What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the word refresh? Is it the refresh button on your computer? The delicious cucumber cooler you’ve been craving?
For me its Sleep!
I feel most refreshed when I get uninterrupted sleep. Do you know how important it is to get a good night sleep? Sleep affects our cognitive abilities, memory, mood, and energy. You need at least 7 -9 hrs of sleep every night. If you’re a new mom or a mom with toddlers you’d totally get me when I say uninterrupted sleep doesn’t come very often. I have an 18-month-old a and 4 year old and let’s not forget my adult child (MY HUSBAND) lol that require So much of my time. So Sleep, Yeah what’s that?
As mothers we wear so many hats wife, mother, nurse, friend the list goes on and it can get quite overwhelming. With toddlers, the mounds of laundry are never-ending. You clean one room only to find the other room a mess again. Kids are fighting over who gets the dinosaur sippy cup. You are constantly running around trying to do everything all at once only to accomplish nothing in the end. This can leave you feeling depleted, resentful, unappreciated and alone.
Sister, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I feel you, I too have felt like this. It was not until One day I decided to call it in early and go upstairs when I heard my then 3yr old say “Daddy, Mommy just needs to take a nap and then she’ll feel better!” as much as it broke my heart to hear her say that, it was the truth. I needed to sleep! I needed to refresh so that I may fulfill my wife/motherly duties with a joyful heart.
After getting a much needed full night sleep I woke up early and had an idea. What if today I decided to take care of myself first? I know it sounds selfish but you have to remember you can’t give what you don’t have or you may have heard this ” you can’t pour from an empty cup”. I decided that I was going to make it a habit to wake up before anyone in the house and have a Jesus and Coffee Date every morning. This will allow me to spend time with the Lord and fill my cup with TRUTH.
This small habit has helped me stay in line with the assignment God has placed before me. I no longer run around trying to do everything at once. I now tackle one thing at a time and follow through until the end. I have created a cleaning schedule to focus on one room of the house per day to thoroughly clean and declutter if needed. I tidy up every day but with this cleaning schedule, I don’t feel overwhelmed or rushed. I actually feel like I accomplish more by pre-deciding what my day is going to look like. I am getting a full nights sleep and spending the one hour with Jesus has helped me be a better version of myself.
The Bible mentions being full, filled up and filling up many times. Maybe today you need to be filled up or what I like to call it, refresh. Be encouraged that God sees you, hears you and he provides the filling ( refreshment ) you need. I love this verse
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
This just sets the foundation of what my day is going to look like. Believing that he will fill my mommy heart with peace and joy to be able to care for my little ones and my home.
I ask your self this today.
I feel most refreshed when?
If you could do one thing to feel more refreshed right now what would it be?
TIPS ON A SUCCESSFUL DAY
1. Wake up an hour earlier than anyone in your house to spend time with the Lord.
2. Nutrition: Do you not know that you are Gods temple? Fuel your body with Whole Foods and hydrate.
3. Stay active!
Get up and exercise at least 30 min a day. If you don’t have a gym, make it a fun play day at the park with the kids. Trust me! Park days help SO much when you have little ones at home. Keeps you sane and the little ones get productive play.
4. Develop a morning routine/ cleaning routine focusing on one task at a time and follow through until the end.
5. SLEEP
Aim for 7-9 hrs of sleep every night. You will feel refreshed and ready to conquer whatever your day may bring.
Praying for you,
Nancy Levine