Taking care of ourselves is something we often push aside, especially when we’re busy taking care of others. As a coach and mentor, I know self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. And as a parent of a child with learning and developmental challenges, I’ve been there. I know how hard it can be to find even a few minutes for myself. But those few minutes can make a world of difference.
When my son was diagnosed, my life turned upside down. Every day felt like a marathon of appointments, therapies, and meetings. I was constantly on the go, and it didn’t take long before I felt completely burned out. My energy was gone, my patience was thin, and I wasn’t the parent I wanted to be. Something had to change. I needed to take care of myself, even if it was just a little bit each day.
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I started small, with simple routines that I could fit into my busy schedule. In the morning, I would stretch for just five minutes. It didn’t seem like much, but it helped me wake up and feel more prepared for the day. I also made sure to drink a glass of water first thing in the morning. Hydrating my body made a big difference in how I felt throughout the day.
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During the day, I found moments to take mini-breaks. I set a timer for every hour and took just five minutes to breathe deeply or do a quick meditation. Sometimes, I would just step outside and get some fresh air. These little breaks helped me reset and keep going.
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One of the biggest changes was in my evening routine. After my son went to bed, I would take a relaxing bath with lavender oil. It became my time to unwind and let go of the stress of the day. I also started journaling for a few minutes each night. Writing down my thoughts and feelings helped me process everything and find a bit of peace before going to sleep.
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I remember one night after a particularly challenging day. My son had a meltdown at school, and I felt like I had failed him. I was exhausted and on the verge of tears. But that night, I took my usual bath and wrote in my journal. I wrote about how hard the day was, but also about the small victories, like how my son calmed down after we sang his favorite song together. Reflecting on the positives helped me see that even on the toughest days, there were still moments of joy and progress.
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Making self-care a part of my daily routine wasn’t easy at first. It felt like just one more thing on my to-do list. But as I kept at it, I noticed a difference. I had more energy, I was more patient, and I felt better equipped to handle the challenges that came my way. My son noticed the difference too. He would often join me during my stretches or sit quietly while I meditated. It became something we could share, and that made it even more special.
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Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to do something just for you. Those small moments add up, and they can help you recharge and feel more balanced. As a coach, I always encourage my clients to find what works for them and make it a regular part of their routine. Because when we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of those we love.
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I also found support in a community of parents who were going through similar experiences. We shared tips and encouraged each other to take care of ourselves. Knowing I wasn’t alone made a huge difference. We celebrated each other’s successes and offered comfort on the hard days.
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Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. It can be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to do something just for you. Those small moments add up, and they can help you recharge and feel more balanced. As a coach, I always encourage my clients to find what works for them and make it a regular part of their routine. Because when we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to take care of those we love.