Yes, You Need to Breathe and Grow

The Vintage Nest Blog | Yes, You Need to Breathe and Grow | From conversations I had with friends over the weekend, it became clear that a lot of moms are dealing with burnout and other stress-related problems. Parents often express frustration and wish they could be more patient and positive with their kids while still trying to figure out ways to keep them occupied and content.

Taking care of the kids is a priority for any parent and can take up a lot of time, but it’s also crucial to make time for one’s own needs. A sufficient break time allows you some peace and quiet to work on yourself and think things through. It has the potential to be a really uplifting and helpful experience.

Do you allow yourself to take a significant break from your kids, your job, or whatever else is wearing you down? Don’t worry if you don’t yet; you’re in good company. Even if few people really do it, it’s worth considering how good it would be for you to take a break at least once a year.

• Taking a break from your daily life for a long period of time allows you to assess your situation and make plans for the future. It’s easy to lose sight of personal goals in favor of simply surviving while you’re in the thick of things. Spend some time every year setting clear objectives. They can center on your family, but having some goals solely for yourself will help you realize what specific accomplishments you have achieved in the previous year and what you want to achieve in the coming year. 

• Taking time for yourself is not a selfish act; rather, it is an opportunity to examine your life objectively and make any necessary changes. Taking some time for yourself allows you to assess your personal strengths and weaknesses based on the situations and even challenges that you have faced or are currently facing.  Doing so will give insight as to what part of your character you want to improve on, with the primary goal to strengthen bonds with the people whom you love.

Taking a breather, even if just for a few hours or a few days, is not avoiding your obligations; rather, it is a chance to recharge your batteries or to take a “pit stop” so that you may continue “running the race” with renewed vigor and passion. Failing to do this will pose a risk to your personal growth and your mental health. 

So begin now and commit to taking time out at least once a year.  Make it a top priority, and get support from your loved ones to make it happen– none of you will regret it. Ultimately, no one else can take control of your vitality and growth except yourself.