GoodyearAZphotographer

By Kim VanOs Photography

So, senior year uh? It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, right? I get it on one hand, you’re bursting with pride, but on the other hand, it’s like a never-ending whirlwind of stress, worry, and a whole lot of “Where did the time go?!” You may be asking why is this on a photography website? Because I specialize in taking photos for moms and of moms, so I don’t want you to miss out because you are too stressed out. 

As if dealing with our (and I say “our” because my baby girl is starting her senior year this fall and getting ready for college as I type this. I am feeling all the feels you are) senior’s impending departure wasn’t enough, throw in the joys of perimenopause (if you want a great book on menopause check out: The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi. Here’s an Amazon link: Amazon Book – The Menopause Brain ), and you’ve got yourself a recipe for some serious mom stress. We can do this! I believe in us! And today, I’m sharing 10 self-care tips for surviving our kiddo’s senior year. Because as they say on a plane “secure your mask on first and then assist the other person.” It’s important to take care of ourselves so we can be there for our seniors (at least that is what I am telling myself).

Embrace the Tears: It’s okay to cry. Let’s let those emotions flow freely, whether it’s tears of joy, sadness, or a little bit of both. I’m trusting my therapist here; she says it’s cathartic, but she also says to remember to let them pass and don’t wallow in them forever. (I’ll try)

Take Time for Yourself: Carve out some “me time” every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes to sip your favorite tea or sneak in a quick meditation session (by that I mean scrolling Facebook right?). I love yoga, working on Dulingo, reading, card making and journaling. I can’t do them all, so I try to do at least one a day.

Get Moving: Exercise is a great stressbuster, plus it releases those feel-good endorphins. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing around the kitchen, just get that body moving! I used to work out a few times a week with my hubby but it’s just not in the cards right now, so I personally take my dog on a daily walk, and it helps center me. Besides the older I get I feel like I am always nursing something broken on my body. 

Connect with Other Momma’s: Reach out to other momma’s who’ve already gone through this. Then reach out to momma’s who are also in the throes of it. Sometimes just knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference. (To all my momma friends out there – thank you I couldn’t do this alone!)

Indulge in Comfort Food: Hey, there’s nothing wrong with a little comfort food now and then. Treat yourself to your favorite guilty pleasure and savor every bite. Excuse me – chocolate caramel sea salt is calling me.

Pamper Yourself: This can look different to everyone so if you are a spa girl take a spa day at home or splurge on a professional massage. But maybe that means getting your nails done with a friend or taking that pole dancing class you’ve been meaning to book. Me personally? A warm bath and a good book for 40 minutes is all I need. 

Get Lost in a Good Book: Escape reality for a while and lose yourself in a good book. It’s the ultimate form of self-care for book-loving mamas. If books aren’t your jam, read a magazine or listen to an audio book. Or even that podcast you’ve been meaning to get to. (Right now, I am reading The Let Them Theory, Mel, Robbins,and I love it!)

Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to count your blessings and focus on the positive. It’s amazing how a little gratitude can shift your perspective. We have so much to be grateful for. I mean look at the amazing human beings we brought into the world!

Remember, You’re Enough: Let me say it for the people in the back…you are enough! Yes, you! You’ve done an amazing job raising your Senior, and they’re ready to take this next step. So, take a deep breath, (I’ll take one with you, we just need to remember to exhale), and know that you’ve got this.

Lastly, get in a photo or two with your senior, you won’t regret it and they will cherish it later in life. Ask your seniors photographer if you can just hope in one or two or just snap a few selfies. Senior year may be stressful, but it’s also a time filled with love, laughter, and precious memories. So, take care of yourself, lean on your support system, and know that you’re not alone on this wild ride. This year more than any other remember to try to minimize the factors that contribute to your stress and try to be in the moment with your kiddo.

Your friendly neighborhood photographer – Kim

@kimvanosphotography

www.kimvanosphotography.com

PS – We’ve got this!

PSS – Here’s another blog that I thought had some really great information about senior year for parents: Article – Five Senior Year Survival Tips (From a Mom Who Has Been There)