As a mother, prioritize and allocate time for yourself after giving birth. Juggling the roles of a woman, mother, and wife can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with school activities, household chores, marital responsibilities, and a full-time career. However, it is crucial to prioritize your mental, physical, and emotional health for your well-being and overall happiness. Here are some practical tips to help you effectively balance summer plans and self-care.

1. Start with Spiritual Health

Spiritual well-being is the foundation upon which you can build a balanced life. For me, I believe, focusing on my spiritual health involves cultivating a stronger connection with God. The Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). This belief helps me condition my mind to care for other vital areas of my life.

• Daily Devotions: Begin your day with prayer or meditation to set a positive tone. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33).
• Scripture Reading: Find a Bible verse that resonates with you and reflects on its meaning. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
• Spiritual Community: Engage with a faith community for support and encouragement. “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

I had a week when I was so sick after the first week of school closing for summer. During that time, my mind was weak, and I seriously lacked the zeal to do anything. Eating was not comforting, I couldn’t think clearly, and I wasn’t even considering exercising. What helped me most was to build my spirit by feeding upon God’s word, which helped me see life differently. Immediately, I grasped that God’s plan for me was to live in good health, prosper, and have a better future, I started reading and strengthening myself through His word. As I started dwelling on God’s word, my depressing thoughts began to refocus, and I started getting better every day. Starting with my spiritual health, other areas such as eating healthily and staying fit became easier to plan.

1. Plan and Prioritize

Effective planning is crucial to balancing family activities and self-care during the summer months.

• Create a Summer Schedule: Include your family’s summer activities, including vacations, camps, and outings. Ensure there is a balance between family fun and downtime.
• Set Priorities: Identify the most important activities for your family and yourself. Prioritize these events to ensure they get the attention they deserve.
• Involve the Family: Involve your family in planning. Discuss their expectations and preferences, and incorporate them into the schedule to avoid overloading yourself.

1. Schedule Self-Care

Amidst the busy summer plans, it is important to schedule dedicated time for self-care.

• Morning Routine: Start your day with a calming morning routine. Whether it’s a quick workout, meditation, or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, make this time non-negotiable. “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35).
• Weekly Self-Care Time: Block out a specific time each week for self-care activities such as a spa day, a hobby you love, or simply relaxing with a good book.
• Date Nights: Make it a point to schedule regular date nights with your partner. This will allow you to reconnect and relax without the kids.

1. Incorporate Early Morning Walks

Waking up early for a walk before the kids get up can be a game-changer. I realized that when I started doing this as early as 6 am, I was able to clear my head and have a better focus on how to plan my day.

• Mental Clarity: Morning walks help clear your mind and prepare you mentally for the day.
• Physical Activity: Make sure to add other exercises to your routine that you may have neglected. “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).
• Devotion Time: After some exercise, morning devotion becomes easier, finding a quiet place to study and build your spiritual life to handle the day ahead.

1. Stay Active Together

Incorporating physical activity into your family’s summer plans can benefit everyone’s health and well-being.

• Family Workouts:  Get your family out and engage in enjoyable family activities such as biking, hiking, or playing sports together to stay active and bond.
• Outdoor Activities: Take advantage of the favorable weather to plan outdoor activities such as beach outings, picnics, or nature walks.
• Fitness Classes: Consider enrolling in fitness classes that offer childcare services, allowing you to work out while the kids are entertained.

1. Healthy Eating Habits

Maintaining healthy eating habits is vital, especially during the summer when it is easy to indulge in treats.

• Meal Planning: Plan healthy meals and snacks to avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Hydration: Ensure everyone stays hydrated, especially during outdoor activities. Carry water bottles and encourage regular water breaks.
• Balanced Treats: Allow occasional treats but balance them with nutritious options to keep everyone’s diet in check.

1. Create a Relaxing Space

Having a designated space for relaxation can help you unwind and recharge.

• Quiet Corner: Set up a quiet corner in your home where you can escape for a few moments of peace. Fill it with things that help you relax, such as books, candles, or soothing music.
• Outdoor Oasis: Create a relaxing outdoor space with comfortable seating and shade where you can enjoy the summer weather while unwinding.
• Sleep Sanctuary: Ensure your bedroom is a calm and inviting space to promote restful sleep. Consider blackout curtains, calming scents, and comfortable bedding.

1. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques can help you manage stress and stay present.

• Meditation: Practice daily meditation to clear your mind and reduce stress.
• Deep Breathing: Incorporating deep breathing exercises into your routine to calm your mind and body is crucial.
• Gratitude Journaling: Keep a gratitude journal to reflect on the positive aspects of your day and cultivate a sense of appreciation.

Balancing summer plans and self-care as a busy mom requires planning and a commitment to prioritize your well-being. By focusing on your spiritual health, creating a summer schedule, scheduling self-care, incorporating early morning walks, staying active together, maintaining healthy eating habits, creating a relaxing space, and practicing mindfulness, you can enjoy a fun and fulfilling summer while taking care of yourself. Remember, taking time for yourself is not a luxury but a necessity to ensure you have the energy and happiness to fully engage with your family and make the most of the summer season.