Settling back into a school schedule gives moms an opportunity to catch up on some much-needed self-care that can be difficult to maintain during the summer. It’s easy as moms to set aside our own needs to make sure everyone else’s are met. We must remember if we don’t take care of ourselves, our own health, we cannot be the best for our families. So here are my top five appointments to schedule for yourself now that the kids are back in school!
GYNECOLOGIST/OBGYN
Go without kids. The reason is likely obvious and clear – we all know it’s probably best to eliminate any potential scarring memory with mom in the stirrups. This appointment is an important part of health and self-care. Regular pap smears and breast exams are vital to early detection for certain types of cancer! Schedule this appointment ahead of time and have the doctor’s office automatically re-schedule this appointment the same time each year.
DERMATOLOGIST
With the potential of having to undress and wear a patient robe or be evaluated in a sensitive area, this is another good appointment to make while the kids are in school or childcare. You never know if this appointment will end with a mole removal, skin biopsy or cyst excision, so it is much better to go without company. Apply the same strategy as above, and ask the office to get you on an annual appointment schedule for ease!
DENTIST
Visiting the dentist as a family seems like a good idea, in theory. But it is hard to wrangle kids when you are the one in the dentist chair – how do you expect to tell them to behave when someone else’s hands are in your mouth? Many of us overlook this appointment; we assume brushing and flossing daily is enough! But this is another place where early detection is key. Finding a cavity before it impacts the root of the tooth and stopping gum disease in its beginning stages – both are easy for your dentist! Good dental hygiene is an important form of healthcare and an easy, quick way to put yourself first.
HAIR APPOINTMENT
Those roots are more than obvious, and the dead ends are a clear sign of soaking in the sun and soaking up the chlorine. These appointments can easily take up an entire morning or afternoon which can make it hard to do with kids around. It also proves pricey to pay a babysitter on top of the cost for a cut & color. By the end of summer a fresh cut is not only necessary but it will be sure to feel good. Take a couple of hours while the kids are in class and make the day about you.
MASSAGE
I’m an avid “treat yourself” person; we all need time to not just do the necessary but also time to do the fun. A massage is exactly that … a fun treat. As moms we all need an extra minute to relax and break out of the monotony. A good massage can release unhealthy toxins and relieve stress that builds up in your muscles. Sometimes moms forget how to relax when taking care of everyone else. Give yourself the gift to unwind after a very full summer at home!
If you’re looking at the list above and feeling overwhelmed, take it one step at a time! Maybe you need feel the relaxation from a massage before you can think about heading to the dentist – completely understandable – just start somewhere. Make a promise to put yourself first for a change; your mind and body will thank you for all of the self-love!
