Welcome to another episode of NeurOrdinary!
Today I’m excited to dive into a topic that is near and dear to my heart as an autism mom, and a certified meditation instructor. In this episode, I'll be sharing my three favorite self-care practices that have been absolute game-changers in my life.
First up, we have meditation. I can't stress enough how transformative this practice has been for me. From YouTube meditations to the Calm app, these resources have provided gentle guidance and support for exploring different meditation techniques.
Meditation has such a positive impact on my overall well-being by resetting my mind, increasing clarity, and bringing a sense of presence to my day.
Next, we’ll talk about the importance of alone time. As parents of autistic children, it is so easy to lose ourselves in the constant demands of our kids. But carving out time for ourselves is crucial so we can be the best version of ourselves and support others effectively. I'll share some tips on how to find those moments of solitude without feeling guilty...trust me, it's worth it.
Last but not least, I'll discuss the power of gratitude. Keeping a gratitude journal has literally transformed my life!
Each day, I write down at least three things I’m grateful for and one big win that happened that day. This simple practice helps anchor feelings of gratitude and creates a positive mindset. Gratitude has trained my brain to focus on the positive in different situations, and it has made a significant and transformative impact on my life.
So grab your favorite beverage, find a cozy spot, and tune in to this episode of NeurOrdinary as I share my favorite self-care practices as an autism mom. It's time to nourish ourselves, recharge, and thrive…no matter what life throws at us. Let's dive in!
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Resources Mentioned in This Episode
Out Of Your Ordinary YouTube Channel guided meditations playlist
Gratitude Practice For Autism Parents
Create your FREE personalized Self-care Guide
Get started with self-care the quick and easy way…FREE self-care quick start guide!
Transcript
Hey, I’m Karen. And I’m a mom to two amazingly neuropsicy autistic kiddos. If you’re an autism parent like me, you know I don’t have the time to make a podcast intro. I also lack the tech skills, so let’s just get into it…this is the NeurOrdinary Podcast!
Today I want to share with you my three favorite self-care practices as an autism mom. We all know that being a mom is a full-time job, but when you add autism to the mix, things can sometimes get a bit overwhelming. That's why taking care of ourselves as autism parents is so important. So, let's dive in and explore the power of gratitude, meditation, and alone time.
Let's start with gratitude because I think it’s probably the single most effective thing you can do to shift your perspective and create a serious impact on your mood, energy levels, and outlook. As an autism mom, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day struggles and forget to appreciate the little things. Practicing gratitude has been a game-changer for me. Each day, I take a few moments to reflect on what I'm grateful for. It can be as simple as my child's smile or a kind gesture from a friend. By shifting my focus to the positive aspects of my life, I find that I feel more energized and optimistic. Gratitude helps me to cultivate a sense of abundance and joy, even during our more challenging days.
The thing I see a lot of people get wrong about Gratitude is that it’s not just about counting your blessings; it's about actively acknowledging and appreciating them. One practice that has worked wonders for me is keeping a gratitude journal. At the end of each day, I take a few minutes to write down at least three things I'm grateful for and at least one Big Win that happened that day. It could be a milestone my child reached, a supportive conversation I had, or even a quiet moment of relaxation. Writing down these nuggets of gratitude helps anchor them in my mind and heart. It creates a positive mindset and reminds me of all the good things that exist in my life. Gratitude helps train your brain to look for the positive in almost any situation! It helps me look at things objectively and with a positive frame of reference. Trust me, it makes a big difference and has literally transformed my life.
Now, let's talk about meditation. As an autism parent, our minds are often racing, filled with worries, endless to-do lists, and oftentimes fear over what the next meltdown or crisis will be. It can be overwhelming and exhausting. Meditation provides a much-needed pause, a chance to quiet the mind and let yourself just exist. I like to start my day with just a few minutes of meditation. I find a quiet spot, close my eyes, and focus on my breath. It's amazing how even a short meditation session can bring a sense of calm and clarity. If your brain is feeling squirrelly, guided meditation can be a great way to help keep yourself on track and still receive the benefits of meditation…I’ll link in the show notes to the guided meditations I’ve created on my YouTube channel that you can listen to for Free!
The thing about meditation that intimidates a lot of people, is that they think it’s about trying to silence your thoughts or achieving a state of complete stillness. But it’s not! It's about creating a space where you can observe your thoughts without judgment and gently let them go. As an autism mom, this practice has been invaluable for managing stress and anxiety. When things get hectic throughout the day, I take a few moments to pause, take deep breaths, and reconnect with my inner self. It helps me find a sense of balance and perspective.
If you're new to meditation, there are tons of apps and guided meditation resources available to help you get started. Like my free youtube meditations (wink, wink). Since it’s a bit weird listening to my own voice lead me in guided meditation, I personally really like the Calm app … something magical about listening to Harry Styles tell me a bedtime story every night.
The point is, these resources provide gentle guidance and support as you explore different meditation techniques. Give it a try, and you'll see the positive impact it can have on your overall well-being. Meditation is like a reset button for your mind, allowing you to approach your responsibilities and daily challenges with more clarity and presence. No matter what is going on in your life!
Finally, let's explore the importance of alone time. Full disclosure as we start this topic, I am an introvert, and also neurodiverse myself. I’m also highly empathic, and take on the feelings of those that are around me as my own. It is challenging for me to be around people in some sort of distress, especially if they’re someone I love…you know, like my kids! I have tons of sensory issues and get “touched out” pretty quickly. I need time by myself to be a functioning human being, your mileage may vary and there may be a better third self-care option for you, but this is my podcast and Ima tell you what’s going on for me…
As autism parents, we often put our children's needs before our own. While it's natural to prioritize their care, it's equally important to carve out time for ourselves. Alone time allows us to recharge, reconnect with our own interests, and replenish our energy. It's an opportunity to focus on ourselves without feeling guilty.
Finding moments of solitude doesn't mean neglecting our responsibilities or our children. It means recognizing that we are human beings with our own needs and desires. It means understanding that taking care of our well-being is not selfish; it's essential if we want to be the best version of ourselves and support our children effectively.
Alone time looks different for everyone. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to sit in a quiet space and reflect. It could be indulging in a hobby that brings you joy, whether it's reading a book, painting, or gardening. It could be going for a walk in nature, taking a yoga class, or enjoying a relaxing bubble bath. Whatever makes you feel refreshed and connected to yourself, make it a priority.
I remember when I first started incorporating alone time into my routine. At first, it felt strange to step away from the constant demands and needs of my children, and they were not happy about it. But as I allowed myself that space, I realized how essential it was for my well-being. And making a plan for it, and getting it proactively instead of reactively made it that much more refreshing and helpful for me. It allowed me to recharge and gain perspective. It allowed me to show up as a calmer and more patient parent.
Scheduling regular alone time is crucial for me. It may require some creative planning and support from family or friends, but it's worth it. Even if it's just a few minutes each day or a longer block of time once a week, make it non-negotiable. Give them the tablet, have cereal for dinner. Make the choices that keep them safe and respect their needs, but prioritize your needs over their wants. Use this time to focus on yourself, to engage in activities that bring you joy and help you reconnect with your passions and interests. Whatever you do, give yourself permission to be fully present in these moments.
Remember, self-care is not an indulgence; it's a necessity. You are not being selfish; it's about taking care of your own well-being so that you can show up as the best version of yourself for your child, and you'll be better equipped to navigate whatever life throws at you.
So there you have it, my three favorite self-care practices as an autism mom: gratitude, meditation, and alone time. Incorporating these practices into my daily routine has made a world of difference in my life, and I hope they can do the same for you. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it's essential. Thank you for joining me today on The NeurOrdinary Podcast. If you have any questions or would like to share your own self-care practices, please feel free to reach out. I would love to hear from you. Thanks for listening! New episodes of the NeurOrdinary Podcast drop every Thursday. Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and if you’re feeling generous leave a comment or review to let me know what you thought about today’s episode. And whatever you do, keep it spicy!
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