As mothers, our lives are a constant whirlwind of managing children, household tasks, and family needs. Amidst this chaos, our own well-being often takes a backseat. Many of us fall into the trap of neglecting self-care, viewing it as a luxury rather than a necessity. However, it’s time to reprogram this mindset and understand that prioritizing ourselves is not selfish; it’s essential.
We are often implicitly taught, both through societal expectations and the examples of women around us, that motherhood equates to selfless sacrifice. We observe mothers, aunts, and grandmothers dedicating their entire lives to their families, often at the expense of their own needs. This ingrained perception can lead us to believe that self-care is an afterthought, something to indulge in only when all other responsibilities are met – which, let’s be honest, is rarely the case. Operating under this paradigm makes self-care feel unnatural, requiring significant effort and conscious work to implement.
We take care of everyone except us.
But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we intentionally “programmed” ourselves to prioritize self-care with the same dedication we apply to other essential aspects of our lives? Just as we are programmed to eat, sleep, and manage household chores, we can consciously integrate self-care into our daily routines.
French psychotherapist Emile Coué wisely stated that when our imagination and willpower clash, imagination invariably prevails. This principle holds the key to reprogramming ourselves. Our imagination is a powerful tool; it has fueled innovation, built cities, and turned dreams into reality. However, imagination doesn’t work passively. It requires specific conditions to flourish, and the first crucial step is relaxation.
When we allow our minds to relax, our bodies naturally follow suit. Slowing down provides an opportunity to restore and energize ourselves. Think about those moments when you finally sit down after a hectic day, and suddenly, forgotten tasks and ideas resurface. That’s the power of a relaxed mind – it opens space for clarity, rejuvenation, and ultimately, for us to consciously program ourselves to care, starting with ourselves.
