The Importance of Taking Care of Ourselves

Just about any mom can tell you that raising kids, well-adjusted and happy kids, is a full-time and exhausting job but one that has so many benefits. The hug at the end of the night telling you you’re the best mom in the whole world to little giggles about a shared joke to your heart basically exploding with love for your kid are all things that keep us going. We want to do our best and take care of our family’s needs but many times we do it at the expense of our own.

Lately, I have been taking some extra time out to refuel and re-energize myself so that I have more to give to others. I am a big believer in the analogy of putting the oxygen mask on yourself first before you give it to others – I feel it is essential to your health (mental and physical) to do things for ourselves that bring us joy and peace. Because let’s face it – it can get pretty hectic running a household, job, being a good parent, wife and daughter and friend. Here are some ideas that might help you decompress next time you are feeling overwhelmed or in need of some down time.

Meet up with a friend

Sheldon Cohen, PhD, a psychology professor at Carnegie Mellon University, in Pittsburgh, has shown that strong social support helps people cope with stress. Make time for those in your life who make time for you! You will find that you will feel more relaxed and supported after spending time with a dear friend.

Get a Massage

There are so many wonderful benefits to massage therapy. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol which will then help lift your spirit and lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression. I try to book an appointment at my favorite Reflexology Center about once or twice a month. It is my time to totally relax and empty my head of any worries or negative thoughts. Which we can all do from time to time. The key is to find these activities that allow you to clear your mind and take your worries away. Your mind and body will thank you by sleeping better and feeling more rested.

Treat Yourself

At this point you might be singing the Treat Yo’self song from the show Parks and Recreation. But seriously, after a certain age it takes a bit more effort in putting ourselves together. I was laughing with my husband last night about how in our 20’s we could get away with throwing on some jeans, t-shirt, maybe a little makeup and we were set! Fast forward a few years (but who is counting?), I find that I feel and look better if I spend more time on my appearance. At this point in the game, I just want to feel and look good for my age – because really it is just a number! I’ve met women my age who seem young because of their youthful vitality. I’d rather focus more on skincare and makeup that helps bring out a healthy glow and worry less about the thing I can’t change – time.

Recently I was introduced to Origins Three Part Harmony Oil-infused Serum and Three Part Harmony Nourishing Cream. Both are designed with three goals in mind: to renew, repair, and restore radiance using the power of nature to help create your most optimally youthful and healthy skin. After a couple nights of using the two products I felt that my skin was more supple. I like that they are oil-infused because as we age our skin loses some of it’s ability to produce oil. But it doesn’t feel or look oily on your skin and my makeup went on really easily.

Eat with your health in mind:

I know how busy our lives can get but try to make the effort to nourish your body. Make a pact with yourself to eat a balanced diet and one that makes you feel energized. I’ve tried about every known diet out there – and when I say diet I don’t mean for weight loss but more for my overall health. I don’t believe there is a one size fits all type of eating and after many years of studying nutrition and trying different types of diets I’ve found the Mediterranean and Paleo style of eating to work best for me. But everyone is different. The best gauge in my opinion is to listen to your body after you eat certain foods. Do you feel energized or lethargic. Are you staying at a normal weight or gaining weight on a particular style of eating? Be sure to get regular checkups especially if you’ve noticed a recent weight gain or loss with no changes in your diet. What we use to eat in our youth probably isn’t going to work for us anymore starting around your mid to late 30’s. Take the time to nourish yourself with the foods you eat.

Spend time with those you care for, take care of your health – both mental and physical and treat yourself with some new makeup perhaps or a new skin care line aimed at helping you look your best.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Origins. The opinions and text are all mine.

You can learn more about the Origins Three Part Harmony Oil-infused Serum and Three Part Harmony Nourishing Cream here.