"Without self-reliance, one cannot exercise these innate desires to serve. How can we give if there is nothing there? Food for the hungry cannot come from empty shelves. Money to assist the needy cannot come from an empty purse. Support and understanding cannot come from the emotionally starved. Teaching cannot come from the unlearned. And most important of all, spiritual guidance cannot come from the spiritually weak."
Elder Marion G. Romney
We have all heard the instructions on a flight to put on your own oxygen mask before helping someone else put on their mask. Turns out, there is a lot of truth to this idea that we can apply to ourselves as parents. In order to take care of someone else, we need to be emotionally, physically, and spiritually ready.
How do we do this? How do we find the time to take care of ourselves when taking care of a child seems to take all the time we have?
It doesn't have to be all or nothing, take a moment here and there, ask for help, choose self care over something less important. Here are a few ideas:
1. Get outside and take a walk- even with your child if there is no one else to watch them.
This will boost your serotonin and help you clear you mind.
2. Call a friend- Talk to someone regularly, a friend, a family member, your spouse. Let them know what you need, they'll be a support. Even say, "I just need to vent for a moment. I don't need advice just a listening ear." People want to help they just need to be told sometimes.
3. Journal/ Scripture Study/Prayer- Allow yourself a moment of solitude to feel the spirit and let it guide your thoughts.
4. Take a shower/ Eat a snack- Simple acts but at times can be exactly what our bodies need.
5. Listen to your favorite music! Let your kids know that it's your turn for a few minutes. They will love seeing you enjoy your music and having fun.
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