Self-Care Tips for the Busy Mama

As if being a mom isn’t busy enough… now we are supposed to work in time for “self-care.” What the what!? Sometimes I barely have time to shower, let alone meditate with a diffuser for an hour & have a spa day.

But you guys. When we are able to care for ourselves, it overflows onto our children and we’re 100% more patient, kind, & happy. However, more often than not, I feel like our self-care takes a back seat to literally every. single. thing. Nail appointment? Cancel that, I have to go to Costco for groceries. Gym class? Cancel that because I have to do a couple hours of work. We cancel on ourselves first.

I get it, sister. The reality is that the struggle is REAL. It’s tough as hell. But, at the end of the day you will be better for finding time to care for YOU, and your kids will be better for it too. 

So yes, we should totally practice self-care…but when the fudge do we find time and how?

I am going to share with you five self-care tips that work for me, in hopes that some of them may work for you. They’re simple. They’re small. They’re not fancy. But they are all DOABLE. And they all take less than 30 minutes and can be done from home.

1. Drink water. Simple, right? Our body is made up of 60-70% water, so it’s not hard to understand why we should be drinking it.  But it’s also not hard to understand why us mamas forget to drink it. It helps with skin, energy, muscle recovery… the list goes on and on and on. Drink enough water, and I promise you will feel better overall.
2. Take a warm bath. All it takes is 20 minutes. Add bubbles. Add essential oils. Light some candles. Read a book. Close your eyes. In the words of Sylvia Plath, “There must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.”
3. UNPLUG. Technology is awesome in so many ways. But let’s face it, we get attached to devices. I’m guilty of it. Powering-down can help remove unhealthy feelings of jealousy, and allow you enjoy the present. Life is happening right in front of you. Turning off your phone & finding contentment in the “right now” feels so good and truly re-charges your mind.
4. Move your body. At least 10 minutes. Stretching improves blood flow. Exercise releases endorphins. It doesn’t have to a huge sweat sesh. A 10 minute walk outside. A little yoga. Whatever feels good to you.
5. Write down three things you are grateful for. I have found that physically WRITING DOWN things I am thankful for makes me more aware. I fully believe cultivating an “attitude of gratitude” is self-care.

Told ya they are simple, right? While I know we all deserve a spa day for our “self-care,” sometimes that is just not possible. These are simple, everyday ways to get that “me time.” I hope you found something helpful. IN CONCLUSION: To save your health (and sanity), make time for self-care. You deserve it, mama. You are doing great.

 

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