Kids first, then your partner, work, and oh yes - there's the household too. And you? You often end up right at the bottom of the list. But what happens if you're no longer able to keep going? Exactly. That's why it's so important to take good care of yourself and carve out time for you. How? We'll help you get started.
1. Let the car idle sometimes
A moment for yourself isn't selfish - it's healthy. Not a luxury, but a necessity. You deserve to recharge every now and then. It's the only way to keep going in the long run.
2. Schedule some "me-time"
Can't remember the last time you did something just for yourself? Try to plan a little me-time every day: a fifteen-minute walk, reading the paper, a cup of tea in the sun, or curling up on the sofa with a show.
3. Ask for help - and accept it
As hard as it can be, it helps to open up to friends and family. They often genuinely want to be there for you. Tell them when it's too much, ask for help, and take them up on it when it's offered. Does your mum offer to do a load of laundry? Would your sister-in-law love to take the kids to the petting zoo? Just say yes.
4. "No, not right now"
Saying no is hard. But being your regular job's employee, plus taxi driver, lunch supervisor, cleaner, craft-project mum, fun partner, and caterer all at once is pretty ambitious. Learn to say no: you simply can't be and do everything at the same time.
5. Write it out of your system
This finally gives you time for yourself, and helps clear your head. Buy a nice notebook or start a bullet journal, and take a moment each day - before bed, for example - to put your thoughts on paper, set goals, or simply jot down your day.