We are forever hearing about the way mothers put themselves last and don't take care of themselves. This isn't anything new. It's been the topic of talk shows, makeover shows and even conversations with my family and friends. Whenever the topic is brought up, we cover things like eating right and exercising. I thought those were the main ways that moms put themselves last. But recently, while talking to my sister, she pointed out ways I put myself last that have nothing to do with eating right or exercising.
For instance, whenever my husband is going to be home with Peyton for the day, I prepare everything ahead of time. I make sure plenty of bottles are washed, I get a change of clothes ready in case she needs them, I have food prepared, toys organized, wipes and diapers stocked, etc. I do this because I don't want him to have any added stress for the day, I want to make it as easy as possible for him. Why don't I do that for myself? There are times when Peyton is crying and EVERY bottle is in the sink waiting to be washed, or her wipe container is empty right when I've started to change a very messy diaper. When I'm unorganized like that, it only adds stress to my days.
I know that at night, when your child is FINALLY sleeping, the last thing you want to do is wash bottles, but when I need a bottle in the middle of the night I am cursing myself for not taking the 3 minutes it would've taken to wash them. I also know I am a good mom, but I could be a better, calmer mom, if I took 20-30 minutes to prepare for the next day. Most of the moments when I am super stressed are when I'm trying to get things done and Peyton won't let me put her down or stop crying or take even a thirty minute nap. However, I have realized that so many of these moments could be avoided if I just took the time to make my own day as easy and stress free as I try to make my husbands.
I really don't know why this hadn't ever occured to me before. And I really don't know why so many of us do this to ourselves! My goal is to be more organized so that I can have less PREVENTABLE stressful moments!
Moms: Let's take better care of ourselves, not just physically, but mentally as well!
