Self-care is something that is crucial to everyone’s regular routines, especially for those busy Mamas. People will often say “I don’t have time for self-care,” “self-care is selfish,” and “my kids come first, then I take care of myself.” These statements are myths and are not true, but it has taken me a long time to realize this.
Self-care looks different for everyone. Some people may like cooking a special dinner or baking their favorite dessert, making a craft, exercising, reading a book in a cozy nook, or socializing with family and friends. Here are 5 self-care micro-habits for you to try for your “reset.”
Carving Out Time
As a busy working mom, it is sometimes hard to find the time for solo self-care, but I feel so much better and am more present when I make the time for it. This may mean adjusting your schedule to accommodate the self-care time, maybe in the morning before the kids wake up to enjoying the coffee…hot, or this may be after the kids go to bed to take that extra time to condition your hair in the shower. It is important to make time, even if it is just a little bit, for yourself.
Spa Day
Some women enjoy getting pampered. If this is something that you find relaxing, treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, massage, or facial. I do enjoy getting these services done professionally, but I also find pleasure in doing it at home with my own products. Another thing that you can do for your self-spa is to soak in your bathtub with a book and your favorite aromatherapy.
Doing a Hobby
Hobbies and interests can be a range of so many different things. The things that I enjoy for self-care are watching a good movie with my salt lamp, getting outside, long walks, and spending a meal with my friends. For others, their preference may be enjoying a glass of wine by a fireplace, going for a run, reading a book, or trying something new. Make sure that it is something that you enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a chore.
Nourish, Move & Rest Your Body
Another part of self-care is to take care of yourself physically, too. Have well-balanced meals and plenty of water throughout the day, and have some form of movement. When the schedule allows, try to get in bed a bit earlier for extra sleep hours.
Self-care Doesn’t Have to be Solo
If finding time alone is really difficult for you, self-care doesn’t have to be solo. Bring the kids to the local park to meet other (or new) Mom friends, get an easy breakfast at your favorite local café, enjoy nature hikes together, or have a family picnic (even if it is on the living room floor). I love my family time, and when we all are engaged, our relationship and attachment feel so much deeper. My son and I even love listening to visual meditations as we snuggle in his bed.
Self-care is still so overlooked for how important it is for our mental, physical, and emotional health. It is hard to be our best when we are feeling worn-out, fatigued, and overstimulated. Our lives are busy. We work, we parent, we cook, we clean, we travel to and from activities, but with all the ‘hustle and bustle’, we need to fit in time to relax. It will help us restore our energy and help with the challenges that we all overcome. I hope that you get some Zen, regardless of what it looks like.
