Whether your children are 2 months old, 2 years, or 12, when you’re prioritizing taking care of yourself, self-care—the every day practice of taking care of yourself—gets pushed to the bottom of your to-do list. We asked three Vegatopian parents how they take care of themselves, so they can take care of the most important people in their lives, better.
It takes a village
Account Manager and new dad Neil sums it up as, “[tweet]self-care with a child is all about teamwork.[/tweet] I am very fortunate to have a strong support system. Between my wife, our parents and myself we are able to divide tasks and responsibilities up so that we can make time for ourselves when we need it. One of the ways I take care of myself is keeping up my workout routine. As an Account Manager I am always on the road during the day, so I try to make it to the gym before I go home, so that when I do get home I can spend time with my family.”
Being all-in to make big brave changes
Accounts Receivable Manager Mia and her family realized this year that a big shift was needed to prioritize taking care of each other. “[tweet]Self-care for us has meant being brave and making big changes![/tweet]” Two parents + two careers + two active kids = hectic! Self-care often goes to the bottom priority list. Finding time to go hit the trails, take a yoga class, or even go for a walk, took away from either work or time with our kids. When you’re only seeing your favorite people 2 to 3 hours a day, it’s hard to choose the gym. My husband and I have had to make big brave changes in order to turn that around.
“My husband recently made the decision to leave his 9-5 engineering job and stay home. He is going to work towards changing his career and starting a home based business. Now that he is at HQ to support the kids, and he has time to work out and prepare meals, he’s a different guy – it’s amazing! Without us both commuting and trying to #killit in the typical 9-5 environment, we are INSTANTLY not burning the candle and both ends, and for the first time in years I feel like I can take care of myself. I have joined a Crossfit gym, and signed up for a 10K in the spring! I have way more me time already. We may have made some financial sacrifices, but the result is caring for our family. In the long run, it’s the best thing we can do for our kids.”
Grabbing the little moments
Account Manager Rachael welcomed her son into her world 6 months ago. “As a working mama with a breastfed babe it has been quite the challenge adhering to the same level of self-care I once knew and loved. The best thing I’ve done for myself is to embrace every moment and always seek opportunities to better myself at any given time. I can’t plan as far ahead, but I can grab the little moments to take care of myself, whenever they present themselves. It isn’t have to be a big thing—even if that means a quiet cup of coffee, alone, on the back porch.”
How do you take care of yourself as a parent?
