Do You Have A Solid Self-Care Foundation?

You know when you’re determined to prioritize self-care but let it slide, and you get sick? 

That’s what happened to me this summer.

I’m usually committed to self-care. Over the years, I’ve learned that I need plenty of rest, regular meals, and time alone to recharge and feel my best. 

This summer, I assumed I would stick to my effective, established routine. But when school ended, and my husband and kids came home for the summer, my schedule changed dramatically. 

Suddenly I found myself arranging my kids’ daily social schedule, always making meals and snacks, planning day trips, and doing projects around the house. I didn’t seem to have enough hours in the day to get it all done.  

I let self-care slide. 

So, I let go of my self-care routine. I skipped naps, missed meals, and neglected to carve out me-time. I thought I would be fine.

I wasn’t okay. 

By mid-August, I found myself running on empty. I was exhausted and developed a sinus and throat infection that knocked me flat. 

I had to put family plans to go fishing, to the movies, and visit friends on hold.  

I felt discouraged and frustrated that I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do.  

I let myself heal. 

It took several days to recuperate from the infection. I rested, drank nourishing bone-broth, ate well, and let the kids figure out their plans. 

I began to feel like myself again. 

That’s when I realized something. 

Incorporating self-care into our daily routine – and our mindset – is like building a foundation. The more we regularly care for ourselves, the more we strengthen our physical and emotional resources to navigate the busyness of life. So that when challenges and disruptions threaten to knock us down, we’re strong enough to stay standing. 

When we don’t prioritize self-care, we end up feeling overwhelmed, rundown, and off-center. We get cracks in our foundation.

I’m rebuilding.

It’s now September, and although the kids are back in school, my life hasn’t become any less hectic. I now have a crew of contractors at my home working on a renovation project that’s gone off course. It’s stressful, but I can handle it. That’s because instead of letting go of my self-care routine, I’m rebuilding my foundation. 

Do you have a strong self-care foundation? I’d love to hear what works for you. Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

You’re wonderful.

ML