Dealing with life as a special needs mom takes its toll. Finding time for yourself and self-care is essential. I have realized that self-care is not selfish, its a means of survival. 

You have all the time there is in a day. There is no way to make more time, so what I find works for me is getting up earlier than my kids every day. Yes you read that correctly, EVERY day. I use this time for a morning routine to give myself care before I start my day.

For me this means I get up every day at 5:15am. I spend the first hour of my day enjoying a slow cup of coffee, writing down in a gratitude journal 5 things I am grateful for from the day before. This sets me up for success and a positive outlook from the start. 

Then I workout out and move my body every day for 30 minutes. Some days this means a walk with the dog, other days this means a hardcore workout on my Peloton or weight training, or much-needed slow-flow yoga and DEEP breaths. Whatever works for you. The key is movement to get your endorphins flowing and stress down.

Remember, if you don’t take care of yourself, then you can’t be the best parent to your kids either. Not to mention the great example you will be setting for them.