By Danielle Mika Nagel – Chopra Yoga Center Studio Director
It can be challenging to find enough quality “me” time to nourish your mental, spiritual and physical needs. As a mother of two, juggling a full time job, homework, housework, after school activities and aging parents, the long list of “to do’s” doesn’t seem to ever get any shorter.
I find it difficult to find the time or I should say, make the time, to connect with my Self through the practice of yoga and meditation, which makes me a much better person to be around. Most of my energy is spent on everyone and everything but me. I let the apparent needs of others take priority over my internal needs, which, in turn, renders me less productive, less connected and less happy. I forget the yogic advice, that in order to better serve my family and others, I need to serve myself first.
As mothers, wives, daughters, managers, etc., finding that healthy balance between all the roles we play, can be challenging. Here are some steps we can make towards better health and sanity:
- Get enough sleep because you never know when your little one is going to wake you up in the middle of the night!
- Meditate morning and evening. Even if you don’t have time for a full 20-30 minutes, make as much time as you can to sit and close your eyes twice a day.
- Get some form of physical exercise. This does not mean chasing your two year old around in the living room. This will not bring happiness only frustration!
- Go outside.
- Surround yourself with friends who are supportive, non-judgmental, light heartened and inspiring.
- Let go of being “perfect” and feeling guilty about not spending enough time with your kids, your parents, or whatever your mind is deciding to torture you with. You don’t need to be on top of laundry, work, etc. This desire will lead to exhaustion. Just let it go!
- Set healthy boundaries. Let go of the need to answer all your work e-mails over the weekend or pick up every call you receive, even if it’s your supervisor. You can do less and achieve more.
- Make conscious eating choices.
- Forgive yourself. You’re going to make mistakes. You will forget your daughter’s best friend’s gingerbread baking play date. You will be late for your child’s afterschool piano performance. Get over it!
- Take a moment to celebrate motherhood and know that you are a good mommy.
Happy Mother’s Day!
