We’re often so overwhelmed with the day to day regime of work, shopping, cooking, cleaning, meetings, deadlines, employer demands and ferrying the kids from A to B that it’s easy to neglect some of the ‘more important’ stuff like health and family harmony.
Whilst time is precious, sacrificing some of your own needs for those of others is a false economy. Here’s why:
If you’re not looking after yourself, you may be storing up more of your own troubles, through underlying stress, exhaustion and depleting mental health. This in turn may affect your relationships at home, both with your partner and your kids.
Kids (and yes, even teenagers) are astute, they can sense when something is wrong, and if they feel that you are already stressed, they may well hold back from speaking to you about issues that are affecting them at the time.
So, we recommend all parents take time to look after themselves, without feelings of guilt, and to look upon it as investment in the physical and mental health of the whole family. Set time aside and do whatever it is that makes you feel calmer, better, more at ease with yourself and your life. Read a book, take a stroll, fit in an exercise class or take a short afternoon nap – whatever works for you.
It may be easier said than done when life is so hectic, but if you make it one of your top priorities, on a par with the cooking and cleaning, you’ll find the time. Just remember to make it important – because it is.
When we feel better, less stressed and more in control, we worry less and household tensions subside. You’ll worry less too – a trait that youngsters are quick to pick up on. If you are anxious, short tempered and un-relaxed, you can’t expect your kids to be happy, carefree and confident.
So, whilst we’re here to look after your teenagers, remember please to look after yourself.
And if you’re worried about your teenagers, ask their school if they’re working with us already. If not, suggest they do. www.TheMentalWealthFactory.co.uk
Originally published at www.thementalwealthfactory.co.uk