our norm is not normal by any means!
One thing the pandemic has afforded me is the opportunity to see things for what they are. I have known for the last 8 years of me carrying this schedule that it was crazy, unreasonable, and unhealthy. I have watched myself hit rock bottom and pass out from exhaustion. I have had random fits of crying and internal yelling because I have been so tired, frustrated, and overwhelmed. I have felt less than a mother when missing out on my childrens’ activities or being there physically but not mentally because I am so drained and tired. Yes, this pandemic has given me the chance to take a thorough look at myself, evaluate myself, and make changes. My 2021 will not be the spinning wheel of the last 8 years. Won’t you please join me in my journey for change and self-care?
What is Mindfulness & Self-Care?
Mindfulness & means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment with openness and curiosity. It is a state of mind and well-being. It is a mental awakening in which you Queens only concentrate on you. Look at the following list and characteristics of mindfulness. If you can nod your head to any of the characteristics……self-care is needed!
- Stress
- Loss of Focus & Memory
- Emotional Outbursts
- Migraines and Tension Headaches
- Loss of Sleep
- Decreased Appetite
- Excessive Fatigue (www.mindfulnesssymptoms.com)
At the end of the day, we can’t do it all. I affectionately have license plates on both of my vehicles that say “Superwoman.” What I have come to realize is that I am not a Superwoman. I can’t do it all, I can’t sacrifice what is needed, and I can’t jeopardize my health any longer. My first step to mindfulness and self-care is to slow down and enjoy life! What is the point in working 12 hours a day if I cannot even reap the benefits? What is the point if I cannot enjoy my children, family, and friends? There is no point. So this led me to my research on mindfulness techniques. I hope that this list will serve you well! The objective is to create a healthy mind, body, and soul so that you can be better for you, and your loved ones. After all, they want you to be around for a very long time!
Mindfulness/Self-Care Techniques
- 15 minute walk while listening to soft music at the beginning or end of your day
- Reading a Daily Women’s Devotional
- Early morning 20 minute Meditation Sessions
- Low stakes 7 minute daily journaling & reflection
- Me Time! – Weekly massages, spa treatments, nail salon and beauty salon trips
- Take a break from the grocery store – Treat yourself to the use of a personal shopper; send your list and pick the groceries up as you head home from a hectic day of work
- Get moving – Jog in place, workout to your favorite music etc. NO GYM REQUIRED
- Weekly Cleanse & Detox
- Flashback Moments 15 minutes – Turn the lights off, breathe slowly, and close your eyes. Think back to some of your most accomplishing and proudest moments. Reflect! Revive!
- Say No to distractions/stress – It is OK to say no. You are only one woman. You cannot be everything for everybody.
I hope that I have given you some tips for mindful health. Together, this is task that we all need to improve upon. Remember ladies, you are ONE person!
I would love to hear how your mindfulness/self-care journey is going. Please feel free to reach out to me and let me know! Remember, it’s 15 minutes a day devoted just to you!
Be Mindful my Queens! Take Care of You!
Affectionately Yours,
Meka Kelly
Alacrity4women 