Restful Reflections: Navigating Motherhood and Therapy

Let’s be honest: rest often feels like a mythical unicorn or Big Foot - talked about but rarely seen. With the constant juggling of work, family, and personal commitments, finding time to truly unwind can seem like an impossible dream. But let me share a little secret - I’ve discovered that rest is not just a luxury; it’s an absolute necessity. 

Now, as both a mother of 2 toddlers and a therapist, I’ve had to get pretty creative about how I incorporate rest into my life. These roles, while incredibly rewarding, come with their own unique set of challenges and joys that have shaped my approach to self-care. And believe me, the journey is filled with a few surprises.

Neo - My 6.5 year old Golden Retriever captured mid snooze by my husband!

Motherhood's Unexpected Guide to True Rest

If you’d told me that motherhood would teach me great lessons about rest, I’d have laughed, because I can swear that the only rest I got was whenever my eyes shut as I blinked. However, the whirlwind of toddler parenting has taught me that rest doesn’t always look like what you’d expect.

For instance, I’ve become an expert at the art of the "power nap." Picture me sneaking away for a 15-minute snooze while my kids are being entertained by father dearest. The first time I took this power nap, I felt like I’ve discovered a magical pocket of peace amidst the pandemonium and wanted to hold it close to my heart. Or there are those rare moments when I escape to the restroom - my own personal sanctuary where I can FINALLY hear myself thinking, although when I step out I am faced with the eager faces of my husband, two toddlers and 6.5 year old Golden Retriever. 

These little breaks initially seemed insignificant, but over time, I realised how they’re essential. They help me recharge and come back to my kids with a refreshed spirit and a more patient heart. It turns out, the secret to surviving the daily grind of parenthood is all about grabbing those precious moments of peace whenever you can.

Therapy: Rest Through Reflection

As a therapist, I spend my days diving into the complexities of other people’s lives. It’s rewarding but also emotionally intense. Over the years, I’ve realised that if I want to be fully present and effective for my clients, I need to be just as attentive to my own rest as I am to theirs.

So how do I go about doing it? I’ve initiated some fun rituals for myself. There’s the “therapist’s timeout” - a minute long solo dance party. I also have a personal stash of “feel-good” activities, like binge-watching my favourite reality television shows or re-reading the hundreds of Tinkles (Uncle Pai's editions, FTW) I collected growing up. These are now my secret weapons for staying balanced.

And let’s not forget journaling. As much as it has helped my clients; I've realised that journaling functions as an outlet to process my own thoughts and unwind from the emotional load. Also, writing about the little triumphs and challenges of both motherhood and therapy often brings a smile to my face, particularly when I can go back and re-read heartwarming memories on a day I need it the most!

Finding My Groove

Balancing these roles has taught me that rest doesn’t have to be an elaborate affair. Sometimes it’s about finding those small moments amidst the chaos. It’s about creating a space for relaxation without guilt and recognising that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity.

So, here’s my takeaway: rest is essential, and it comes in many forms. Whether it’s a quick nap, a peaceful restroom break, or simply sharing a few moments with your partner, or playing with your pet, these moments are vital. They help me stay grounded, keep my spirits high, and allow me to be the best version of myself, both at home and in the therapy room.

Embrace your own unique ways of resting. Find what works for you, and cherish those moments. Because in the end, it’s not just about finding time to rest - it’s about making rest an enjoyable part of your life.