THE PULSE

As a parent, you are often so busy taking care of your children and juggling work, household chores, and other responsibilities that you may forget to take care of yourself. In fact, a study by the American Psychological Association found that 42% of parents report not having enough time for self-care activities.

Self-care is not selfish; in fact it is the kindest thing you can do not only for yourself but for your family. Self-care can help you feel more equipped as a parent by reducing stress, increasing energy, and improving your overall health and well-being. When your cup is full, you can more freely give to your family – so don’t forget to take care of you!

Here are 5 ways you can incorporate self-care into your daily routine:

1. Get Moving

Anything that gets your heart rate up is good for you. It’s an excellent way to reduce stress and improve your overall health. And the great thing is that you don't need to spend hours working out to reap the benefits of exercise. Even just 15-20 minutes a day can make a big difference in how you feel – mentally and physically. Plus, our Kid Zone is here for you so you can work out without worrying about childcare.

2. Take Time to Relax

You deserve to have some dedicated time carved out to relax and unwind, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Taking a relaxing dip into the hot tub, meditating, or taking a rejuvenating yoga flow class are all great ways to reduce stress and improve your mood. Because, when you feel refreshed, you can show up for your family as your best self.

3. Do What You Love

There's no one definition of what constitutes healthy self-care—it can be girls' brunch once a month, hitting your local health twice a week, or keeping up with your annual wellness exams. Experts suggest finding whatever mix of activities that leaves you feeling balanced, happy, and fulfilled. And don't forget your social life—that counts as self-care, too.

4. Anyone can play

Some self-care can feel time consuming, and it can be overwhelming to try to incorporate all the self-care activities into your daily routine at once. Start small by incorporating one self-care activity into your daily routine and gradually add more. This way, you won't feel like you're adding one more thing to your already long to-do list.

5. Give Yourself Grace

It's easy to feel guilty or selfish for taking time for yourself when you have so many other responsibilities. However, self-care is not selfish; it's essential. Taking care of yourself allows you to show up as the best version of yourself for your family and loved ones. So, give yourself grace and know that it's okay to take care of yourself.