Being a mom is the greatest job in the world.
Being a mom is the toughest job in the world.
Being a mom is the strangest job in the world.
Being a mom is the most rewarding job in the world.
Being a mom in the most fun job in the world.
All these sentences are true. Being a mom is weird, can we just admit that? Like, we are responsible for creating, growing, raising, and molding this tiny human. This tiny human that steals our heart from the moment we pee on some magical stick.
Every mom lives a different reality and no two are exactly the same, but one thing remains the same… sometimes we need to take a step back and take care of ourselves.
I know, I know, we don’t have time and the house is a disaster and the laundry needs to be folded, and dinner isn’t going to make itself. I am not talking about a weekend at a spa where you are forbidden to have a cell phone or an expensive tropical beach getaway (although both of those options sound AMAZING right now!). What I am talking about are small things we can do to remove ourselves from the crazy, the noise, and the stress. Things that will be calming, refreshing, and balancing.
Self-care does not have to cost a lot of money or take a lot of time. Ultimately. it is about doing things that MAKE YOU HAPPY and help to center you, your thoughts, and your emotions. I have picked 20 self-care acts to share….
- Take a walk.
- 20 minutes of stretching or meditation.
- Sit outside and read a book.
- Go shopping ALONE and shop only for YOURSELF.
- Take a shower or bath.
- Face mask, hand mask, and foot mask.
- Write down and reflect on 3 goals you have for yourself.
- Take a nap.
- Plant flowers in your garden or planters.
- Meet a friend for coffee (or wine!)
- Lay in your bed and catch up on your favorite show.
- Listen to a new podcast.
- Phone date with a friend.
- Mani/Pedi appointment.
- Go through the pictures and videos on your phone.
- Date night with your spouse.
- Get some sun!
- Technology purge…. 1 hour of ZERO technology.
- Go for a drive and clear your head.
- Pick a DIY home décor project.
Self-care is important for everyone.
It is especially important for us mamas. Like I said before, we all live different realities. Some of us work outside of the home and others are full time at home. Some of us do it all alone and others have a spouse or other support system. Some have one baby while some have multiple. We all have our own story with our own struggles, stresses, and battles. We owe it to ourselves, our littles, and our families to take care of ourselves just like we take care of them!
Focusing on yourself is not selfish… I struggled with this for a long time after my son was born. Why on earth would I give my child to my husband so I could take a shower and shave my legs? Well… I was starting to develop a stench and my legs were out of control. My son did not miss out on anything while I was in the shower and when I was done, it was insane how refreshed and renewed I felt. I was amazed at how something so simple could make such an impact.
Want to know the best part? Most of these acts can be done with your family too!! It is totally possible take care of yourself and still include those that matter the most. The choice is yours.
