How Taking Care of Yourself Benefits the Whole Family

As a mom, you want to give your all to your kids, but did you know that you could be doing everyone in your family—yourself, included—a great disservice if you give too much?

If you've ever traveled by plane, you've heard the flight attendants advise you to secure your oxygen mask before putting one on your child. This is good advice because you'd be hard-pressed to help your child when you're lying on the floor and gasping for air. This bit of knowledge is worth applying to your life.

Think about a day when you've been completely exhausted. Maybe you got three hours of sleep, faced a full day of work, and then cleaned the house for an upcoming holiday. Now think about a day when you were able to take a bath and grab 30 minutes of quiet time to yourself. Odds are you were a better wife and mom—and a happier person—on the day you took some time for yourself.

Why do we need time for ourselves?
Your body is a machine, and it needs down time to recharge. Leave no time to chat with friends, read a book, see a movie, or just relax and you'll find yourself dragging throughout the day, frustrated and irritable.

How do I make time for myself?
First, you need to tell yourself that taking time doesn't make you selfish. It's not like you want to sneak away for a two-week stint in the Bahamas. Even 15 minutes of quiet time a day goes a long way toward feeling refreshed. Read a book or plan a lunch date. Just make sure that some of your time is devoted to you and something you enjoy.

Shouldn't I be giving my all?
There's a difference between giving your family everything you have and giving them your best. More isn't necessarily better. In fact, if you give too much, you may not be able to give your best because you're too tired and worn out.

Telling your kids to grab their own snack from the choices on the counter isn't being lazy, it's teaching them to be responsible and make their own choices. And asking your husband to keep an eye on the baby while you take a shower and paint your nails will give him some bonding time. Don't be afraid to turn down an event, hand over the reigns, or ask for help. You—and your family—deserve a break every now and then.

Conclusion

Motherhood is full of healthy doses of joy and responsibility, and learning how to keep it all together takes time. But that's what being a mom is all about—finding the right balance between being there for your family and taking care of yourself. Just remember that taking time for yourself isn't selfish; it benefits your family, too.

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