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How often do you meet a mom who says she feels fulfilled, well-taken care of and satisfied with her everyday life?
If you’ve heard a mom claim those things, you’d probably think she was making a joke. A joke that a lot of us might make.
Someone who doesn’t crash face first into her pillow at the end of the day? Someone who isn’t running on empty by 7pm? Someone who doesn’t feel left on the back burner on a regular basis?
Get real.
Unfortunately this lack of fulfillment and feeling like a dead battery is a bit of a reality that most of us moms know all about. We feel pretty drained most of the time, a bit lost… and probably need a shower.
It is a privilege and my greatest joy to be a mom but it’s also an entirely different way of living where you no longer structure your day around your own needs and wants because the kiddos need you. Oftentimes being a mom means a lot of your own time and resources go to your kids’ needs, your home or your husband. The free time that was once dedicated to whatever YOU wanted/needed to do has shrunk down to a sliver.
We can get dragged down by living life this way day in and day out and we get so used to putting ourselves last that we can’t even envision a routine where more focus is on ourself.
But it NEEDS to be.
As they say, you can’t pour from an empty cup. First you have to fill your own cup!
I think we all know we would be happier, more balanced humans if we took more time for ourselves but it can really feel pretty damn impossible sometimes. But I have a reality check for you.
There are ways to get self care in that don’t take as long as going out for a massage and there are things you can do even WHILE watching your kids!
Yes, we love going out for fancy dinners and facials but we don’t always have that kind of time or money to regularly spend on ourselves.
“Self care” is such a buzz word but it’s also music to every mom’s ears. And I’d say moms are the ones who need it most! It all comes down to doing things that bring you happiness or improve your health and wellbeing and if you get creative and plan when to add these simple activities into your day to day life, you can love on yourself a lot more often than you think! You give everything to your family and home all day and you deserve some attention too. And little things can have a surprisingly big impact on your mood.
Here are some great ways to serve yourself some love amidst the chaos of being a mom:
Self Care Ideas
Beauty Treatments
- Paint your nails
- Give yourself a pedicure and work on those heels (I highly recommend a good foot file)
- Do a treatment like a face mask or foot mask while you watch tv at night
- Let a good hair mask do its thing while you go about your day
Food and Drinks
- Making your coffee fun (try the Torani White Chocolate Sauce in hot or cold coffee with cream!)
- Have some wine or champagne at night or even make a fun cocktail- you don’t need an occasion!
- Make fun snacks for you and the kids (chopped tart green apples and Snickers candy bars make a great treat)
- Plan a takeout night that you can look forward to
- Plan a home date night with your hubby and make it themed! (think Crazy Rich Asians while eating sushi takeout or appetizer smorgasbord and game night)
- Plan a night time treat
- Hit the Starbucks drive through
- Plan brunch or a coffee date with a friend
Entertainment
- Plan a show or movie to watch after the kids go to sleep that you can look forward to
- Plan a phone call or Facetime date with a friend
- Listen to podcasts or audiobooks while you handle house tasks (keep a running list so that you don’t just spend forever searching while the time comes)
- Turn on some good music for everyone, whether that’s The Coffee House on Sirius, 90s throwbacks or worship music
- Read a book
- Pinterest binge in your favorite cozy spot
- Work on a puzzle
Health
- Take your little one out for a walk in a new place if the weather is nice
- Do a light workout sesh while your little one plays (I love squeezing in 15 minute Pilates workouts from YouTube)
- Sit down and stretch your body at the beginning, middle or end of the day
- Plan scheduled time to do your favorite form of exercise or plan a class to take when you have the opportunity
Treats
- Throw in something for yourself in your Amazon or Target order
- Grab some snacks or desserts that make you happy while grocery shopping (frozen coconut shrimp or jalapeno poppers never fail)
- Get yourself a nice pajama set, sweater or slippers
Comfort and Cozy Vibes
- Wine or anything fun in a wine glass
- Put on some super comfy fuzzy socks
- Wear outfits that are actually put together but as comfy as pjs
- Light a candle or diffuse some oils
- Take a hot shower or bath
- Sit outside in the sun during nap time and binge TikTok
- Get an electric back massager
Take these ideas and run with them! Did it spark any ideas of your own?
It all comes down to finding ways to add in more of what you love! What are your hobbies? What gets you energized? Do you have a passion project?
I hope this gives you encouragement to do more for yourself because you absolutely deserve it!