Body care:16 Ways to Find Time this Summer

Women are the backbone of society. We hold things together, keep our family and ourselves organized and often fill roles at work that increase stress levels as well. Now more than ever it's important to take care of our bodies. Let's reduce the inner chaos and manage the outer chaos so we can live truly peaceful lives. This all begins with a mindset shift towards giving ourselves as much grace as we would give to others and then taking time to care for our entire body, mind, and soul. Here are sixteen ways you can start to prioritize yourself. Remember, the best way to care for those you love is to first make sure you are healthy!

1.Limit social media to essential updates. Prepare mentally with your purpose for getting on social to avoid getting sucked in. Save precious time by setting a timer.  Doom scrolling and the mental deep dive can really leave you feeling down, disappointed and wanting more rather than being in the moment with those you love.

2. Cut TV time.  Set a timer to avoid late nights. Make it relaxing with tea and treats for a balanced unwind. Especially in the summer choose outdoor options for relaxing if possible. Sitting out on a deck or even driving with the window open can give the feel of freedom and grounding with your environment.

3. Prioritize "me time" on your calendar.  Schedule short breaks during the day for things you enjoy – podcast, walk, meditate, craft, read.

4. Make quality sleep a priority for rejuvenation. During the summer with less of a routine, it can be easy to miss important hours of sleep. Enjoying the summer nights may rejuvenate you also so just be sure to listen to your body's signals. Communicate non-negotiables for better sleep with your family.  We installed a keypad door lock so kids cannot barge in. Game changer!

5. Build daily bodycare habits: brush teeth, take vitamins, and cleanse. Keep it simple for consistency. Add fun with weekly shower steamers for an extra boost. Remember, even the 30 second walk to the kitchen for vitamins is bodycare!

6. Delegate tasks. For me, carpool for gymnastics saves 22 hours weekly!  Hire a teen for  transportation. Kids do chores and we have a “good enough” attitude. Weekly cleaning by someone else is a recent but wise decision.  This works well for us because my husband is neurodivergent and consistency with cleaning is a challenge for him.  During the summer we focus more on teaching kids how to do the household tasks. This makes school months easier and frees up time for me!

7. Say no to unnecessary commitments. Embrace your preferences. If Venmo works for PTO or teacher gifts, great! Whether it's homeschool coop, church nursery, or work events, it's okay to decline. Others will step up, and life goes on if they don’t! Choose how you want to spend your summer. Make yourself a list and fit the kids activities in around your schedule when possible.

8. Set work and personal time boundaries. Prioritize work tasks during work hours. For personal time, embrace "flexible inflexibility" – prioritize daily self-care with adaptable specifics. Knowing you are going to do something for yourself each day, but being flexible on what that is may help with feeling stress about the practice.

9. Integrate short exercises into your routine. While I enjoy dancing and working out, committing an hour daily isn't feasible – kudos to early birds, but it's not for me! You could opt for 5-15 minute workouts on YouTube during work breaks.  Here’s some of my favorite channels: The Fitness Marshall: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFitnessMarshallYoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadriene

Christina Dorner Fitness https://www.youtube.com/@CDornerFitness

10. Embrace mindfulness or meditation for relaxation. I use meditation and breathing techniques in the morning and evening, and for driving anxiety. However, after intense situations like advocating for your kid or addressing a wrong, opt for more active methods to release anxious energy. Intense exercise like kickboxing, if that feels good to your body, is invigorating and releases built up anxiety and frustration. You can't always "calm" it away!

11. Plan occasional breaks for self-indulgence. In the past, I believed bodycare had to be earned, creating a cycle where I never earned it due to a hectic schedule with 5 kids. Shifting my perspective to acknowledge that our bodies need care, regardless of earning it, made a significant difference. I prioritize getting away for the weekend twice a year, involving some planning but proving to be worth it. For those on a budget, staying at a friend's spare bedroom for a night or two may be  a viable option.

12. Make use of support networks for childcare. My older kids are paid to care for the younger ones, which is more cost-effective and convenient than hiring help. I don't expect a spotless house, but it's worthwhile. In the past, we relied on family and church adopted grandparents for support. We also had a list of 2-3 teens for date nights. It seemed complex, but it all worked out.

13. Craft a cozy personal retreat for relaxation. My outdoor deck is my haven; I even got a cute chair cushion, just for me – because let's be honest, no one else really cares! As an only child, I cherish alone time, and going outside is uninterrupted bliss. In the summer it's nice to take the morning at a little slower pace and have a nice spot to read and relax is refreshing. I’m working on creating a similar haven inside, despite limited space. Planning to claim and spruce up my spot soon!

14. Opt for time-saving tools or services. In the summer months we hire a yard service that comes in and works their lawn magic in about 30 minutes. It's worth the money to ditch the headache of lawnmower upkeep and free up time for us to spend with family. Grocery delivery is also a game-changer! I do 1-2 orders weekly. If this is not in the budget, grocery pick-up is a great alternative. I used to shop solo for 45 minutes of quiet time. While friends enjoy meal delivery services, it's not my choice for a family of 7 right now.

15. Explore hobbies that bring joy without long-term commitments. Permission granted to try as many as you want! Attend events with diverse workshops. I go to Women in the Outdoors annually with my mom – kayaking, hiking, blacksmithing, and more. I also love group fitness classes. No need to commit your life; just enjoy the experience. Summer provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities. Take advantage and schedule in as many as you feel good about.

16. Combine bodycare with family activities. We make a dutch-oven meal at my parents' house, taking a walk while it cooks. Outdoors bring clarity; watching kids enjoy grandparents' land is pure joy! No fights, I get rejuvenated, and we all enjoy a great meal together.

Cheering you on!

Sharla Burgess

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