Battle-Weary Wives: Nurturing Your Well-Being  

Welcome to our Marriage War and Peace blog for September! 

This month, we are focused entirely on my fellow battle-weary wives and what you can do to nurture your well-being.  

As mothers, many of us are accustomed to giving our all to our families. However, as battle-weary wives, we need to give to ourselves, too.  

This September, let's shift the focus to ourselves, embracing self-care and nurturing practices that allow us to receive the love and care we so often give to others. By prioritizing our own needs, we can rejuvenate our spirits and strengthen our capacity to support our loved ones. 

In this article, we go beyond the usual recommendations to explore unique and refreshing self-care activities that can deeply nurture your mind, body, and spirit.  

In this month’s article, we’ll focus on:  

• My Roman tub experience 

• 6 unique nurturing activities 

• The Art of Extreme Self-Care 

 
When in Rome . . . Or at Least in My Roman Tub 

A few years back, a seemingly mundane shower stall leak unexpectedly led me to a unique nurturing opportunity.  

My long-held dream of a tub where I could fully stretch out was about to come true. The thrill was palpable when our contractor suggested the installation of a Roman tub, a concept I instantly fell in love with! 

The ability to stretch my 5'9" frame out fully while soaking in the tub is pure bliss. And has turned taking a bath into a magical experience.  

Before stepping into the tub, I add Epsom salts and essential oils, light tea candles, and ask Alexa to play high-frequency vibration music. And when I step in I feel the day's stresses melt away. The water is always hot, thanks to our tankless heater, and the rain showerhead adds a soothing ambience. Once the tub is full, I slide down and float. Feeling weightless and serene, I listen to my breathing and enter a meditative state.  

My bathroom is now my ‘go to’ place when I want to nurture my well-being. With my Roman tub-turned-float tank, three thriving plants, a mini coffee and tea bar, and Alexa, what more would a girl want? 

Outside my bathroom door, I hang this sign: 

No loud talking, no entering, no jiggling the doorknob, and no knocking. I'll be available at [insert time] to interact with one and all.  

This final step is the pièce de résistance, granting me invaluable 'me' time while teaching my family the importance of respecting personal boundaries. 
  
Unique Self-Care Activities for Battle-Weary Wives 

When it comes to self-care, the same ole advice can start to feel a bit stale. That’s why I’m excited to share a selection of unique and rejuvenating self-care activities that go beyond the usual recommendations.   

1. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) 
    
   Originating in Japan, forest bathing involves immersing yourself in a natural environment and mindfully experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest.  
    

2. Sound Therapy 
    
   Sound therapy uses the vibrational power of sound to promote relaxation and healing. Attend a sound bath session where you can lie down and listen to soothing sounds from instruments like Tibetan singing bowls, gongs, and chimes.  
    

3. Floatation Therapy 
    
   Floatation therapy involves lying in a sensory deprivation tank filled with saltwater. The buoyancy of the water creates a feeling of weightlessness, allowing you to deeply relax and disconnect from external stimuli.  
    

4. Aromatherapy Blending 
    
   Create your own custom aromatherapy blends using essential oils. Experiment with different combinations to find scents that uplift your mood, calm your mind, or energize your body.  
    

5. Laughter Yoga 
    
   Laughter yoga combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques. Join a laughter yoga class or follow along with online sessions to experience the benefits of spontaneous laughter.  
    

6. Wilderness Retreat 
    
   Plan a solo wilderness retreat where you spend a few days in a cabin or campsite away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Use this time to disconnect from technology, reflect, meditate, and immerse yourself in nature.  
    

Whatever you do, have fun! 

Helpful Resources 

If you’d like to delve deeper into the journey of self-care, I recommend The Art of Extreme Self-Care by Cheryl Richardson. This book offers practical advice and powerful insights on how to create a balanced and fulfilling life by prioritizing your own needs.  

Share Your Insights 

Join the conversation and share what self-care activities you do to nurture your well-being. Your experience could inspire others to explore new ways for other battle-weary wives to care for themselves and find balance.