Creating a Sustainable Self-Care Routine That Empowers Moms of Autistics

Thriving Moms of Autistics

Hi Moms! Do you find yourself running out of steam often? Does it feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done? Do you skip self-care to save time? It is not uncommon for moms of young autistics to experience these challenges.

In this episode, I address the unique challenges moms face that make it difficult to find time for themselves while caring for the child’s needs.

I explore practical strategies to manage energy, time, and self-care for optimal well-being and resilience. Don’t miss this opportunity to balance your responsibilities and personal needs.

Find the full transcript for this episode at www.thrivingmomsofautistics.com/43

Please share the podcast with other moms to help them grow in their autism journey. You can also do this by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. I appreciate you!

An Autism Mom’s Perfect Day Versus Reality

Close your eyes and take a deep breath in, hold it, and let it all the way out. Keep your eyes closed.

Take a minute and consider what it would look like if you had one full day that flowed beautifully with the perfect amount of time, zero problems, and if everything on your to do list was accomplished.

Okay, now open your eyes. Hard to imagine, isn’t it? I am not so sure that exists. But what if it did, that would be fabulous.

So, let’s work with what we’ve got. A day in the life of a mom of an autistic is often chaotic. We must stick as closely to the schedule as possible because our child needs that consistency.

We must semi-prepare for the unplanned events and interruptions that occur along the way that set off unexpected consequences.

Once we have managed to reorganize the mass confusion that results from the sensory overload from the unplanned event, we can breathe and take a moment for ourselves, right?

Not so fast overachiever! We only have 24 hours in a day, right? Is it at least plausible to get in a smidgen of self-care to restore ourselves after the storm?

The answer is yes and no!

You will not likely get a beach vacation on a quiet island with complete pampering. I know. It’s a big bummer. However, there are other ways to make self-care happen.

Time and energy are not our best friend. Would you rather have more time or more energy? Why should you have to choose?

Strategies for Moms of Autistics to Find Balance and Restore

Bedtime at our house can be a challenge, but once my son gets to sleep, the window of opportunity opens for some self-care.

Self-care is different for everyone. I come from a musical family. Music has always been a source of healing for me. Another way to calm my senses is through smell. It makes sense given the olfactory link to the limbic system.

After my son goes to bed there is always something that needs to be done that I could not get done when he was awake. Usually, the dishes are waiting, or the papers are piling up to be graded. There are emails multiplying when I am not looking, and the list goes on and on.

I like to take this time to put on some music. The kind of music that sooths my soul. I have a variety of candles, but also use essential oils. Both of these strategies help me decompress.

Other moms might drink some hot tea before bed to settle their bellies. Peppermint is good for that. I know my belly is turned upside down at times on those super exciting days.

I’ve known moms take 5 or 10 minutes before bedtime to journal. It helps you identify things you are grateful for in the midst of chaos. There is always something to be thankful for.

Did you know that Amazon Prime has 15-minute yoga and Zumba? Yep! They are short, sweet, and hit the spot.

Sometimes, we go for a snack to feel better. Instead of grabbing some chips, try grabbing some granola, y