Fall brings a lot more responsibilities when it arrives. You must prepare your kids for a successful school year while balancing your schedule and leaving those lazy summer days behind.
It can be challenging to prioritize yourself during this busy time, but you certainly should.
Ditch the guilt of sometimes putting your needs before your family. If you are unhappy and unfulfilled, you won’t be able to help your kids to the best of your ability. Being kind to yourself can boost your happiness and make everyone feel better.
Here are some thoughtful ways to put yourself first this fall.
Make Mornings Less Stressful
Mornings can be hectic when you are trying to prepare for your day and get your kids ready for theirs. Making breakfast, gathering school necessities, and remembering all the day’s activities going on first thing in the morning can be overwhelming and exhausting, even after a good night’s sleep.
Get some extra time for yourself by waking up earlier than the rest of your family. You can prepare certain things the night before to help mornings run smoothly. Plan clothes and lunches the night before to make things easier for everyone in the a.m.
Set Personal Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for your happiness. Use them to block off time that is yours alone. You can set up a particular time during the day that you dedicate purely to yourself. Maybe you enjoy reading for an hour or getting some exercise. Make sure everyone in the family understands your scheduled time off and respects it, even if you have to disappear into your room behind closed doors.
Go on Date Nights
Being a parent means you may not get time with others you love and care for. Therefore, planning date nights with your significant other or friends you haven’t had time to see is vital.
Couples need time to discuss things other than their kids. It is easy to forget what your life was like without children, so having time to decompress and recharge your relationship can be a great way to put yourself first. Consider going out for dinner, taking a walk or planning a fun game and snack night after your kids go to bed. Put it on your calendar and make it a priority as often as you need to.
No matter what seems suitable for you, spending time with people you care about is sure to boost your happiness and make you feel more content with your life.
Schedule Self-Care and Hobbies
It may seem like a no-brainer, but taking care of yourself can get put on the back burner while being a parent. Adding small things into your day, like a nighttime routine, can give you that extra boost of feeling like you are caring for your needs. If you find it difficult to do this, schedule a getaway to be sure you nourish your mind and body. The time away could be exactly what you need.
You may squeeze in time to restart your hobbies or pick up new ones. Take classes on things you always wanted to try or get back into doing the things you used to love. No matter what it is, there is time to take care of yourself while parenting.
Remember You Can’t Make Everyone Happy
As much as you want to be the parent that makes everyone in your life happy, it is unrealistic. Holding yourself to that expectation is unhealthy because it is impossible to do that when everyone has different needs. There is always going to be someone who is not happy with certain decisions.
Remember, you can ease stress by not making it your mission to keep everyone happy. It is ultimately up to you to keep yourself happy first. Having this mindset can remind you that putting yourself first is a priority.
Just Say No
Sometimes turning down plans or extra work is exactly what you need. Overexertion can result in burnout, which can lead to more problems in the future. You may come to resent the activities or work you continuously pack into your schedule. It is not bad for you to put yourself first and protect your mental health.
Evaluate Your Emotions
Another great way to put yourself first is by evaluating your emotions. Do this when things build up or set time aside to check in with yourself. Understand why you feel the way you do and separate the thoughts and feelings from each other. Take a moment to be sure you are doing OK before continuing your busy day.
Make Yourself a Priority
Spending time bending over backward for others can make you forget how to prioritize yourself. It is possible to take care of yourself and the rest of your family, too. Find joy in your life by finding the perfect balance this fall and not getting overwhelmed by this busy season.
About The Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.