SUCK IT, STRESS.
Burnout. We all know the feeling. Stress. Exhaustion. Overwhelm. Whether you're a SAHM, a work-from home mom, a career gal, or an entrepreneur, there is SO much focus on productivity in our society, that it leaves big shoes to fill. Like, who realistically can run a household, pay bills, manage finances, clean, cook, put the pesky laundry away once it's clean (ugh), be a mindful and attentive parent, keep up healthy and satisfying personal relationships, be a rock star at a job, and start and run your own business and take the dog to the dog park?!? There's so much pressure on us to keep up with all these moving parts in our lives, that the overwhelm is R.E.A.L! And what happens when we overload ourselves with all the things on the to do list? We don't eat well, we don't sleep well, and we stress. All this eventually adds up and weakens the immune system. This, ladies and gentlemen, is one of the ways that we get sick. But the real kicker? When we do start to feel sick, we usually just try to power through it and keep going. That's what our society tells us to do. Bosses, deadlines, laundry, and kids don't stop existing just because we don't feel good. But here's the truth; you can only "mind over matter" so long before your health truly suffers.
"YOU CAN'T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP."
It's almost like there's glory in being busy. The more you have going on, the more you juggle, the more worth you have. I call bullshit. Nobody can keep up with all the things I listed above and stay healthy and sane for long. Trust me, I know. I almost ended up in a psych ward for anxiety attacks from trying. I went through months of feeling like I was drowning in never-ending responsibilities that I could never get caught up on. I neglected myself first. Sleep was at the bottom of the priority list. My health and mental well being suffered. At the end of my rope, I knew changes had to be made. The "AHA!" moment I reference frequently is where I started to realize just how important the mind + body connection was. I was laying in bed after hours of puking, and I realized that my body was literally purging all the stress and negativity I had been holding on to for so long. I knew I had to start changing the way I was living, and one of the first things that I did was start to take care of myself. I had to start eating nutrients, not just calories. I had to start sleeping. Even if it meant the laundry wasn't going to get put away for another day, I had to start spending time by myself! There seemingly wasn't enough time in the day to accomplish all the things I "had" to get done, so there certainly wasn't enough time to spend reading or journaling. LIES. Dirty lies that I had been telling myself. I had to MAKE the time. I had to learn to prioritize, and I had to put myself at the top of that list. Best decision ever! Honoring my body and needs was so healing. Now, instead of trying to work through getting sick, I listen to my body. I thank it for all it's done, and I rest. I give it good food and rest. I fill it with love, herbal remedies, and hot tea. Now, I make time for myself each night to reflect, read, journal, set goals, or meditate. It feels so good, y'all!
Moms especially struggle with prioritizing themselves and their needs. Why? Guilt. We feel guilty when we give our bodies and minds the things they need to thrive. Now, I don't know who started that guilt trip nonsense, but I've got a special finger up on both hands, just for them. Cuz here's the deal: if we don't take care of ourselves, who will? If we don't care for ourselves and meet our own needs, who is going to handle the stuff on our to do list? It piles up when we finally get sick, and then we stay in this horrible cycle because we stay stressed, overwhelmed, and sick. I love the quote, "You can't pour from an empty cup." It's so true, and it serves as a beautiful reminder to make sure we are doing at least one thing a day to fill our cups. Self-care looks different for everyone, and that's ok. Just remember that you are enough! We are human, therefore, we are imperfect. Our lives won't be perfect. Trying to make everything perfect or even appear to be perfect is futile. What isn't futile, though, is releasing the need to be perfect. Release the self-judgement. Release the guilt because you DO deserve good things. When you show up fully for yourself, you can show up better for all those around you. So, your homework for today? Every time you start to stress or get overwhelmed, say out loud, "I am enough. I love myself and value my well being." Then, ask for help, delegate, and take time for yourself, guilt-free! You earned it just by being you!
Until next time, I believe in you!
- Mer
