Recently, I was talking with a Mom friend who is in the thick of the back to school schedule. Since she knows I’m on the other side of the back to school stress, she asked if and when things got better. I assured her they would as her kids get older, and that now would be a perfect time to practice mental rest. Today, I have the privilege of sharing insights on this topic from Shiela Mie Legapsi, President of Cyberbacker and contributor to Newsweek and Pop Sugar.
Moms Need Mental Rest:
This is a sponsored post on behalf of Shiela Mie Legapsi of Cyberbacker. I received information to facilitate my post as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions are my own.
My Daughters and I Back To School Days:
I love this photo of my girls and I when they were younger and look back on those times with fondness. I remember that this was taken on a Sunday afternoon and my brain was full of all the things I had to do to prepare for the week ahead.
I was happy in the moment, but I was not practicing mental rest at all. That's why I was delighted to have the opportunity to share tips and insights on this topic with you.
Moms in every stage of parenting, but especially new moms, should set aside me time. Below are three tips from Sheila to help us practice mental rest and self care during back to school time and beyond.
Mental rest is just as important to the sandwich generation of Moms who, like me, may have older children, but have parents or other senior loved ones that require our limited time and attention.
Tip One: Put Me Time on Your Calendar for Mental Rest Breaks:
Shiela, President of Cyberbacker notes that Moms need to put themselves, or “me time” on our calendars and this is especially important for new mothers and individuals who are juggling responsibilities. Balancing the needs of a newborn, family responsibilities, and work commitments can be overwhelming in those early days and as your children grow up, but with these demands, you must take care of yourself too by being intentional and scheduling regular me time.
Tip Two: Discover What length of Me Time Works for You:
Me time will look different to each Mom because our lifestyles are so varied. Me Time is a dedicated block of time you’ve carved out for yourself. Shiela says no matter the amount of time you can allocate, an hour, or even 15 minutes like I used to do can be helpful.
The key is to be able to create an oasis of solitude amidst the daily chaos. During this time, you can step away from the daily routine, give yourself a chance to reflect on the events of the week, reset your mind, and recharge mentally and emotionally so that you can approach your projects with renewed energy. This could be as simple as lighting a candle while you read a book, or flip through a magazine.
Ask For Help so you can Step Away:
Another key component to mental rest is asking for help according to Shiela. She says “seeking help is a cornerstone of self-care. While it may be scary to ask for help, remember that you are not alone in this journey. Your support network, including your partner, extended family, and trusted friends, can be invaluable allies.”
Something that always helped me rest mentally, was to spend time on the porch taking care of my flower containers when my husband got home from work. Those 15 minutes of fresh air and nature did wonders for my spirit and helped me manage the evening with a postive attitude.
Tip Three: Rediscover Hobbies and Activities You Used to Enjoy:
Resting and napping when my baby and toddlers napped helped me tremendously during the first few years of motherhood. As my kids got older, I scheduled quiet time in the afternoons for them to have a mental rest and I used that time to do something just for myself. Not clean the house, not starting dinner prep, I learned to rest my mind by getting my hands busy with crafts, puzzles, houseplants and container gardening.
Shiela agrees and states that "me time" is an opportunity to reconnect with old hobbies or activities that you haven't engaged in for a while. Revisiting something that is uniquely yours, whether it's painting, gardening, walking, playing a musical instrument, or even indulging in a favorite novel, can offer a sense of rejuvenation and fulfillment. These activities allow you to tap into your personal interests, fostering a sense of identity and accomplishment that goes beyond your roles as a mom and professional.
Some of my Hobbies Include:
Hobbies don’t have to be big, costly undertakings! I’ve been a work at home since my daughters were born and will be celebrating 13 years of blogging here on My WAHM Plan this month. I write about a lot of my hobbies and have been able to earn a living discussing them, but also stay true to my need for downtime and family privacy. Even though I am connected for my job, my hobbies are mainly no-tech, which is touched on next.
- Reading with lunch (see current book reviews here)
- Gardening
- Cooking, Baking and Entertaining
- Watching and reviewing Films
- Puzzles (follow my puzzle account on Instagram here)
Tip Three: Unplug and be Unavailable During Me Time:
According to Shiela, it's essential to unplug and be unavailable as a commitment to yourself. In a world inundated with digital distractions, this commitment to disconnecting is a gift you give yourself.
“The distraction of smartphones and constant communication can be counterproductive to achieving this mental break. So, challenge yourself to put your phone on Do not Disturb your designated "me time."
Cutting out emails, work-related messages, and social media allows you to take your mind off distractions and focus on the present moment. I found solace in personal reflection and writing during this time. Engaging in these practices can be very therapeutic, allowing you to process your thoughts and feelings in a calm and unhurried way.”
I know from personal experience that this is easier said than done, especially as a work at home mom. Today, for me, disconnecting might be as simple as going to a local plant store and keeping my phone in my purse and on silent as I shop and admire the beauty all around me.
The Takeaway:
Carving out time for yourself, disconnecting from the daily demands of work and family, and relying on your support system are important ways to maintain your well-being as a new mother and beyond.
Shiela urges all Moms to remember that self-care and mental rest is not just an act of recovery, but a foundation upon which you can take good care of your loved ones. If you’d like to learn more about time blocking and work/life balance, you should check out Shiela’s article here.
I really enjoyed being able to share these practical tips from Shiela with you. I hope all Moms reading this will be able to practice mental rest now and as we head in to the busy holiday months.
Please share in comments: How do you practice mental rest and selfcare?
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