It’s that time of year again when the possibility of a winter power outage becomes a reality. What would you do if you lost power during a winter storm?
Being prepared is key, so today I’m going to share with you some of the supplies that I like to have on hand just in case the electricity goes out.
Even if it doesn’t go out, these items can come in handy for other emergencies or natural disasters. Make sure you have the supplies you need for your family to stay safe and comfortable.
A power outage can be a real inconvenience, especially if you’re not prepared for it. But with a portable generator, you can make sure your home stays powered up until the lights come back on. A generator is a great investment!
Generators come in all shapes and sizes, so finding the right one for your needs is easy.
Before operating a generator, I always recommend becoming familiar with generator safety tips to keep you and your family safe!
Consider purchasing a couple of carbon monoxide detectors for your home if you plan to run a generator at any time.
Consider portable light sources for your home if you experience a power outage during the winter.
We invested in two packs of these camping lanterns so that every member of our family could carry around their own light source when going from room to room.
If there’s one thing I highly recommend investing in during power outages, it’s to have at least one great portable power bank for each family member.
I am a HUGE fan of power banks. Over the last few years, I’ve slowly added to our collection of power banks and we use them ALL. Not only do we use them for power outages, we use them while traveling, too.
Each family member has his or her own power bank to use for their tablets or phones. They can usually access a few items downloaded on their devices to keep them entertained during an outage.
Stock up on bottled water on a regular basis. I usually buy a case of water every time I shop for groceries to put aside for emergency purposes.
For some power outages, your water could be out for a few hours or days. If you’re worried about major infrastructure damage where fresh water could be out for weeks, consider investing in a water purification system.
During the Texas winter power outage in 2021, my family did lose water. My dad was shoveling snow into storage containers so that the water could melt and he could use it for things like flushing the toilets.
Since then, I’ve been saving and cleaning out milk jugs to fill up and have on hand for emergencies like that!
Many of my friends and family member use the Berkey Water Filter System. I do not currently own one, but this system is on my wish list for sure.
A Berkey Water System is a filtration device that removes harmful contaminants from your drinking water. It’s an ideal choice for moms who want to ensure their family is drinking clean, safe water.
With this system, you can rest assured knowing that your water is filtered and ready to drink whenever you need it.
It’s never too early to start teaching kids about email writing! In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to help your little one create clear and concise emails.
Email Writing for Kids
Email writing is a valuable skill for kids to learn. Not only will it help them stay organized and communicate more effectively, but it will also give them a leg up when they enter the workforce. Here are just a few of the benefits of teaching kids to write emails:
Teaches to Communicate Professionally
In today’s workplace, email is the primary form of communication. By teaching kids how to write emails now, you’re setting them up for success in the future.
Helps Kids Practice Writing Concisely
In the world of email, conciseness is key. Teaching kids to write clear, concise emails will help them hone their writing skills and get their point across more effectively.
Shows Kids the Importance of Proofreading
Once an email is sent, it can’t be taken back. That’s why it’s important to teach kids the importance of proofreading their emails before hitting send. By taking the time to proofread, they can avoid potential embarrassment and ensure that their message is clear and concise.
So, if you’re looking for a way to help your kids succeed in the future, teaching them how to write emails is a great place to start!
Why would kids want to send an email?
There are many reasons why kids would want to send an email. It could be to keep in touch with friends or family, to share news or photos, or to ask for help with schoolwork.
Email is a quick and easy way to communicate, and it’s also free! Sending an email is a great way for kids to practice their writing skills.
List of people kids can write emails to
There are lots of people that kids can email! Here are just a few examples:
Their grandparents or other relatives
Their friends
Their teachers or other adults they know
Email is a great way to keep in touch with people, so encourage your kids to email away!
Is it safe for my child to send emails?
If your child wants to start writing emails, there are a few safety tips you should keep in mind.
First, make sure they understand not to include any personal information in their email, such as their full name, address, or phone number.
Second, remind them to never open attachments from people they don’t know, as these could contain viruses or malware.
Finally, teach them to be aware of phishing scams, where someone may try to trick them into giving away personal information.
If they ever receive an email that looks suspicious, encourage them to come to you for help before responding.
By following these simple safety tips, your child can enjoy writing emails without putting themselves at risk.
More Online Safety Tips for Kids
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Email writing for kids can be a great way to stay in touch with friends and family. It’s also a great way to practice writing skills. Here are some tips for email writing for kids:
Keep it short and sweet. Kids’ attention spans are shorter than adults’, so stick to the point.
Use simple words and sentences. Again, simpler is better when emailing kids.
Be friendly and upbeat. Emails should be positive and cheerful in order to keep kids engaged.
Include photos or other images. Pictures are always a welcome addition in email correspondence with kids.
Ask questions. Asking questions in email can help encourage back-and-forth conversation.
Following these tips will help kids to write email that is enjoyable to read, and that will encourage positive communication.
Email Writing Examples
Example email to grandparents:
Hi grandparents,
I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to write you an email to update you on what’s been going on with me.
School has been going well and I’m really enjoying my classes. I’m also getting involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. Recently, I joined the school newspaper and I’m really enjoying it. I’m also thinking about joining the track team.
I hope you’re doing well too. I can’t wait to hear all about what’s been going on with you when we next talk.
Love,
Your grandchild
Example emails to a friend:
Hi Friend,
Here are some email writing examples from kids that you can use as inspiration for your own emails. We hope you find them helpful!
Example 1:
Subject: Just wanted to say hi!
Hey there friend!
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say hi and tell you how much I appreciate your friendship. You always make me laugh and I know I can always count on you. I hope you have a great day!
Example 2:
Subject: How was your weekend?
Hey friend,
I hope you had a great weekend! Mine was pretty busy, but I had fun. I went to the park with my family and then out to eat with some friends. How did you spend your weekend?
I can’t wait to hear from you soon!
Example 3:
Subject: I need your help!
Hi friend,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m sorry to bother you, but I need your help with something. I’m having trouble understanding this math concept and I was wondering if you could explain it to me. I would really appreciate it if you could help me out. Thanks so much!
Example 4:
Subject: Just thought I’d say hi 🙂
Hey there friend,
I was just thinking about you and wanted to say hi! I hope you’re doing well and that we can catch up soon. I miss you!
Take care!
Example emails to a teacher:
Here are some example email messages from kids to a teacher:
Example 1:
Subject: Thank you, Mrs. Smith!
Dear Mrs. Smith,
Thank you so much for being our teacher this year! We have learned so much and had so much fun. We will miss you next year.
Sincerely,
your students
Example 2:
Subject: Hi, Mrs. Smith!
Dear Mrs. Smith,
we hope you’re doing well! We wanted to say hi and let you know that we’re thinking of you. We miss being in your class but we’re enjoying our new teacher too.
Hope to see you soon!
your students
Example 3:
Subject: A question for Mrs. Smith
Dear Mrs. Smith,
I was wondering if you could help me with a question I have about the homework. I’m not quite sure I understand what we are supposed to do. Could you please explain it to me?
Thank you!
your student
Email writing for kids doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can be a fun way to share your thoughts and feelings with friends and family members.
All you need is a computer or phone, an email account, and some creativity!
Today is the perfect day to get started on your first email. So what are you waiting for?
Sponsoring a child can be a life changing experience for both the child and the sponsor.
It’s so important to keep in touch with your sponsored child, but what’s the best way to do that?
A letter is always a great way to stay in touch! Here are some tips on how to write the perfect letter to your sponsored child.
What does it mean to sponsor a child?
When you sponsor a child, you agree to provide financial support to help with their basic needs.
This can include things like food, shelter, healthcare, and education. In exchange, you receive updates about the child’s life and progress.
Sponsoring a child is a great way to make a lasting impact in their life.
If you are interested in learning how to write a letter to your own child, you can also find letter writing tips here.
Keep reading below to find tips on writing a letter to your sponsored child.
What is Compassion International?
Compassion International is a child sponsor organization that works to provide children in poverty with basic needs like food, water, education, and medical care.
They also work to promote child development by providing opportunities for sponsor-child relationships, spiritual formation, and leadership development.
You can sponsor a child through Compassion International and help make a difference in their life! As a sponsor, you will commit to providing financial support for your sponsored child.
Your sponsorship helps cover the costs of things like food, water, education, and medical care. But it also helps support other important aspects of child development, like spiritual formation and leadership training.
In addition to making a difference in your sponsored child’s life, you will also have the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with them through letters!
By working to improve the lives of children living in poverty, Compassion International is helping to build a better future for us all.
We are currently sponsoring two children through Compassion International and get the opportunity to write many letters back and forth to our sponsored children!
Often times, the letters are provided for you to make things easy for you to be able to write your message and send the letter back. But, sometimes I may be a challenge to know exactly what to say.
Here are some examples on how to write a letter to a sponsored child.
When to write a letter to a Sponsored Child
There’s no right or wrong time to write a letter to your sponsored child, but some times may be better than others. Here are a few tips on when to write:
Write around special occasions like birthdays and holidays. Your child will love getting a letter from you during these special times!
If you’re ever feeling low, writing a letter to your sponsored child can be a great pick-me-up. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel after reaching out and brightening someone else’s day.
Keep your sponsored child updated on what’s going on in your life by writing regularly. This doesn’t have to be every day or even every week, but try to write at least once a month. Your sponsored child will appreciate hearing from you on a regular basis!
How to Write Letter to Sponsored Child
Assuming you would like tips on what to include in a letter to a sponsored child, here are some ideas:
Introduce yourself and explain how you became connected to the child.
Share something about your daily life, hobbies, or interests.
Ask questions about the child’s life, family, friends, school, and favorite activities.
Encourage the child in his or her studies and aspirations.
Pray for the child and let him or her know that you are thinking of him or her often.
It can be helpful to look at examples of letters written by other sponsors before writing your own letter. The important thing is to be genuine, friendly, and interested in getting to know the child you are sponsoring.
Questions you can ask in your letter to a sponsored child
How are you doing?
What have you been up to lately?
What are your favorite things to do?
Tell me about your family and friends.
What are your favorite foods?
What is your favorite thing to learn about in school?
What are your dreams for the future?
Example of what to say in a letter to sponsored child
Example 1:
Dear (Sponsored Child’s Name),
I’m so proud of the progress you’re making in school! Keep up the good work!
I loved hearing about your favorite foods and hobbies. I’m so excited to get to know you better!
It sounds like you had a lot of fun at the park with your friends. I’m glad you’re enjoying your time there!
I can’t wait to hear from you soon! I’m so glad we’re friends. I’ll be thinking of you and praying for you.
Sincerely,
Your sponsor
Example 2:
Dear sponsored child,
Thank you so much for having me as your sponsor! I am excited to get to know you and learn about your life. I hope this letter finds you well.
I wanted to let you know a little bit about myself. My name is _______ and I am _____ years old. I live in _____ (city/state/country). In my free time, I enjoy _____.
I would love to hear about your life too! What is your favorite subject in school? Do you have any brothers or sisters? What are some of your hobbies?
Please write back soon, and know that I am thinking of you!
Sincerely,
____________
Example 3:
Dear sponsored child,
I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I am thinking of you and to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. Your letters and updates have meant so much to me, and I am so grateful to have you as my friend.
I hope you are doing well in school and that you are enjoying your hobbies. I am looking forward to hearing more from you soon!
With best wishes,
Your sponsor
Now that you know the basics, it’s time to get started on your letter. Be sure to personalize it as much as possible and let the child know how much you care about them.
The holidays can be a difficult time for some children who are living in poverty, so your letter could mean the world to them.
We hope you take the time to write one – they will definitely appreciate it!
There are many benefits to taking the time to write a post card to your daughter. It is a wonderful way to stay connected with her and let her know that you are thinking of her.
It also allows you to share your thoughts and feelings in a more personal way than email or text.
If you’re having trouble finding the perfect postcard, consider creating your own!
How to choose a postcard
When choosing a postcard for your daughter, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, consider her age and what kinds of things she enjoys. If she’s a young child, you might want to choose a postcard with cute characters or animals on it.
For an older daughter, you might want to choose a postcard with a scenic view or something that reflects her interests.
Another important thing to consider is the message you want to send. Think about what you want to say and how you want to say it.
Some postcards have space for you to write a longer message, while others have pre-printed messages that you can choose from. Pick the postcard that best fits the message you want to send.
Finally, make sure the postcard you choose is from a place that your daughter would enjoy visiting.
If she loves the beach, choose a postcard with a beautiful beach scene. If she’s into hiking and nature, choose a postcard with a scenic view of mountains or forests.
By choosing a postcard that appeals to her interests, you’re sure to send a message that she’ll love.
How many words should you write in a postcard?
There’s no set rule for how many words you should write in a postcard, but generally speaking, shorter messages are better.
You want your postcard to be easy to read and understand, so try to keep your message concise.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your postcard to around 50-100 words. Any more than that and you risk losing your reader’s attention.
What to Write in Postcard to Daughter
There are so many things you could write in a postcard to your daughter! Here are just a few ideas:
I’m so proud of you!
I’m thinking of you and cheering you on!
You’re such a wonderful person, inside and out.
I hope today is as wonderful as you are.
Sending you lots of love.
I miss you and can’t wait to see you again!
Examples of what to write in a postcard to daughter
Assuming you want postcard messages for a daughter, here are some examples:
“I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become. You’re strong, independent, and always stay true to yourself. I love you more than you could ever possibly know.”
“I hope this postcard finds you happy and healthy! You mean the world to me and I cherish every moment we spend together. I hope your day is as wonderful as you are.”
“Whenever I see something that reminds me of you, I can’t help but smile. You’ve brought so much joy into my life and I am so grateful for that. I hope you know how much you mean to me.”
“Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say I love and miss you so much! I can’t wait to see you again soon. Until then, please know that you are always in my thoughts.”
“Thinking of you today and sending lots of love your way! You’re such a special person with so much to give the world. I’m so lucky to have you as my daughter.”
“I hope this postcard brightens your day! You are always in my thoughts and I sincerely cherish the bond we share. You mean everything to me and I love you unconditionally.”
How much is it to send a postcard?
As of 2022, the cost to send a postcard within the United States is $0.34. For international postcards, the cost is $0.75.
These rates are subject to change, so it’s always best to check with your local post office for the most up-to-date information.
How long does it take for a postcard to arrive?
postcards usually take about 3-5 days to arrive.
However, it can sometimes take longer depending on the location it’s being sent to.
If you’re sending a postcard internationally, it can take up to 2 weeks for it to arrive.
If you’re wondering how long does it take for a postcard to arrive, the answer is anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Are you a mom in need of a day of pampering? Read our tips on How to Create a Spa Day at Home for Busy Moms.
I’m a mom of two girls (14 and 11) and one boy (6). This Mother’s Day, I want something simple! I see it as an opportunity to take a day of rest and pampering.
If my family were to ask me what I’d like for Mother’s Day, I’d be quick to answer that I’d want a day of rest and relaxation as well as a chance to pamper myself, at home – alone.
I spend a lot of time with my kids on a regular basis, but I do need a break often to recharge.
A silent home with just me and my thoughts and a few items to help pamper myself during my day alone is all I need for a perfect Mother’s Day.
This will require the help of my husband of course. He will be in charge of entertaining the kids while I enjoy my day of pampering.
If you are dreaming of a spa day at home, consider these tips below to play the perfect day of rest and relaxation for you!
Spa Day At Home for Busy Moms
Turn off distractions.
Turn your phone to silent to avoid receiving any phone calls, texts, notifications, or distractions during your spa day at home.
Leave your phone in another room and try not to even have it near you if possible. The last thing you want is to receive a notification that causes anxiety during your time of relaxation!
Set the mood of the room.
Light a few candles around the room in a safe location. If you don’t want to deal with flames on candles, I recommend using flameless candles.
Turn the light settings on low if possible to provide the perfect relaxing atmosphere for your spa day. Turn on relaxing music to listen to.
If you’ve ever visited a spa, you may recognize that most spas have a pitcher of water nearby.
Many times, the water is infused with fruits or other flavors that make spa day even more refreshing!
Pull Back Your Hair
If you are planning to do your own facial at home, pull back your hair with a hair tie or hair towel wrap to keep your hair from getting on your face or sticking to your face mask!
Give yourself a facial.
Give yourself a facial by using a facial steamer, facial cleanser, and/or facial mask. You can try placing a slice of cucumber over your eyes for a refreshing experience!
Give yourself a manicure and pedicure.
Save money on a salon style manicure and pedicure and do your own at home!
Start with a warm foot bath, then treat your hands and feet! You can use a pedicure set pretty nail polish for your DIY session.
When you are feeling fresh and clean from from your spa experience, it’s time to sit and relax with a good book or magazine with a cup of coffee or tea.
Self care is so important for moms, but it can be hard to find the time and energy to take care of yourself.
This list of self care tips for moms will help you make time for yourself and feel better. Whether you need a break from your kids or just some time to relax, these tips will help you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
So don’t wait any longer, start taking care of yourself today! Keep reading for to learn more about self care for busy moms!
Why Self Care Matters & Super Simple Ways To Treat Yourself
You’ve probably heard the term “self care” used a lot lately.
If you’re a busy mom like me, it can be difficult finding time for self care. I can’t stress the importance of taking care of yourself though, it’s a must!
Self care covers a lot of areas with regard to caring for yourself. It involves nurturing your body, mind and spirit.
It focuses on building yourself up so that your internal resources don’t become depleted.
It requires you to show yourself some compassion and encourages you to be vulnerable with others, asking for help you when you need it.
The Benefits of Self Care
There are lots of benefits to practicing self care.
Giving all your energy to those around you without filling your own cup back up leaves you depleted and empty.
Spending time and effort on yourself rejuvenates and energizes you. Taking time to indulge in your own interests demonstrates your worth, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on the world.
It teaches you a lot about yourself and provides you with insight into what you need to be the best version of yourself.
Self-care helps you better cope with stress and to prioritize what’s important to you. You’ll be better able to take care of your family when you also take time to meet your own needs.
Examples of Self Care
There are countless ways to add self care into your routine.
The key is to choose activities that are most enjoyable to you and provide you with the most benefits.
Going for a walk in nature is great for those who enjoy the outdoors. If you have small children that are still in strollers, they can benefit from a walk as much as we can! Otherwise, see if your husband can watch the kids while you go out for a walk a few times per week, even if it means you are getting in your exercise earlier or later in the day. Try to fit it in when you can.
Other forms of exercise like yoga, running or going to the gym work well, too. When my children were little, I looked for gyms that offered childcare while I worked out so that I could have some me time.
Spending time with friends can be rejuvenating, but so can saying no. Allowing yourself to decline invitations or favors when you’re feeling run-down is a big part of caring for yourself. Learn to recognize when you are needing time to be alone to recharge or needing time to be around others.
Treating yourself to a favorite, affordable indulgence like a movie, manicure or ice cream cone are all good examples. As is taking a bath or meditating. These are just a few of the ways you can easily incorporate self care into your life.
Start and End Your Day With A Little Self Care
Like any new habit, adding self care into your life can seem kind of tricky, especially if you aren’t used to this idea.
You probably wonder how you’ll manage to find time to do anything extra for yourself when you aren’t taking care of the kids, let alone how you’ll actually remember o do these things.
One of the best ways to get started is to build your activities into predictable parts of your day.
In order to make something a habit, it has to happen regularly. Keep reading, and I’ll show you some tricks to making self care a routine part of your life.
Make It Personal
The first thing that will help you in creating your self care rituals is to choose activities that are meaningful to you and that you enjoy.
You’ll want to be sure it’s customized in order to get the most out of it. Consider making a list of things that help you to feel relaxed, peaceful, excited or happy.
These activities should be able to be done in a short amount of time and easily fit into your life without special equipment or tools.
For example, I love to ride by stationary bike at the end of the day when the kids are in bed. I put on my headphones and listen to my favorite playlist while I work out. It’s not always a long bike ride, sometimes 15-30 minutes is all I need.
As mentioned above, you should add your self care rituals to the most convenient parts of your day. Choose times that are already somewhat flexible so that incorporating something new into that space will be less stressful.
Many people go with morning or evening routines, right when they wake up and before going to sleep each night.
Getting up fifteen minutes earlier than usual and setting aside a window during the usual night time schedule are usually things most folks can do.
However, maybe designating your daily lunch break as your self care time might work better for you.
Consider activities like writing a gratitude journal entry before bed, listening to music while having your morning coffee or going for a short walk over your lunch hour.
Be Flexible
It’s best to come up with a routine that works for you and stick to it. Committing to a particular schedule will help you to create a habit and ensures that you get the self-care you need.
However, try to cut yourself some slack. Some days are more hectic than others. You may not be able to fit in your anticipated self-care activity, and that’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day, and you can try again.
Soon, you’ll find yourself wanting to take part in these rituals, and getting back on track will be easy.
Getting into the practice of regular self care doesn’t have to be difficult. Making a few adjustments to your existing schedule can free up some space in your day.
Choose things that will refresh you and that are simple in nature will make getting started a breeze.
Another way to keep things interesting is to treat yourself to things you’ve always wanted to do. Adding new and novel experiences to your self care routine is like giving yourself a little gift every day. It’s a great way to stay motivated to do things to care for yourself.
Pamper Yourself
Taking physical care of yourself in a pampering way makes us feel good. Pampering is a go-to for many people when it comes to their self care routine.
Think of something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A small act of indulgence can have the same effect as an extravagant one.
Consider scheduling a manicure if you’ve never had one. A bubble bath with candles can be soothing if this is something you don’t do very often.
If your budget will allow, a spa day with a friend could rejuvenate your body and spirit.
Most of us don’t buy ourselves presents very often or even give ourselves little treats. You can change that starting now.
Think of something within your budget you’ve been wanting for a while now. Then give yourself permission to buy it. Maybe it’s that snazzy pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on or the cell phone upgrade that would make your life easier.
Giving yourself one gift, no matter how small, can be a boost to your self-worth.
Enjoy the Little Things
Self care really doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. The tiniest gestures can be the most meaningful. Indulging in small free or low-cost treats allows you to spoil yourself more often.
What are some little things you’ve never done for yourself that you can start adding to your life today?
Have you ever bought yourself flowers? Give it a try. You’ll get a boost every time you see that beautiful bouquet on your table or desk. I LOVE to keep a fresh bouquet of flowers in my kitchen at all times.
Think of your favorite food item, the one you have on special occasions. Why not make one day a week a little more special by trying a new version of it? For example, commit yourself to tasting a new truffle each week at your favorite cholate shop. Get creative with it.
Adding new experiences to your self care routine keeps things interesting and can also help make them more meaningful. Novelty will also expand your world and enrich your life. Plus, it’s just fun!
Make A List Of 5 Simple Self-Care Routines You Can Fall Back On When Needed
Having a list of self care routines can make it easier for you to implement them when needed.
Make a List
Let’s start with your self care backup plan. Make a list of at least five activities you can easily fit in your life during the most stressful periods.
Having such a reminder on hand will let you gain the benefits of caring for yourself without having to think about it too much.
This list can include simple reminders like go to bed early so you get enough sleep, eat nourishing food to keep your energy up or ask for help you need it because these are all things you might forget when you’ve got a ton on your plate.
During times of trouble, the very basic foundations of self care can be the most important.
Make a Care Package
Another way to boost your chances of keeping self care at the focus during hard times is to prepare a care package ahead of time.
This can include some of your favorite little indulgences like a good book, herbal teas, facial mask, fuzzy slippers and classical CD. Include anything that brings you joy.
Being able to reach for this package when you’re stressed can mean the world and make a huge difference to your outlook.
Involve Your Crew
When things look bleak, you may require a bit of help to get back on track. That’s why it’s a good idea to reach out to trusted friends and family now to enlist their help for the future.
Talk to your closest confidantes and let them know you would like them to always encourage your self care routine. Share with them the benefits it’s provided you and tell them you’d appreciate their assistance if they see you aren’t caring for yourself as well as you should be.
Sometimes those who know us best can see things we don’t. When your crew knows to look out for you in this regard, they can reinforce your self-care needs during times of stress.
Taking steps to plan now can make maintaining your self-care routine easier in the future. Always remember it’s during the hardest times that you need to nurturing yourself the most.
Lots of people get the wrong idea about self-care. They think they have to be deserving of it. They feel like it’s splurging to do something good for yourself. It can seem extravagant.
I’d like to change that mindset today. Self-care is something you deserve. Everyone does. It benefits us all, along with those around us, when we put our own well-being at the forefront.
You can’t take care of others when your own well being is suffering. Let’s take a look at some free and low-cost ways you can care for yourself.
Take a Time Out
Sometimes just a little bit of alone time is all you need to feel rejuvenated. So why not give yourself a time out?
Lock yourself in your room with a nice cup of tea. Listen to some quiet music. Just sit still and think for a bit. It’s a luxury we all can afford.
This is one of my favorite ways to de-stress and unwind when I need alone time. I usually give my husband or kids a heads up to give mom some time in her room.
I need a few moments of calm, peace, and no distractions!
Waste Some Time
We often feel pressured to be productive all the time. Being busy these days is a “sign of worth and accomplishment.” However, it really doesn’t have to be that way.
Just kicking back and doing nothing is important to recharging our batteries. Let yourself have some down time to do something frivolous like binge on your favorite Netflix show, take a nap or just sit and pet your cat.
You deserve it.
Do Some Writing
Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, journaling can be a very therapeutic activity. Jotting down what you’re grateful for has been proven to be beneficial to well-being.
It can also be energizing to simply do a brain dump in which you write down all the things that are floating around in your head. Jotting down dreams for the future might inspire and motivate you to take action.
I recently started keeping a small notebook next to me to jot down all of the ideas that pop in my mind throughout the day. Things like: things to get done, top priorities, things the kids need, menu planning ideas, etc. It has helped me to collect my thoughts easier and I’m less likely to forget them when they are written down.
Give it a try.
Reach Out to Someone
Socializing is a crucial part of self care. Even introverts benefit from interpersonal connection. Humans aren’t meant to be isolated.
Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Sit down and Skype with your favorite internet pal. Meeting up in person for a walk together or a cup of coffee is even better.
Connecting to others might just provide the spark you’ve been missing.
Change Your Perspective
A change of scenery can be a wonderful source of renewal, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Just heading out to walk in your neighborhood might help when you’re feeling stir crazy in your home.
If you’re able to afford it, a low-cost staycation to a nearby location for a day or two is a fun way to switch things up. You’ll be surprised what this change of perspective can do for you.
While these are just a few of the countless ways you can indulge in self care without spending much money, perhaps they’re just the jumpstart you need to begin exploring this concept.
You truly do deserve to spend time, energy and effort on your own well-being.
Don’t Feel Guilty For Practicing Self Care
I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasize why you shouldn’t feel guilty for practicing self-care and encourage you to do so in every area of your life.
It’s Not Selfish
Taking time to care for yourself is not selfish in any way. It may be hard to get past the mindset that the needs of others are more important than your own, but overcoming this mindset is essential to allowing yourself to adequately meet your own needs. When you care for yourself, it doesn’t have to mean you don’t care about others.
It’s Necessary
Self care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It really is like the airplane air mask comparison. You have to ensure you can breathe before you can help those around you.
If you’re tired, rundown and overwhelmed all the time, you absolutely cannot give your best self to others. You also can’t offer yourself the very best. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish.
It Sets a Good Example
If you’re a parent, investing in self care is not only good for you, it sets a good example for your kids. Taking the time to care for yourself might be inspiring or motivational for those around you.
It Demands Respect
When you demonstrate that you value yourself and that you find worth investing time in yourself, they will respond in kind.
Learning to say no and set boundaries is good for your relationships. It teaches others how you expect to be treated and makes it clear that you see yourself as a priority. There’s no reason to feel guilty for that.
With practice, you can come to see the benefits of self-care and that it doesn’t have to be something that causes guilt.
Tips To Continue To Take Care Of Yourself Going Forward
Self care is a process. It requires practice and dedication if you want to make it stick.
Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to make this new concept a part of your life. It’ll get easier, and you’ll probably find yourself craving your self care activities so much you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
However, there will inevitably be times that are busier or more stressful when self-care may go by the wayside. If you find that happening, be sure to follow these tips to continue to take care of yourself going forward.
Follow Your Gut
Sometimes we get so busy that we find ourselves living on auto-pilot. That’s only natural during hectic times, but it’s critical that you make an attempt to listen to your instincts during these times to know whether you’re in need of a boost.
When you start to feel especially frazzled or fatigued, that’s not a cue to double down and work harder. It’s your body and mind telling you that you need a break. Listen to them.
Along these lines, look for other unusual signs that things are off balance with you such as irritability, eating poorly, losing sleep or indulging in bad habits. These things are telling you to take care of yourself.
Schedule It In
A trick that helps some people to fit self care into their schedules when life gets busy is to actually write it in their date book or calendar.
Treat your self care commitments like any other appointment or event. Write down the time you’ll start and finish. Try to be specific about the activity you’ll engage in.
Doing these things will increase the odds that you’ll actually follow through. It’s easy to put yourself on the backburner when life gets crazy, but don’t forget that these are the times you need self-care the most.
Create a Plan
Developing a self care plan is crucial to maintaining your well-being.
Keep your emergency self-care list and your care package together so they’re easily accessed when you need them.
Make sure there’s a list of trusted contacts to call when you might need some self-care encouragement and accountability. Your tribe can provide the motivation and support you need to take care of yourself.
Last thought: Take time to assess your self care needs regularly.
This will also help to keep you on track. Ask yourself once a week or so if you’re giving yourself enough time and attention. Listen to your instincts. Make adjustments as necessary.
Self care is an ongoing and evolving process. It requires your constant attention.
Are you trying to “do it all” as a busy mom? Are you overwhelmed? Here are a few tips for the multitasking mom that can help.
If you sat down and listed out all of your responsibilities, how long with the list be?
You’re a wife, a mother, a homemaker… You might have a job, volunteer responsibilities and responsibilities to your aging parents, grandparents or neighbors.
Perhaps you’re dealing with a child that is struggling in school or a friend who is going through a rough time right now. It can be a lot to handle.
If you are trying to do too much at once, try delegating some of your tasks to others.
For example, have your husband help put the kids to bed or have your kids make their own lunches and clean their own rooms.
Give your assistant at work more responsibility, and find additional volunteers for any committees you are on.
Use To Do Lists
For the important tasks that you cannot delegate or get rid of, to-do lists are key. I seriously don’t know what I would do without them.
Each night, list out all of the tasks you NEED to get done the next day. (You can add in the tasks you want to get done as well, but then be sure to indicate on your list which items are the most urgent.)
Then, the next day you aren’t wasting time in between tasks trying to figure out what to do next, and you aren’t forgetting everything either.
A good to-do list will help you be much more efficient.
Lastly, for items that you do on a routine basis, create a schedule for them. You could create a daily, weekly or monthly schedule–or all three!
Mark important dates that you won’t want to forget, such as school activities, work meetings and the days that your bills are due. You can even add in little things like the day the library books are due if it will help you remember.
Keep your schedule in your phone or in a planner you carry with you everywhere and refer to it often. When you write everything down, you are much less likely to forget it.
Plus, you can set reminders if you use your phone.
Juggling multiple responsibilities is a ton of work, but it can be done
. The next time you feel like you are barely keeping your head above water or that you are forgetting things left and right, use these tips to help you juggle everything.
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