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 have two beautiful children, Bella who is 2 1/2 years and Fred who is 10 months. They are the most gorgeous and smart children I know, and blessed to call them mine. But both have seizures. My husband and I work trying to keep up with the bills. So it would be nice to be pampered and rejuvenated.
I don’t need a gift card, I’m beyond blessed with three amazing teenagers/mini adults and a beyond supportive husband. I do hope you the gift card finds its way to a single momma. It’s hard doing it with a partner, twice as hard alone. Hugs, Karo
I am a mother of 3. I just feel like I need a break from my role and recharge me batteries and regroup my thoughts. I’m always in a better mood after a workout. And although that is “me time”, I feel like R&R is also important and sometimes necessary for us all moms and different than workout “me time”. I wish you all moms, a very Happy Mother’s Day!!!
So we are a blended family with 6 kiddos. Age 17 down to 9 months! We have 4 of them on a regular basis. It’s amazing to see how one household can hold so many different personalities! I’m trying to get this baby weight off, but it’s tough. I am doing the 9 minute missions and pushing for 5 miles a day walking. On top of that we have extra family living with us while they get themselves settled here in Texas. This includes mom, dad and 2 young boys. So, life is crazy. Lack of sleep is a major issue as you can imagine. I wouldn’t trade it though. My journey may be slow, but it is mine and I will get there! If i won i would even be happy to split it between myself and my co-mommies! They work just as hard as i do to keep this ship on course. Happy Mother’s Day!
I am a momma working full time and prepping to move from CA to TX for my husband’s medical residency. We made I through medical school and having a newborn. Now comes the adventure of residency with a toddler 🙂 I’m already exhausted. ..so happy…so exhausted 🙂
I want to recommend a mom I’ve never met before but follow on Facebook. Her name is Candace Pragel. She has a newborn that needs extra care. Thank you.
I am a busy homeschooling mom of 7 and number 8 on the way in August so this would be a huge blessing especially because I literally have never had anything like this for myself I am always a giver which o love but it sure would be a blessing to rest 🙂
im a SAHM of 4 kiddos (11,10,4,2). Currently looking at going back to work so we can get some bills paid off. I love my kids but it is physically and mentally draining to take care of them with not much help from the hubby. I don’t get out much lately and would love a day to myself. I’ve already thought about running away for a weekend, we’ll see what happens.
I really a spa day because I’ve never had one. I just finished breastfeeding baby number two and am finally starting to feel like myself again for the first time since being pregnant with baby number one in December of 2011. I breastfed each baby for a year and have not had any time off from being pregnant or nursing in 4 years. I don’t take time for myself but I really need to.
A few hours ago we were at the neighborhood pool. My son, who is 5, saw some other boys out there and wanted to join them. It was cold out, but sunny, and he isn’t in school yet so I am happy when he gets to spend time with other boys. We walked over, him in swim trunks and me in long pants with a book to read. I figured we wouldn’t be long, he might not even get in because of the cold. To my surprise, my meek little guy went right to the steps and started playing with another boy. They were talking and splashing and I took a couple of photos to send my husband. Just as I went to lean back on the lounge chair, I heard a big splash and looked up to see my sweetheart going under. He does not swim, and I saw his head bob and mouth open. He went under again and I leapt forward (I think I may have sprouted wings) and into the pool. I grabbed him and lifted him up and helped him cough up water and held him for the longest time, letting him cry and then trying to reassure him. As I was standing there, chest-deep in cold water, shoes and pants and sweatshirt on, I was so calm. I would have expected panic from myself, but there really wasn’t any time for it. He was ok, and even played a bit longer before we walked, squishy and squeaking, back to our house. One half a percent of me feels like I made a big scene. Total drama llama. But the other 99.5% knows I did right and would again. Now, my son is asleep in his bed and I am a little emotional, but mostly drained. My son told me ” you saved me, Mommy. You’re like a fireman.” So, esteem-wise I guess I got a promotion. Anyway, short story long, my nerves are shot and I’d love a spa day.