We know, we know. We should be taking better care of ourselves. We should be practicing more self-care, giving ourselves the love we give to our family and friends. But sometimes that’s easier said than done.
Our featured articles this week explain the reality of self-care, and how it actually looks in the real world. Our five weeknight dinners go along with that theme—low-stress, satisfying, comforting food to put some goodness in our bodies and take a little weight off our shoulders.
And when you’re feeling like every day is Groundhog Day, and you need some self-care to take you away, check out our FFP Quick Tips for a few ideas.
It Doesn’t Really Matter How You Get Your Self-Care
By Kristen Winiarski
Self-care is a hot button issue, especially for moms. Everywhere you look, you are expected to get enough self-care. As if we're not under enough pressure as it is.
Moms do not get enough self-care and this is not surprising.
This idea is not debatable and many say that a shower should not be considered self-care. It is true that it's a basic need and basic hygiene, but that's not to say that it can't also be self-care.
At least it can be one form of self-care in your mental health toolkit.
What one woman needs to recharge is not the same as what another one needs. Hell, it's not even the same for the same woman all the time. What I need to recharge on a certain day may be completely different than another day.
You cannot tell someone else what they have to do to feel better.
We are so quick to tell moms what to do and what they need, but it is not up to anyone else. It is only up to you.
The idea of going for a salon appointment or going for an overnight trip is not right for everyone. The preparations for elaborate self-care can be way more stressful than the actual time away is relaxing.
You may worry and not be able to relax. You may find that being away from your family for significant periods of time to be stressful.
You may regret not spending the time with your husband and kids. After all, I only see my husband in limited amounts. How much time do I want to take away from being able to spend time with both him and the kids?
I'm not saying that every shower is self-care or that it’s always what I need to recharge, but sometimes, yes, it is.
Yes, it helps. These are usually weekend showers though. Ones where I can close the door without my toddler freaking out because he can't reach me. He's hanging out with Daddy instead.
These showers where I can take my time and listen to music and I don't have to worry about waking someone up. Where I can turn the heat up and let it melt some of the tension out of my shoulders.
The thing is it doesn't matter how you spend your self-care sessions.
You have to leave the house to get it? Cool, but some don't need to. The important thing is the mental and physical break that YOU need.
Having a few minutes without kids needing you or climbing on you. Just getting to be inside your own head for a minute instead of spread in a million directions at once. That's what matters.
How you get self-care doesn't need to be approved by anyone but you.
If a long shower does it for you, who’s to judge? You may need more another day, but no one gets to tell you how to recharge. It doesn't need to be elaborate.
Do what you need to do for you. The rest doesn't matter.
RECIPES OF THE WEEK:
Get out those Crock Pots, Instant Pots, and skillets for this week’s yummy, low-stress dinner recipes. Relax. We’ve got this week covered.
Crock Pot Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 medium red pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1 cup snow peas, trimmed
1 cup carrots
1 cup broccoli florets
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 medium lime, juiced
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon cumin
Instructions:
Spray a 4-5 quart crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken in base of pot.
Place all veggies on top of chicken.
In a bowl, mix together peanut butter, lime juice, vegetable broth, soy sauce, and cumin. Pour sauce over chicken and veggies.
Cook on low for 3-4 hours. Remove from crock pot and serve over white or brown rice.
Pan-seared Pork Chops
Ingredients: