PDA + Selfcare: PDA Toolbox Part II

Written By Sarah Myers
 

PDA + Selfcare: PDA Toolbox Part II

Thank you for joining me during the previous blog post on the PDA toolbox. The love and connection were felt. But now, let’s talk about YOU. As the parent/caregiver of a PDAer, you’re no stranger to HARD. Burnout is a harsh reality, so how do we “self-care?”

 Pickles and ice cream. Watermelon and gravy. Cheese whiz and waffles. These combos sound as foreign together as PDA parenting and self-care. But, I’m here to share the pivotal word that was a game changer for me. INTENTIONAL. 

Hours at the spa, 18 holes of golf, five course meal; maybe before PDA. While living in survival mode, finding small, really small things that bring joy but require you to focus is essential.

 Mine is scent.

I am very intentional about putting my favorite candles all over the house. Breathing in comfort for 15 seconds helps me feel grounded for the next. This translates to my vehicle with a nostalgic air freshener and my purse with mini roller ball perfume. Wherever I am or whatever I am doing I have a built in safety net. Those are MY 15 seconds of intentional ofalctory bliss. Changing your perspective on mini moments built into your routine can provide the inertia you didn’t know you needed to power through. Utilize your senses in some way. 

Other ideas:

  • Treat yourself to a favorite beverage, extra whip? (taste)

  • 5 minute journaling or doodling (touch)

  • Listening to a podcast with earbuds while folding the laundry or doing the dishes (hear)

  • Watch squirrels play or birds build a nest (sight) 

  • Buy yourself flowers (scent)

  • Snuggling a pet (touch) 

Give yourself permission to do low-demand for yourself as self care:

  • Order that pizza and skip cooking a meal

  • Invest in a good dry shampoo and skip a day (or two) of hair washing.

  • Put the pots/pans and knives into the dishwasher. Oh my! 

  • Serve meals on paper plates.

  • Grocery pick up orders.

It took me a moment to really accept that small, intentional, but reflective changes in your routine definitely counts and are necessary. Those are your moments. Give yourself permission to do them and trust that they really work.

What small addition will you do for you? 

Minute by minute, 

Brie

The Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy Team 🌟

 
 
 
 

about our featured writer:

Brie is one of our awesome office assistants here at Way to Grow! She has a background in communications, but life has taught her to look at the world in different colors + has a passion to inspire and support other parents of kids with PDA! Her “why” is her amazing daughter Isla. After learning of her neurodivergence and letting the diagnosis sink in, she has embraced this culture and advocates for her fiercely as well as for others on the same journey. Bri has a special zest for life, and is a lover of food, fun, and friends!

 
Sarah Myers https://www.waytogrowpediatrics.com
Next

PDA Toolbox