***This is a sponsored post for Wellwoman and Digital Parents Collective***
A friend of mine recently had her third baby. Well, if you call 10 months ago recent. 3 girls under the age of 6 and a husband who frequently travels overseas, she’s snowed under with the all consuming life of a mother; preparing meals, taxiing to and from schools and daycare centres, ensuring the household is running smoothly.
Without a moment’s rest, she’s constantly got a baby on her hip and a toddler wrapped around her legs begging for equal attention.
We finally spoke for the first time in months the other day and caught onto the topic of general health checks. Sadly she couldn’t recall the last time she went to the doctor’s for her own wellbeing and not the children’s.
“You know, I haven’t even had time for a haircut,” she sighed.
“No, no, no…that’s not good enough!” was my adamant reply.
But truth be told, I completely understood her current standing. As much as I wanted to give her some advice, I knew it’s not what she was looking for.
Leading a busy and hectic life as a mum, we often forget our own needs. And there’s usually no one to remind or push us to do something good for ourselves.
Whether that’s to go to the hairdresser’s, get a massage or even a trip to the café for a dose of caffeine and a simple hour of peace.
Entering the third year of motherhood, I’ve become a strong advocate in the belief that if I’m not in my best physical and mental health, I’m doing my family a disservice.
I need to look after me, in order to look after them.
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Wellwoman is not an income protection plan, nor is it an alternative to private health insurance. It does however offer a one-off payment (between $25,000 and $45,000 depending on what level you select) to help with various costs (mortgage repayments, childcare, even a holiday) following diagnosis. A premium can start at just $9.95 a month.
For the chance to win a Day Spa treatment from RedBallon – a One Hour Full body and Mind Massage (valued at $110 and available nationally), tell me:
What do you do to take care of yourself and how often do you do it?
Click here to see the full terms and conditions of this giveaway. Competition ends at 11.59pm on 30th April 2013. Good luck!
A very important post Grace! I know when Nick was a baby I was always about 3rd on the list of people I thought about! It took me 4 years, but I finally realised that I was not being the mum I wanted to be, and I joined group personal training. Honestly, best thing I ever did for myself. I do 2 x 1 hour sessions a week, and try to run on other days and I play tennis. Getting active is by far the best thing I’ve done not only for my physical health, but also for my mental health, and for my son, because now I don’t wear out taking him to the park or the beach. If we don’t have our health, we have nothing. xo
Aroha @ Colours of Sunset recently posted..Wordless Wednesday & Behind The Camera
Taking care of yourself is very important. I recently saw a nutritionist for myself and don’t regret a thing!
I so know how your friend feels – David used to work in mining when we had little ones, and there was days where I never thought I would ever have time to myself.
Now that our five boys are getting older I make time – its not much, but I make time to drink my coffee hot. Instead of letting it get cold and drinking it.
And when I feel like I really need “Time Out” before I “Flip Out” I let my family know that I am going out for a walk. It works wonders every time.
Please send my thoughts to your friend….she really needs a good baby sitter so that at least one hour a week (or more) is just for her 🙂
Because like you say “A Happy Mum means a Happy Family” !!!
Lisa Wood recently posted..Back To Life
Yes Yes Yes!!! This message is so true. I often think about what the airhost/esses say on planes. Make sure you secure your own mask before you do so for your children. You can’t do a good job looking after them if you’re not looking after yourself. Having said that I did a terrible job when I was in pretty much the same position as your friend. (Three little girls and a husband away 3-4 nights a week). How I wish I’d taken better care of myself and been less tired, worn out and frazzled. These days I understand myself better and make sure I do regularly put myself first. It helps that my youngest is at kinder and I get 15 hours a week alone now. I make sure I have a book on the go to escape into, I buy myself clothes that make me feel good and I try to make friendships a priority.
Caz (The Truth About Mummy) recently posted..The Big Pink turns Green {A bedroom makeover story}
Hello there, like others, I’ve learned the hard way how important self-care is. I practise mindfulness all the time, well as much as a I remember too. And when I feel myself getting distressed, simply doing everything more slowly is what helps the most. Rushing around is wildly over-rated!
So, checking in right now, I am feeling a bit sad as we saw a very sick grandad yesterday, so a bit of nurturing ans stillness required today. And talking, hooray for my sisters. Nice post Grace xx
Seana – Sydney, Kids, Food + Travel recently posted..Flower Child – Sweet And Sustainable Baby Shop At Collaroy Plus a Wet/Dry Bag Giveaway
After 23 years of putting kids and their health & wellbeing ahead of my own, I started running, just to do somethibg for myself. At 41, I felt that if I didn’t start now I never would. Four montgs later, I am wondering why it took me so long! I’m loving the sense if accomplishment I get after increasing my distance or improving my time, I am also beginning to feel like my body is much stronger, leaner and healthier. Seriously, the benefits of regular exercise would gave been a great help to me back when raising teenagers! 🙂
Mum of Adult Kids recently posted..Travel bug
I think I will need to look through the comments for ideas to be honest. 🙁
Talia recently posted..Our Travels // An Update
I really don’t take care of myself much – but when I do, I do it by having some time away from the kids, so I can appreciate them more when I am with them. So this is most of the reason I play netball every week, sometimes at 8.30 at night and although I’d much rather be at home on the couch, getting out and about and leaving the house helps to clear my body and mind. I haven’t found the motivation to exercise yet, although we do walk to school 2 days a week. x
Emily @ Have a laugh on me recently posted..It’s really not hard to spot a mother of three!
I must say I’m a big fan of the day spa treatment as a way to do something for myself. Facials, pedicures, and not a pedicure from one of the chain nail places, a proper one in a proper day spa, its so nice. And I feel so good afterwards, having spent a little time doing something just for me and not having to feel guilty about it. I always come out feeling refreshed and in a much better frame of mind to go home and tackle the house and toddler.
Kylez @ A Study in Contradictions recently posted..Ooops! She’s Got it Again
Truth be told, I do very little to look after myself. I barely squeeze in a haircut. If I have an event coming up, I’ll get my nails and lashes done – but often things get neglected in between events. Yet writing this, none of these things look after my health. My appearance yes, My self-esteem – a little. But not my health. Something that needs to change I think xx
Josefa @always Josefa recently posted..Conversations with History
This really is food for thought!! I am definitely not looking after myself enough. It’s so easy to get fully consumed in worrying about everybody else, that I forget that they need me to be well too. Thanks for making me think xx
Robyn (Mrs D) recently posted..Have you ever drunk a hairy lemon? (Review & Giveaway)
Im going to be honest not enough i too cannot remember the last time i went to the doctor when i was’nt taking one of my children, i have 4. I make sure the family eat a balances diet and i walk everyday but i do woory im not doing enough to take care of myself.
I thank my lucky stars to also have friends who speak like you when they tell me to “Do it!” Call the doctor, dentist, principal or hair salon. You’re a good friend.
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