How Do You Self Care?

Self care has become somewhat of a trendy movement. Truthfully, I saw it as something I couldn’t buy into as a mom of littles. How in the world am I supposed to get a mani and pedi on a consistent basis? Or take baths several times a week? Facials. Massages. ALL THE THINGS! Don’t feel bad if those are things you make time for, I just have a hard time figuring out how to make them work for me (both financially and within our family’s schedule). What I need are little things I can do easily and on a consistent basis that make me feel like I have time to think about myself.

I asked my friends to help me make a simple list that cost little to nothing at all, yet allow you to take care of yourself when it seems too hard. It has helped me tremendously!

Have a strict kid bedtime (and wake up time!)

• Get those kids to bed and take time for yourself. Also, invest in an “Okay to Wake” clock and don’t let those kiddos get out of their room until a set time.

Wake up early (even if it’s just 5 minutes)

• I get it. Sometimes this is hard. I wasn’t able to swing this when my kids were waking multiple times a night. However, when I wake before my kids and have my coffee when it’s nice a hot it is amazing. I also love starting my day with a devotional, prayer, and writing out my daily list.

Listen to podcasts

• It’s taken me a long while, but I’m so into it. I listen whenever I can and I feel like it’s a little treat every time!

Bath

• I’ve made it my goal to take one bath a week. I try to take it while my husband puts our two oldest kiddos to bed so that we have time together when he’s done.

Self Care Cards

• This is not something I’ve put to use yet, but it seems like something that would be super helpful. I struggle with anxiety, and this would be great for extra anxious moments.

Buy Myself Flowers/Chocolates

• I’m pretty simple, but I do love splurging every once in awhile on a little bouquet (most of the time from Trader Joe’s). Also, chocolate. Always chocolate.

Exercise

• So many of my friends shout this from the rooftops. YOGA! BARRE! HOME WORKOUTS! I’m still working on it, but I know it’s a super important piece to the puzzle.

Listening to my body 

• This has been huge for me. Listen when my body needs to use the restroom (no I shouldn’t wait until after I get the play doh out for my kids). Listen when I’m hungry. Listen when I want a “treat.” 

Acknowledging my Feelings

• I’m Queen of dismissing my own feelings because they’re “too much work” or could cause any sort of discord with others. I feel SO much better when I acknowledge my feelings, make them known, and then allow myself to move on. 

Writing Lists with a Fun Pen

• This could be anything. What brings you joy? Pens? A fun serving dish? A fancy cup? All super fun!

I have made self care out to be this huge commitment, but what I’ve found is that it’s more of a consistent intent to acknowledge myself (which is super important when you’re a mom, amiright?!). At first I thought I was being selfish for taking time for me, but what I’ve realized is that when I take extra time for “self care,” I’m actually a much better mom and wife. 

What do you do for self care?