Unconventional Self-Care: Reframing Your Thoughts for Inner Well-Being

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As busy mums, it's important that we take care of ourselves. Simply put, if we're not okay, no-one else is right? But how do we take care of ourselves when we're so short on time? I'm personally over seeing self-care advice for mothers that involves spa treatments and bubble baths when I'm over here struggling to find the time to brush my teeth in the morning!

Self-care goes beyond pampering ourselves (although if you can make that happen - by all means do!) It's about nourishing our inner selves, including our thoughts and emotions. Reframing our thoughts is a powerful way to practice self-care, as it allows us to cultivate a positive and empowering mindset.

In this article, I want to explore some non-conventional self-care ideas that have worked for me. They involve reframing your thoughts to promote inner well-being and resilience.

1. Embrace Affirmations and Positive Self-Talk
Our thoughts have a profound impact on our emotions and overall well-being. Instead of dwelling on negative self-talk or self-doubt, incorporate affirmations and positive self-talk into your daily routine. A really handy tip is to replace the word 'have' with 'get'. So instead of saying "I have to do the dishes" you could day "I get to wash this little blue plastic bowl that my child enjoyed eating out of this morning. It means he has food, comfort, safety and security". By consciously reframing your thoughts with positivity, you cultivate self-compassion, confidence, and resilience.

2. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful practices that help us observe and reframe our thoughts. Take moments throughout your day to tune into your thoughts without judgment. This is so much easier to do when you take 5 or 10 minutes to practice on a regular basis using a structured guide. I use the Balance App (free one year trial) and it is an absolute game changer! Meditation also allows you to create a space of calmness and clarity, helping you detach from negative thoughts and cultivate a more positive and balanced mindset.

3. Gratitude and Appreciation
Shifting your focus towards gratitude and appreciation is an evidence based, transformative way to reframe your thoughts. Take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, whether it's the love of your family, the beauty of nature, or the simple joys in your life. By practicing gratitude, you train your mind to seek the positive aspects of your experiences, fostering a sense of abundance and contentment. It's also a really great way to incite appreciation in your marriage!

4. Challenge Negative Beliefs
Many of our negative thoughts stem from deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves or the world around us. Take a proactive approach to self-care by challenging these negative beliefs. Ask yourself if they are based on evidence or if they are simply assumptions or self-imposed limitations. Replace these beliefs with more realistic and empowering thoughts that align with your true potential and worth. E.g. instead of saying "I'm such an air-head for forgetting the clothes in the washing machine", you could take a moment to reflect on all the things that consumed your attention that day like a sick toddler or a stressed spouse, a last minute grocery run for your teenager's upcoming birthday or time spent connecting with your kids. Suddenly, saying "I forgot the clothes because it's been a busy morning!" is a more realistic and kinder statement.

5. Let go of perfectionism
Instead of striving for perfection in every aspect of motherhood, aim for "good enough." Recognise that perfection is an unattainable standard and that doing your best is more than enough. Allow yourself to let go of unrealistic expectations and find peace in knowing that you are doing your best in the circumstances. Instead of fixating on perfection, focus on progress. Celebrate the small victories and milestones, no matter how insignificant they may seem.

6. Set realistic expectations
Setting realistic expectations is crucial for avoiding the pitfalls of perfectionism. Understand that you cannot do it all, and that's okay. Prioritise what truly matters to you and your family, and let go of the pressure to meet societal expectations or compare yourself to others. Embrace the beauty of imperfection and find joy in the messy, imperfect moments of motherhood.

Reframing your thoughts is a non-conventional yet powerful form of self-care that nurtures your inner well-being. By consciously choosing positivity, practicing mindfulness, embracing gratitude, and challenging negative beliefs, you can cultivate a more resilient and empowering mindset. Remember, self-care starts from within, and by reframing your thoughts, you create a solid foundation for your overall well-being and personal growth. Embrace the transformative power of thought reframing and unlock a world of self-compassion, resilience, and inner peace.

#motherhood
#selfcare
#positivity
#mindfulness
#perfectionism
#gratitude
#educational

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