Have you ever heard the warning to put on your own mask before assisting someone else? This simple rule doesn’t just apply to airplanes. It’s important, as a parent, spouse, or a party in a family law case to remember to take care of yourself. Taking time for YOU allows you to tackle life’s challenges and still give your best to your children, your job, and/or your other family members when they need it. Unfortunately, during the most stressful times in our lives, taking care of ourselves is often the first thing to go.
September is Self-Care Awareness Month and a great time to re-focus on taking care of you! If this is something you’ve struggled with lately, here are a few tips:
Feed your inner child. Did you have a hobby as a child that you loved so much that you often lost track of time? Allow yourself that freedom again. You may not be able to get lost in a project every day but set some time aside in the evening or over the weekend to really enjoy an activity you’ve lost touch with.
Do something nice for YOU on a regular basis – anything that makes you happy and helps you feel relaxed. Some examples you might consider are to read a book, write in a journal, watch a movie, take a bath, go for a walk, go shopping, take a drive, go to the gym, or any other activity that will help you relax or feel better about yourself.
Keep track of your accomplishments. How many times have you ended the day feeling like you got nothing done? It may help to start and end each day with a simple to-do list. Your list doesn’t need to include anything big and grand. Start by noticing the small tasks that need to be done and give yourself credit for doing them. You may not get everything done, but what you have done is enough!
Reach out to help others. I know what you’re thinking—I spend ALL DAY caring for other people! But when is the last time you reached out to someone who wasn’t your child and asked what you can do to help? Helping others can help you see your own challenges from a new perspective and may help develop talents you didn’t know you have. A great benefit of helping others you don’t normally help is that it leaves you with a warm and uplifting feeling because you helped someone in need, and that alone can boost one’s own mood and perspective on life.
If you’re involved in a stressful family law case, such as going through a divorce, a child custody case, a child support matter, and/or a spousal maintenance modification, please know that you are not alone. If these tips don’t work for you, find something that does. Taking time for YOU and focusing on yourself will give you the strength you need to get through this stressful time and move on to something great. We are happy to be a part of that process.
Pangerl Law Firm P.L.L.C. focuses on divorce, child custody, mother’s and father’s rights, child support, and all other areas of family law, as well as personal injury claims. Our office is located in Deer Valley and serves the greater Phoenix area, including the communities of Scottsdale, Peoria, Glendale, Cave Creek, Avondale, Goodyear, Surprise, Mesa, Tempe, Anthem, New River, North Phoenix and Phoenix. For more information, call: 602-942-6200.