“In the event of an emergency, place the oxygen mask on yourself before helping someone else.”

Many of us know that familiar announcement made by the flight attendant before the powerful engines rev in preparation for take-off. I distinctly remember as a child, thinking this was so selfish.

Like, my mom was going to save herself before she tried to save me?

Hah! I don’t think so!

But, as I’ve grown and matured, I realize why they tell you this: so that in the process of helping someone else, you yourself do not fatigue and become useless in the situation, ultimately jeopardizing yourself and the person you were trying to help. Not so selfish actually!

This carries over into our everyday lives as well. From the moment we awaken, we are pulled in a million different directions.

Whether it’s to get to a job, get kids off to school, help an elderly relative or protest the latest social injustice, there are people and places depending upon us to show up and complete a task effectively. It is so easy to get caught up in the busy routine of life that we forget about ourselves.

Oftentimes, it is only after we experience a personal health crisis or another life-altering event, that we realize that maybe we need to take a step back and practice a bit of self-care.

Since becoming a slay-at-home-mom (yes indeed I claim it and if you’re home with your littles you should too!) I have made a point to institute a practical routine for healthy self-maintenance. Each and every week I take what I call a Self-Care Sabbatical (heretofore referred to as SCS).

What is a Self-Care Sabbatical?

It’s an amazing opportunity to have some quiet, reflective time (sans-hubby, sans-kiddos, sans-stress, sans-work) all to myself. Each week this SCS looks different and it typically never happens on the same day of the week. Without fail however, each week, it does happen. I look forward to it each week and make it a priority to ensure that it takes place.

If you aren’t currently taking a Self-Care Sabbatical or some dedicated time that allows you to take care of yourself in a meaningful way, I recommend that you begin doing so as soon as you can. It needn’t be long (some weeks I only schedule an hour or so), it needn’t be lavishly expensive (typically I choose something free or very low cost) and it can and should be practiced by everyone in any stage of life, career, family status, etc.

Most weeks my SCS is something simple, easy and free (I love naps, long jogs, manicures and watching HGTV)! For myself, I’ve instituted a few rules regarding my own SCS that may be useful to you in implementing a program of your own:

It happens weekly, without fail. If you’re able to set a specific day of the week and timeframe for it, even better, but the important thing is to ensure you’re taking an SCS each week.

Do something you enjoy. This might include a yoga class or a mani/pedi at a salon. Maybe your cup of tea is a delicious nap or watching a rom-com (or two!) on Netflix. For others it may be some dedicated, extended quiet time with God or in spiritual quietude; or maybe it’s shoe shopping or crafting. Whatever it is, let it be something that brings you peace and joy.

Do not do anything for anyone else during this time. I have to remind myself that going to the grocery store by myself is not an effective SCS. I am still doing for and thinking about others. For me, a legitimate SCS must be completely self-indulgent and does not include the care of others.

Establish parameters around your SCS with the people in your household and encourage them to take an SCS as well. The only way I’ve found that I can enjoy my SCS is when my husband is on-board which requires planning and communication. I encourage him to take planned SCS’s as well.

Enjoy the stew out of it and do not feel guilty! You have earned this respite. Enjoy it. The laundry and cooking and cleaning and emails and phone calls can wait. Everything will be okay and you can always come back to it when you’re reenergized. Taking time to breathe, relax and rejuvenate is essential and timely. Embrace the recharge!

It has taken time to find a rhythm that I enjoy and even more time to accept that stepping away is actually okay. As a mom it’s hard sometimes to truly detach and do something completely self-indulgent, it really is. The way I look at it though, is that by taking this moment to myself, I am not only maintaining my sanity but also I am returning from my sabbatical a better mother and wife and an overall happier person.

I look forward each week to my Self-Care Sabbatical and wherever you are in your life, whatever journey you are taking, time should always be made to breathe deep and revitalize yourself. Remember, you’re only healthy and useful to others if your oxygen mask is on and fully functional.

Are you currently taking a Self-Care Sabbatical? What are some of the amazing activities you do to recharge?