Summer Joy and Self-Care: Nurturing Mom’s Wellbeing While Embracing Fun!
Today I want to talk about something that has been on my mind a lot lately – self-care during the summer while juggling it all at home and at work. As a mom, I know all too well how hectic and overwhelming life can get, especially during the summer months when the kids are out of school. However, I recently had a magical experience that reminded me of the importance of finding moments of joy amidst the chaos. Read on for a personal story and some tips to help you fill your cup this summer!
Finding Joy in Unexpected Moments: A Capybara Encounter at the Zoo
With kids at camp, my husband’s shift work, and juggling my job and business, life feels overwhelmingly fast-paced. Rushing between soccer, baseball, and work, I sometimes feel like I’m just watching days blur by. But amidst this chaos, we decided to slow down and reconnect on the weekend.
Saturday was a laidback day with board games, hanging out in our PJs and having great conversation. I love listening to my kids and getting caught up on their little moments. On Sunday, we decided on an adventure to a local zoo. I had been craving more joy in my life, especially after going through various transitions in the past couple of years. The zoo turned out to be an awesome experience, filled with animals, happy kids, and ice cream. However, the real joy came from an unexpected source – the capybara enclosure.
With cautious excitement, I reached out and petted one of the friendly capybaras, and instantly, I felt my happiness reignited. But what truly amazed me was when the capybara closed its eyes and settled down for a long back scratch. It was a moment of pure joy, and I could feel my happiness meter reaching its peak!
In that instant, I realized how essential it is for moms to prioritize their wellbeing! Even amidst the flurry of career demands and parenting responsibilities. We often get so caught up in trying to be a supermom and a rockstar at work that we forget to take care of ourselves. But just like I found happiness in petting that capybara, we need to seek out our own moments of joy and rejuvenation.
Ask yourself what brings you joy. Who cares if it’s not the “norm”! I’m writing about capybaras here! Embrace being fully authentically YOU.
Embrace Micro-Moments of Self-Care:
Every mom knows that finding large chunks of time for self-care can be challenging. Instead, focus on embracing micro-moments of self-care throughout the day. For example, take five minutes to sit outside in the sun and enjoy a cup of your favorite herbal tea, or simply take a few deep breaths to relax your mind. These small but meaningful moments can add up, making a big difference in your overall wellbeing.
Nurture a Hobby or Passion:
As moms, we often prioritize our children’s hobbies over our own. This summer, make a conscious effort to nurture your own interests. It could be anything from painting, gardening, dancing, or writing. Find what makes your heart happy and dedicate some time to it regularly. Engaging in a hobby can be therapeutic, giving you the mental space needed to handle the challenges of work and parenting.
Disconnect and Reconnect:
In today’s digital age, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by constant notifications and emails, both from work and social media. Implement a daily “tech-free” time when you disconnect from screens and reconnect with your family. Whether it’s a family game night, a nature walk, or simply sharing stories during dinner, these moments foster deeper connections and give your mind a break from digital stressors.
Allow Yourself to Have Fun and Be Childlike:
Take a cue from your kids and let go of your worries for a little while. Join them in their playful games, pet a capybara with the biggest, most ridiculous smile on your face or simply enjoy a day of carefree laughter. Embracing your childlike spirit not only creates beautiful memories with your little ones but also helps you recharge and rediscover the simple joys in life. So, go ahead and sprinkle a little pixie dust of fun into your summer, and watch how it lifts your spirits and rejuvenates your soul. For more fun ideas to feel like a kid with your kids, check out this post about summer bucket lists!
Conclusion:
As I reflected on my delightful encounter with the capybara at the zoo, I was reminded of the significance of finding moments of joy and self-care in our busy lives. As moms, it’s easy to neglect ourselves while tirelessly caring for our families and pursuing our careers. However, I have come to understand that prioritizing our wellbeing is not selfish. It’s essential for our overall happiness and ability to thrive. And you know what? When we asked the kids what their favourite part of the day was- they both said it was me (mom) and the capybara. Our kids thrive when we do. They feel more joy when we do too.
Now, I encourage you to take action today. Embrace micro-moments of self-care, nurture your passions, and disconnect to reconnect with your family. These small but impactful steps will not only enrich your summer but will pave the way for a more balanced and fulfilling life as a mom.
Disclaimer: While my capybara encounter at the zoo was a heartwarming experience, I want to emphasize that petting wild animals is not recommended or encouraged. Always prioritize the safety and wellbeing of both yourself and the animals. Respect their natural habitats and the rules set by responsible wildlife facilities. The joy we find in their presence can be cherished from a respectful distance.