Taking time for yourself -- what I call self-love or self-care -- is probably one of the most important pieces of the healthy lifestyle puzzle for busy military spouses. But how the hell do you do that when you're juggling work, military family life, kids and hobbies?
I'm not gonna lie, it's tough. It takes a lot of planning and prioritizing to not only figure out HOW to take care of yourself but to then actually put the plan in action.
As odd as it sounds, taking care of yourself is one of the best ways for you to take care of other people. You hear that, Military Spouses?!
Giving so much to other people can drain you -- and if you continue to give and give and give, you'll eventually burn out. Taking time out for yourself will keep you more balanced and every military spouse I know needs that. Here's 5 super easy self-care tips for busy military spouses like you!
Busy Military Spouse Self-Care Tip 1: Choose healthy foods.
Hear me out: You have to eat, right? Well, instead of just nibbling on whatever is leftover from the kids' dinner or standing in the refrigerator grazing, do yourself a favor and actually eat something healthy. Instead of munching on chips, grab a piece of fruit. (Bonus points if you actually sit down and eat it at the table.) You'll have more energy to get everything done and, if you're eating healthy foods, you won't feel bloated and yucky.
Busy Military Spouse Self-Care Tip 2: Prioritize.
Take a serious look at where you're wasting time and see if you can't convince yourself to do something more productive. Instead of plopping down and watching a few hours of tv at night, maybe take a walk with the kids or get in some exercise. You'll sleep better if you get in at least 30 minutes of exercise a day. And better sleep = happier you.
Busy Military Spouse Self-Care Tip 3: Ask for help.
Are your children old enough to help out around the house? If so, give them some things to do that will help you -- perhaps taking out the trash, picking up toys, sweeping the floors, etc. Let them know that you need their help and that you appreciate them. Not only will this take something off your plate, but it will also teach them responsibility. No kids? Don't shy away when other people ask what they can do to help. If people are offering, they really do want to help. Give them an honest answer.
Busy Military Spouse Self-Care Tip 4: Crank up the music.
Put on your favorite radio station while you're working. There's nothing like hearing your favorite song come on when you're doing a task you don't particularly like. Take a little dance break.
Busy Military Spouse Self-Care Tip 5: Keep a gratitude journal.
It doesn't have to be a long list, but jotting down 3-5 things every day that you're grateful for will shift your mindset from all the things we usually focus on -- the negative -- to what's important -- the positive.
Once you've started taking time for yourself, it will get easier to make time for it. Not only will you feel unbalanced if you don't take time, but you'll be showing others around you that it's important to you to take care of yourself.
What are your tips for fitting in time for yourself?
This article originally appeared at NextGen Military Spouse.
More articles from NextGen Military Spouse:
- When (and How) to Use the Military Spouse Bat Signal
- Year of You: How to Live Large and Spend Small
- When It's Not Just a Funk
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