"Mom, Mom, Mom," is the lengthy chant that often occurs when children require something, while attempting to check off tasks from your to-do list after working all night on the night shift or all day.
Being a mother, whether referred to as Mom, Momma, Mommy, or Bruh by the kids these days, can be quite tiring and overwhelming, regardless of whether you are a stay-at-home mom or work full-time somewhere. I personally work full-time and have just completed my final night shift for the next four months. I am definitely celebrating this milestone, as the past four months of night shifts have been long and exhausting, with very little sleep due to the kids being home this summer.
Despite the fact that my boys are older now, I still have to drive them to and from school until my eldest son gets his license, in hopes by the end of the month. Even then, I will still need to take the youngest one to school. Both boys are involved in football, requiring me to pick them up every night. This means football activities every weekday, with late nights on game nights (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday) when we don't get home until 6:30 or 9 pm. In addition to school and sports commitments, these boys seem to set up days where they are needing to be chauffeured to a friend's home or somewhere out on the town. Moms like us are also responsible for dealing with the never-ending pile of dirty dishes, the I'm hungry, what's for dinner, the dreaded laundry that seems to accumulate like Mt. Everest if left unattended, and all the other household chores that can be quite overwhelming. A mother's to-do list is never-ending; even when we manage to complete all the necessary tasks, there always seems to be something else waiting to be done.
Recently, I have come to understand the significance of self-care, a practice I previously overlooked while consistently prioritizing the well-being of others. I typically work extended hours over 3 or 4 days each week, resulting in some days off that I previously did not use for self-care. With my children getting older, I now recognize the importance of making self-care a priority, regardless of their age. Demonstrating self-love involves setting aside time for activities that bring you joy. Personally, I find comfort in engaging in workouts, which not only helps me reduce stress but also gives me the "me time" I need, leaving me with a sense of accomplishment and strength. Moreover, I have begun to treat myself with small shopping trips, that Starbucks I enjoy, sitting down to write, attend concerts when possible and indulge in self-care spa days. Prioritizing ourselves in certain instances does not signify selfishness; in order to adequately care for our families, we must first love and care for ourselves.
Keep in mind that by taking good care of yourself and giving yourself the opportunity to reset, you will experience improved well-being. You will feel less overwhelmed by daily stress, more self-assured and revitalized, and happier. This will enable you to handle tasks for your family without losing your patience and prevent you from losing your identity. You are more than just a mom or caregiver; you are an individual!
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