How Busy Mums Can Prioritise Moments For Themselves Using The Principles Of Habits

Introduction:

Being a mum is a rewarding and demanding role, often leaving little time for moments for yourself amidst the responsibilities of work, family, and personal life. We’ve been looking at how the principles outlined in James Clear's bestselling book, "Atomic Habits," can help you to carve out moments for yourself and prioritise your well-being.

1. Reframing Time For Yourself:

The first step is to shift your mindset regarding taking time for yourself. Rather than viewing it as a luxury or the last priority for time, it's important to recognise it as an essential component of overall well-being. By identifying yourself as someone that has self-care as a non-negotiable part of your routine, you can begin to prioritise it without guilt or hesitation. Repeat after me, “I am someone who prioritises time for myself!”

2. Integrating Time For Yourself Into Daily Routines:

Habit stacking is a key principle that involves integrating new habits into existing routines. You can apply this concept by incorporating moments for yourself into your daily schedule. Whether it's taking a short walk during lunchtime, practicing mindfulness before bed, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea in the morning, finding opportunities to recharge amidst daily tasks is crucial.

3. Creating an Enabling Environment:

Environment design plays a significant role in habit formation. You can create spaces within your home that encourages moments for yourself. This might involve setting up a cosy corner for reading or relaxation, creating a calming ambiance with candles or essential oils, or simply ensuring that self-care essentials are easily accessible and near to where you will use them.

4. Flexibility and Adaptability:

While establishing routines and habits is important, it's also crucial to embrace flexibility and adaptability in your self-care journey as a busy mum. Recognise that there will be days when unexpected challenges arise, and your planned time for yourself may need to be adjusted or postponed. Instead of feeling discouraged, view these moments as opportunities to practice self-compassion and creativity. Perhaps you can steal a few moments for yourself during your child's nap-time, delegate tasks to free up some time later in the day, or even engage in mini self-care rituals throughout your day, such as taking deep breaths or savouring a hot cup of your favourite herbal tea. By remaining flexible and adaptable, you can continue to prioritise time for yourself even amidst the unpredictable nature of motherhood and daily life. Remember, it's not about perfection but about finding sustainable ways to nourish and replenish yourself.

5. Tracking Progress and Celebrating Success:

Tracking progress is an integral part of habit formation. You could use habit tracker apps, journals, or simple calendar markings to monitor your “me time” habits. Celebrating small wins along the way can provide motivation and reinforcement, encouraging continued commitment to taking time for yourself.

Conclusion:

Incorporating moments for you into your busy life may seem challenging, but by applying the principles of habits, it becomes a manageable and rewarding endeavour. By reframing time for yourself, integrating it into daily routines, creating enabling environments, being flexible and adaptable, and tracking progress, you can prioritise your well-being and find moments of peace and rejuvenation amidst your busy life.

Remember, taking time for yourself is not selfish—it's a necessary investment in you that ultimately benefits everyone around you.