When you are a therapist, the topic of self-care comes up frequently.  It is taught in school and it is something that is talked about in your career because of the work that you do.  I can only image that this is also talked about in any helping profession.  When I needed a change in my life, it was only natural for me to revisit my self-care. Before having kids, my self-care looked very different.  I could rejuvenate on the weekends.  I would go out with friends, sleep in, take naps, connect with nature through hiking and vacations.  When I had kids, that all changed.  My form of self-care had to drastically change.  There was no more sleeping in, let alone sleeping!  Having my kids 15 months apart left me in survival mode for the first few months. That is okay.  I needed that.  I had to prioritize things and honestly, I just wanted to cuddle with my babies.  But as time went on, I knew something had to change.  I was tired and I felt like I was not the mom I wanted to be.  I knew I needed to change my way of practicing self-care. It all started that when my husband came home from work, I would take 5 minutes to myself.  5 minutes is really all I could take as dinner was about to be served or the kids needed baths.  But it was enough that would help me be grounded again.  Sometimes I would waste the 5 minutes on social media but I found that I was much more centered if I just sat in silence.  I needed silence.  I had 2 toddlers.  

Since that time, I have made a lot of changes and do not actually need my 5 minutes when my husband comes home, well most days.  But I truly believe in the concept of only needing 5 minutes to have self-care.  In this post I gave a variety of suggestions that you can try out.  My question to you is why not?  If other forms of self-care seem to overwhelming such as going to the gym for an hour with 3 kids, why not try a mediation, deep breathing, reading a positive quote, writing a gratitude list?  5 minutes can change your life.  In those 5 minutes you can calm down, regroup and remember that in the end the things we are worrying about now don’t really matter.  Spilled milk is really something not to stress over.  

On May 1st I am beginning my mommy happiness 31 day challenge.  It is all about taking time for you!  As caregivers to your family it is essential that you find things that help you refill yourself to be able to continue to give to others.  It is essential.  The gift of self-care has given me the ability let things go more easily, having grace on the things I messed up on, knowing I am enough and happiness. I am a better wife and mom.  I would love for you to join me this May in making time for yourself a priority, at least 5 minutes a day.  Over the next month, I will post challenges on Facebook and Instagram.  Sign up for my newsletter so you do not miss a thing as well.  I can’t wait to take this journey with you.  Are you in?

Choose Happiness, 

Jessica Lynn

 Please note that this article does not replace mental health therapy.  If you are in need of services, please find a local therapist.