Have you ever heard the following phrases:
“If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy!” (From Country Song) or “Happy wife, happy life!” (From British newspaper 1903)
What these phrases mean to me is that the mother or wife’s “attitude” has a big influence in the home. So, the question is, “what makes a mother or wife have an unpleasant attitude? The position of a mother/wife is a demanding job, especially when you add into the mix that she is also a working mother/wife. As a wife and mother and grandmother, I know this experientially to be true.
Mothers/wives wear many hats! We are caregivers for our children, cooks, taxi cab drivers, housekeepers, shoppers, organizers, conflict managers, lovers, doctors, work outside the home, handing problems on the job, mediators, taking care of aging parents, negotiators, advisors, counselors, home-schooling, etc. This list can be longer depending on the needs of individual families.
Mother’s/wives do get weary and often cranky due to the demands of the family. What is the solution – appreciation from the family, helping participants, and much needed self-care. For this article we will visit self-care.
Women are so busy meeting the needs of their family that they put their needs on the back burner, causing burnout. This is why self-care is a much needed resource for women.
Nurturing one’s self through self-care helps women to regroup mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. The Bible tells us to love others as we love ourselves. How we feel emotionally such as cranky, tired, angry, for example, is how we will love others. To give our family, and others, the love and care they need, we need to first love on self through weekly or bi-weekly self-care. When we neglect our self-care, our loved ones will be shouting: “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody’s happy!” Or, “happy wife, happy life!”
Being a wife and mother was never meant to be a stressful life. This long season in our lives is meant to be enjoyed and fulfilling. What are some self-care ideas? Glad you asked! Some great ideas are:
A Spa-day with a friend having a massage and pedicure. (No talks about problems).
A scheduled day of window shopping and lunch with a friend.
Scheduling one day a week to attend a craft shop you enjoy doing. While there, learn new techniques and enjoy the company of other women.
To start a craft that will give you relaxation.
To start a blog to share your experiences with others.
Journaling is also a good way to release stress by getting it out of your head and onto paper.
Spend a day getting reacquainted with God through prayer and studying the Word.
To schedule a weekly or bi-weekly date night with your spouse (no kids talk).
To find a quiet space in your home to enjoy your favorite drink and a good book (or visit a library).
Planning a one-day trip with a friend or go alone and meet new friends.
To volunteer weekly or monthly in a seniors facility or homeless shelter (this is very rewarding spiritually).
Join a virtual Bible study or teaching program learning how to control your emotions and plan your days for a better you.
Join an exercise and health program to learn how to eliminate stress and burnout.
These are just a few suggestions. You know what is needed for your individual self-care, be creative and do it! Remember to remind yourself that you are important! You have been given a very special assignment as a wife and mother, which requires you to love them as you love yourself.
Are you struggling in the area of self-care due to the stress of wear too many hats or bad habits or wounds from your past? Click here to sign-up for our free video teaching on “Why Do I Act and Think This Way!” This 40-minute workshop video will inspire you to seek change.
You too can be set free from old lifestyles or bad habits that have you repeating the same cycle over and over every day. Life is meant to be enjoyed!
Journey With The Word
Georgetta – Christian Lifestyle & Budgeting Coach
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