It’s time to take care of you!

Mommas, it can feel flippant to talk about taking care of yourself when there are many things demanding your time, even when some could be critical or urgent. But it is not selfish to take care of yourself. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! It is wise. You are the primary caregiver for precious kiddos who need you to be in your best physical, spiritual, and mental health. If you do not take care of your mind, body, and soul through God’s word, instruction, and proper rest, then who will?

Many mothers do very little to care for themselves, but I find that to be particularly true for single moms. Sadly, many single moms are busy trying to be “super mom” in some attempt to outrun any negative comments, statistics, or extra weight that the single parenting journey might bring. Therefore, you work too hard, run too fast, and do too much with no regard to caring for your mind, body, and spirit. This is not God’s way.

Today, I am giving you some practical tips and ideas for taking care of you. It’s important to remember to take care of your emotional and physical health, so that you’re in the best position to be there for your children. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Exercise! I know. I know. Who wants to get all hot and sweaty anyway? However, our physical bodies matter. We see in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (and many other Scriptures) that our body belongs to God. It is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Taking care of our physical bodies is important to the Lord. But it’s also important to our longevity and quality of life. I’m now in my 40s, and it’s become painfully obvious those friends who are taking care of their bodies and the ones who aren’t. I’m at an age where you can either be limping from the bed in the morning with soreness or raring to go to see what life’s adventures may bring. Take the time to stretch, strengthen, and get some cardio going at least 4 times a week. This will go a long way with feelings of exhaustion and mental health.
2. Sit outside. While such a simple task, getting fresh air is a great way for you to take a mental break, get in some prayer time, appreciate God’s wonderful creation, and get refreshed. How many of us are cooped up at a desk all day, only to go home and stay in the house cooking dinner and cleaning?! Most of us! Set a timer for ten to fifteen minutes and sit outside, observing your surroundings. Feel the warmth of the sun on your face and the way the breeze feels against your skin. Take this time to just truly be present.
3. Take a hot bath. Moms, who can resist a hot soak in the tub? (Bonus points if you add lavender or vanilla bubble bath!) I know it may not seem like much, but this hot bath time is an excellent time for prayer and reflection. Maybe it will require you to stay up a little later after the kiddos go to bed, but it will be worth it. Spend some time thanking God for all He’s doing, praising His faithfulness and goodness, and honoring His provision in your life. Listen to your favorite Christian speaker or church service. This can be a wonderful time to rejuvenate body and soul.
4. Spend time in the Word. Let’s be honest, sometimes reading the Bible becomes a box that we check off from a long list of to-dos. Take some time out of your day to really sit down and read your Bible, thinking about what God is revealing to you. When I am committed to daily Bible time, I get the nuggets I need. His word is active, alive, and offers the perspective, wisdom, and refreshing that we so desperately need.
5. Journal. Write down the events of the day and explain in detail how you felt about them. This is a great way to release stress from the day’s events. It is even more amazing to look back at past journal entries and see all that God has done in your life since then! Be sure to include lists of gratitude and prayer requests in your journal.

Mommas, I hope these ideas give you some inspiration and the motivation needed to start taking care of your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. You don’t need permission from anyone else to take the time needed to take care of you.

Points to Ponder:

• How can taking care of yourself be a positive model for your children?
• Which technique above can you integrate into your life this week?
• What has been the biggest hindrance to your taking better care of yourself? What is within your control? Outside your control? What changes will you make going forward?