FAMILY MENTAL WELLNESS
PRIORITIZING Self-Care
Whether your idea of self-care is reading a favorite book, taking a yoga class or a long soak in the tub, it can be much easier to dream about your plans than make them a reality. I talked with Stacey Johnson, LPC, and mom of eight to get her top tips in making self-care a priority in 2021, plus how to get the whole family involved! 1 Plan it. 2 Engage in self-care as a family. BY ERIN PAGE
Every Sunday think about your week ahead, look at your calendar and schedule time for self-care. You don’t have to fill the week; just pick one thing you can schedule at the same day and time every week. Remember that self-care can just take 10 to 15 minutes. Stacey loves to get in a little cardio while listening to her favorite podcast or try out a new face mask. I enjoy going for a run, reading a novel or cooking a favorite meal. You’ll be surprised how little time it takes to improve your whole mood.
Find activities you can invite your kids into. Stacey’s family uses the Calm app to meditate together for 20 minutes (even her husband loves it!). Together they listen to peaceful, calming words and her kids learn that it’s important to make time to be still and listen to their bodies. My family loves taking walks or hiking together to enjoy the fresh air and get our blood pumping.
56 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / JAN-FEB 2021
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