Out of all of the wonderful roles I have been given?wife, friend, daughter, sister, trainer?there is one that stands out far above the rest?my role as a mother. I have been so blessed with 4 beautiful children that I get to love, teach, and nurture every single day, and for that I am beyond grateful. But my role as a ?mom? doesn’t stop there.
During different seasons of my life, as have many of you, I have had the amazing opportunity to be mom to so many! From my EWL peeps, to nieces and nephews, and everything in between. Being a mother is surely not bound by labor and delivery?it means so much more! From dads who have stepped into the role of ?mom? due to various circumstances, to women who have struggled with infertility but have been blessed with children through the miracle of adoption, and of course those who have shown endless love to children and friends around them providing the selflessness and care that is prerequisite for motherhood. Regardless of what ?mom? looks like for you, there is one common thread?unconditional love. And oftentimes that unconditional love means sacrificing our own personal needs for those around us.
While we love those we take care of and the things we get to do?whether it?s at home, or at work, or both?it?s also crucial that we ?moms? take care of ourselves. Yes?eating healthy and exercising regularly are so important, but often overlooked (and just as important) is taking some time for some R&R?Rest and Relaxation.
I know so many of you, myself included, feel like there just aren?t enough hours in the day as it is?so adding some daily R&R doesn?t even seem possible! Believe me, I?m right there with you. But I also know that when I do get it, even if it?s only for a few minutes, my outlook on life and how I handle the stresses in my life, improves in some pretty amazing ways:
- Reduces those stresses, and since long-term stress can cause so many health issues, getting rid of as much as I can is so important.
- Lessens anxiety.
- Boosts my mood. Those around me really appreciate that one! 😉
- Helps me remember things better. That?s a definite plus!
- Improves my ability to focus, which means it takes less time to do what I need to do, and I make better decisions.
- Helps curb cravings.
- Boosts my confidence.
- Reduces anger and frustration. Chris and my kiddos are very thankful for this one. 😉
- Helps my whole body, including my mind, repair itself = a stronger me!
The benefits of daily, or even weekly, R&R are so far reaching, that they vastly outweigh the cons of taking a personal timeout! As mothers, it is our duty to be there for the ones we love, and if we don?t carve out some time for ourselves now, we may end up limiting our capabilities in the future!
To get you started on your new path to a more healthful, restful lifestyle, I?m giving away one $100 gift card to a local day spa of the winner?s choosing! To enter, simply (1) comment below with why YOU need a mama?s day out, (2) share this post on social media channels and tag me, and (3) follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter. A winner will be chosen Tuesday, May 5th. Good luck?and if you aren?t the lucky winner make sure you still take the time to celebrate motherhood and honor the amazing role you?ve been given through some good old fashioned relaxation. We ALL deserve it!
Xoxo,
Heidi
173 Responses
I am mother to 4, “Nana” to 1 and “Mom” to 34 Navy ROTC students. This year has been a bit stressful with me breaking my ankle while on a hike with my Marine students in the fall and slowly getting back to my exercise routine but at a slower pace. 2 of my girls have had breakups with their boyfriends in the last month and my son got engaged. My husband has had good news with now being 3 1/2 years cancer free so I feel like the last 3 1/2 years of so much stress is slowly turning around even though cancer test will still happen on a regular basis and bring worry with each illness and test. I could just use some ‘Me time” after giving so much to all my family members, over the last several months. Even though my life is about my family it would be nice to have a little pampering for me to get me ready for the next events in our lives. Thanks for taking my application and reading about me. I admire you and would love to meet you if you are ever in Lincoln, Nebraska!
Oh my GOSH!!!! This is so exciting! I can’t tell you how badly I need these feet done LOL. The reason I want to win is because I’ve been unemployed for almost 3 years now. The last 3 years have been some of the hardest years of my life.
I can either dwell on everything that went wrong, or I can tell you during that time the Lord has been at work within my heart. Molding and reshaping things that aren’t so great within me. Teaching me to trust Him more. Teaching me how He is my provider. Renewing my mindset about certain things (boy this is a sloowww process). lol
During this unemployement stretch I have had the opprotunity to focus more on what my son’s needs are in school, and out of school. He was really struggling, and I truly believe the Lord has allowed me to pour in to him in different ways. I’m also still in the works of starting my own jewelry business (it’s still kinda shaky, because I dont’ have any income to back it… YET! I also went back to school and graduated November of last year and am studying for my national exam.
So, life has been moving … just not the way I would of planned things. (Ha) Since I am a single mother, I don’t get a vacation, or have the funds for vacation. There was a time when I could splurge on things like that, but I just can’t afford it anymore. Spa days are something that I truly enjoyed once upon a time. I have pretty much forgotten what it feels like to take care of myself in such a way. I have gone and am still going through a lot, but the Lord is faithful, and he cares! He will never leave or forsake me… So, yes…. this would be sooooooo awesome to win. God bless all of the beautiful momma’s … Cheer’s to all of us getting a chance to win.
Being a busy mother of 4 boys (9,7,3, &1) is such a beautiful gift and as much as I dream about a little R&R I would gift this to my sister in law. She is on 32 weeks pregnant with twin girls (currently on bed rest till their arrival). She also just happened to be my sons first grade teacher until last week. An amazing teacher that has worked so hard this year especially being pregnant. She deserves a little R&R!
As a Mom of 5 my life is always taking care of my family and sometimes I put my own needs on the back Burner. I make sure to get in my workouts and be the healthiest and happiest mom I can but I lack at being able to take a rest day. It’s much never to recover and reenergize.
Am going through a major setback financially, physically, mentally and spiritually. I am a single mother and grandmother.
I need this spa day! After raising my three boys into adulthood I had a little surprise package, a baby girl! She is now five. I have also taken on the role of mother for my 3 grandsons that have an absent mother. It is so hard to raise a whole new set of kids at my age. I work part time and volunteer when I’m able at my church. Boy do I deserve a spa day. 🙂
I would say that being a mom of three little ones, homeschooling my kids, and that my husband works crazy amounts of overtime every week, would be a perfect reason for a little R&R. I love my kids to death, but a little break for some quiet personal time would be so great, and a great way for me to recharge so I can be a better mom! 🙂
I do not have an instagram and finding it difficult to set one up. Is it necessary to win? I already follow you on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. XoxO
Also it is not allowing me to tag you. 🙁
As much as I love going to the spa (especially now that I am 14 weeks pregnant) I would gift this to MY mom as she has been such a blessing to me my whole life. I am getting married in one week and this wedding would have been the death of me without her. Not to mention all the support and advice she has given us since we found out we are pregnant. She is the absolute most amazing woman in the world and doesn’t treat herself enough.
My 7 month old son still wakes every 2 hours at night. We’ve been working on it the last two week and it’s gotten better but now he’s protesting naps and he’s starting to crawl and get into everything. We live out of state from all our family and I don’t have very many friends. I could really use a break, but it’s so hard to not feel guilty when I have a million things to do or I should be spending that extra time with my husband.