Simplified Self-Care

Before Christmas, I sat in my therapist’s office, fretting about my pre-holiday jitters. Juggling anxiety and the challenges of raising a special needs child with big behaviors tied to routine shifts had me nervous about the extended break from school. We talked about what I could control – my reactions and thoughts. But when prompted about self-care, I drew a blank, realizing it wasn’t coming naturally.

Back in my early days of motherhood, self-care seemed like a distant dream – spa days and kid-free weekends felt like luxuries beyond reach. Life consisted of pouring myself into family, with self-care a far-off notion.

Since that chat with my therapist I have been making more of an effort to take care of me. I’ve come to realize self-care isn’t that complicated. It’s found in the simple, everyday moments.

Each morning, I get up before the chaos, settling at the kitchen table for a moment of quiet. I will have a healthy breakfast, sip something warm, and spend some time journaling. After my quiet time, I indulge in a hot shower. If I have a potentially stressful day ahead, I will use a shower bomb to add some aromatherapy to my morning. My shower is followed by my skin care routine and putting on clothes that make me feel good. That’s my self-care. Making the bed becomes a mindful act before diving into the day’s demands.

Running all day long, from school runs to appointments to managing my short-term rental business, I stumble upon self-care in unexpected places. Clutter triggers my anxiety, prompting a daily decluttering session. Hiring cleaners for my rental properties turned out to be a game-changer, prompting me to extend this luxury to my own home.

In the whirlwind of life, from preparing a healthy lunch to walking my dog, self-care weaves through my routine. While I might not be the most organized or disciplined person, I’ve been battling anxiety for the past couple of years. These simple, daily acts of self-care bring me peace and joy, enabling me to better care for my family and business.

A spa day and a weekend escape sound lovely, but it’s the everyday self-care rituals that truly make a difference. After all, it’s not about perfection; it’s about finding solace in the simple things.

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About the Author: Christina Huffman, a mother of seven from Lexington, Kentucky, is a short-term rental host, published children’s poet, and former newspaper columnist. Balancing family life for nearly 28 years, she embraces a journey of simplicity while navigating the challenges of anxiety. Find more from Christina here.