Finding ‘me time’
As a parent it’s important to find time for yourself amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For parents with children with special needs, finding ‘me time’ is far more difficult.
Between school drop off and pick up, appointments with specialists throughout the week, plus the mental strain that raising an autistic child puts on you, when do you ever have time for yourself? At the end of the day all you want to do is sleep, giving you very little energy for anything else. Your days literally turn into sleep, eat and repeat!
As difficult as it is to take time out for yourself, it is extremely important. You are important. You are the one that keeps the family functioning. You need to take time out to reassess things, rejuvenate and revive yourself so you can continue to tackle the challenges that life throws at you.
One thing that I’ve found really helpful recently is practicing yoga. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I never got around to doing it. That is, until lockdown in Victoria forced us to stop all the running around and we found ourselves trying new things from the comfort of our own homes.
With a little bit of Googling I found a YouTube channel with a number of yoga videos that I could watch and work my way through in my own time. Once I started, I noticed a difference in myself almost immediately.
I felt calmer and more relaxed, I was setting intentions for the day, and working more efficiently and feeling less stressed. I was dealing with most situations with my son with a more relaxed attitude, avoiding what could easily turn into intense stressful situations. Not only did I feel stronger mentally, but also physically. I noticed the weight starting to come off, and my body becoming toned and healthier.
Yoga has now become part of my daily cleansing ritual and exercise routine. It might be 10-20 minutes in the morning, but that’s all it takes to give myself some ‘me time’ and put my day into perspective, providing my mind and body with some positive energy for what lies ahead.
Whilst yoga is not for everyone, it has certainly helped me on so many levels. Perhaps your ‘me time’ could be walking the dogs, another thing I try to do on a daily basis. Or it might be going to the gym, coffee with friends, retail therapy, scrapbooking, cooking, having a long uninterrupted bath. Whatever it is, make sure you find that time for yourself and make sure you do it regularly, because looking after you helps you to look after everyone else.
Take care.
SASI Guest Parent Blogger
Image courtesy of pixabay.com
