Is self care a part of your daily routine?

Self care is taking care of yourself emotionally, physically and mentally

I used to think that self-care meant spending an entire day lounging around the spa and fancy nights out on the town with girlfriends. Don't get me wrong; days like that are still amazing! But, these days they're few and far between.

Over the years, I've realized that self-care doesn't need to be a huge "to do." Instead, it can be as simple as doing one small thing for myself EVERY single day and not see it as selfish.

Here some of my daily and weekly self-care practices.

Every day I get up before the kids (it's gotten easier over the years as they sleep in more these days) When they were young, I'd often get up at 5 am just to get ahead start on the day, although as I’m writing this, I should confess that my daughter is often up and out of the door before me, as she loves an early start to her day too.

I love this time alone in the mornings to gather my thoughts, have a drink by myself and relax without anyone asking me for anything. Often, I've thrown on a load of laundry, had coffee and exercised before anyone else has woken up.

The other thing I do for myself is exercise. I love running its my outlet for everything. My original motivation to take up running was to shed some of that lingering baby weight. When I got into it, I realized how much healthier I felt in general and how great it was for my overall mental health. Now, I make exercise a priority about 5 times a week!

NYC Marathon Finisher 2022

When I run, I do a lot of thinking about my clients and what their issues are, and come up with strategies for their success, I also think about my own family and what I have to accomplish that day Running has become a huge part of my daily life - its also rubbed off on my teenage daughter, who is often up and out of the house before me.

Since our kids were little, Marc and I have scheduled a weekly date night to grab drinks or dinner together, just the two of us. It's a lovely ritual to get a bit more dressed up once a week and spend time connecting as a couple.

Marc and I have also taken quite a few holidays, even weekend ones, with just the two of us over the years. I'm lumping this in self-care because it's during these times that I remember that although I'm mum, I'm Dawn too.

One of my more indulgent self-care practices is to get my nails done regularly. When the kids were younger, I didn't do it, but I'm back at it and love this little self-indulgence just for me.

The American Psychological Association say that self care has never been so important on the back of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Of course its easier to carve out this time if you have a predictable routine for your children paired with good sleeping habits. Many of my clients do their daily self care rituals once the children are in bed at night, and if you can make that happen on the earlier side then this will carve out some extra hours for you to, unwind, recharge and connect with your partner, before starting a new day.

Need help with your evening routine or children’s’ bedtimes so that you can also start to practice some more self care? use the contact form below to connect with Dawn