Living Alone…and the Importance of Self-Care

So I’ve been living alone (again) for a week now.  It’s been an adjustment, to say the least.  For many years, I lived on my own, so that’s not the issue.  But for those many years, I had a furry little four-legged friend (or two) to keep me company.  And I’d only really been alone for a couple months when I started dating Scott.  And then I technically wasn’t alone anymore (I spent most of my nights at his house).

So when we moved in together, I instantly went from being on my own to (every other week) a family of five and a big ol’ Husky to always keep me company.  Needless to say, there was always some noise or something going on, so I was never really alone.  We made dinner together, we ate together, we watched movies together, etc. etc.  And I’ll admit, I got spoiled.  He did most of the cooking, while I did most of the clean-up, and we were both okay with that arrangement.

And I think that’s where the biggest adjustment has been for me….having to cook for myself again.  And judge how much food I actually need for just one person, LOL.  I think in my head, I’m still used to cooking for two (or five, depending on the week), which means I have lots of leftovers.  Not that that’s a bad thing, but it makes a difference, LOL.

Plus the silence…I can’t get over the silence.  The first night was definitely the hardest in that I didn’t have internet yet (how did I possibly survive??) and it was so silent in the house.  Every night since then, I’ve had music playing or a movie or TV show on my iPad to have some noise.  I don’t know what that says about me, but it’s nice to have the background noise.  And to be honest, I’m completely okay with it :P

I don’t want to give anyone the wrong impression though.  I thoroughly enjoy my alone time and don’t mind the quiet/silence.  But after being with someone almost every day for the past six months, it’s made for a big change in my life.  It also doesn’t help that I like to watch scary movies by myself.  At least at Scott’s, I had the Husky to protect me :P

I’ve finally gotten into my new routine though…I like it.  Actually, I love it.  I have so much more time to get things done, and I’m able to take care of myself (by practicing self-care) so much better now.  There’s something about a hot bath all by yourself with no interruptions that just soothes the soul.

I’ll admit, I let self-care take a back seat when I lived with Scott.  I put everyone else first, especially the kids.  And I know I wasn’t technically a “mom,” but I can now see how mothers are stressed and tired and put themselves last all the time.  Women, in general, want to take care of everyone and everything, more often than not to the detriment of themselves and their health.  Now add in being a mother and that becomes that much worse.

We, as women, need to make sure we take care of ourselves first.  And yes, it sounds selfish, but if we are sick and tired and run-down, how can we take care of anyone else?  I’m not saying that we need to put everything/everyone else on the back burner, but we have to learn to give ourselves some downtime.  And more importantly, to not be so hard on ourselves!!

Our houses don’t have to be spotless, the beds don’t have to be perfectly made, and the laundry doesn’t need to be all done in one sitting.  Because if you are happy and healthy, the significant other is happy and healthy, and the kids are happy and healthy, then that’s all that really matters, right?

So I’m off to end my lazy Sunday with an early bedtime (I had a late Saturday night), and to start my week off right.  So remember, take time for yourself this week.  Have a hot bath, practice a little meditation, take a walk by yourself, get a pedicure, or maybe even spoil yourself and get a massage!  But whatever it is, enjoy it and don’t feel guilty for doing it!  We all need to learn to love on ourselves a little more!!

Here’s some motivation for you to start your week off right!

With love and wellness,

Whitney