Have you found yourself running on empty? As moms, it’s our job to ensure everyone else in the family has everything they need. From packing lunches, cleaning the house, driving our kids to practice, and making sure dinner is on the table, our days are filled from the moment we wake up until we go to bed. By the time we can finally focus on ourselves, we don’t have anything left. It’s time to give yourself some self-care.
If you’re anything like me, you can feel guilty at just the thought of spending any of the day’s precious moments on yourself. But why is that? We can’t give what we don’t have, making recharging our batteries with self-care vital. I challenge you to allow yourself to take a few moments every day and invest in yourself. Don’t know how to start? No worries, I have five ideas to help you crush your new self-care goals!
Take A Bath
No, I’m not saying you smell, although it may be a possibility if you have a newborn. Taking ten to fifteen minutes a day to unwind in the bath can help loosen and soothe tired muscles and calm a racing mind. No bathtub in your house? That’s ok a hot shower will do the same thing. Just make sure you don’t rush. Allow yourself to feel the hot water on your skin, smell the soap and feel the suds. Utilize your senses for more than sniffing out dirty diapers.
If you’re feeling bold, why not light some candles and play relaxing music. You’re worth the time you take for yourself, and that time will pay dividends once you’re less stressed and burnt out. Go ahead, put the kids to bed a bit early, get a glass of wine or whatever your favorite beverage may be, and get your bath on!
Go For A Walk
Did you know the simple act of being outside is proven to help increase mood and decrease anxiety? Soak up some vitamin D and get to walkin’. You can walk down your street, in a park, or at the beach; the location isn’t important, it’s about the act itself. If you’re feeling ambitious, why not try running and get your heartbeat elevated.
Being in nature, seeing the sights, and hearing the sounds can help ground you and remind you that most of the problems you face are small in the scheme of things. Find your perspective and get some exercise in the process. We moms can’t have enough serotonin running through our bodies! So put on your walking shoes and get out there.
Treat Yourself
Is there a new top you’ve been eying but can’t justify buying? Maybe you’ve been craving chocolate cake but don’t want to waste the calories. It’s time to treat yourself! Get that shirt and knock’ em dead! Eat the cake; chocolate is essential for every woman’s sanity. Allow yourself something you were holding back from just for the heck of it! You give your kids treats; why can’t you get them too? You work non-stop, doing everything for everyone. You absolutely deserve it!
Read A Book
When was the last time you were able to sit down and read? As we get older and our lives get more hectic, acts like reading fall to the wayside. Carve some time out and open a book. Reading reinvigorates and engages the imagination. Whether you enjoy fiction or prefer to learn new things, you can find your escape through books. Try reading a few minutes every day before bed or when you wake up. It may be hard at first, but soon you’ll look forward to your time spent in the pages of your favorite book.
Hang Out With Your Friends
When was the last time you were able to get together with your friends? Reconnect with a night out on the town. Get dressed up and go dancing or try a fun new restaurant. What you do isn’t as important as who you do it with. Spend the night laughing and catching up. Tell old stories and make fun of the way you used to act when you were younger. Have a night where you can just be you.
Self-care is family care. When you feel your best, you can give your best. If you’re unsure where to start, try taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, treating yourself, reading a book, or hanging out with friends. Taking the time for yourself is one of the most important things you can do. Don’t let guilt stop you; let today be the day you start investing in self-care!
