I get it, I really do! Finding self care ideas for moms seems like such a luxury. In fact, the moms I know - including me - are lacking in both the time for self care and the means for indulgences.
Self-care can seem extravagant.
I think so many times as moms, we have guilt that goes along with self-care. We think we have to be deserving of it. We feel like it’s splurging to do something good for ourselves..
Even when I’m gifted with an occasional luxury like a spa treatment, I feel the need to rush home afterwards. As soon as I walk through that door (and sometimes before that), I’m basically thrown into the routine of mom life where everyone needs everything at once.
Everything I experienced in the tranquility of the spa goes right out the window. Frustrating, isn’t it?
I think if we reframe the entire idea about self care, we can totally do a reset and find a way to take care of ourselves.
So friend, take a minute, pour yourself a cup of water or tea, and give five minutes to read on...
Why Self Care is Important for Moms
Self-care is something you deserve.
Everyone does. It benefits us all, along with those around us, when we put our own well-being at the forefront.
You can’t take care of others when your own well-being is suffering. We’ve heard it with the oxygen masks on the plane...put your mask on before your child’s mask.
But it doesn’t have to cost money and it doesn’t have to take lots of time.
Let’s take a look at some free and low-cost ways you can care for yourself.
Self Care Ideas for Moms
Take a Time Out
Sometimes just a little bit of alone time is all you need to feel rejuvenated. I have an introverted side and when I’m around people 24/7, I simply shut down.
I think we all need a little time for ourselves now and then.
So why not give yourself a time out?
Lock yourself in your room with a nice cup of tea. Listen to some quiet music.
Just sit still and think for a bit. It’s a luxury we all can afford.
Trust me, give it a try. With infants, it’s not as easy but even little kids will understand if you say you need ten minutes to yourself.
Waste Some Time
We often feel pressured to be productive all the time.
In our minds, being busy is a sign of worth and accomplishment. However, it really doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, multitasking is totally overrated.
Kicking back and doing nothing is important to recharging our batteries. Frivolous, maybe but it doesn’t cost anything.
Let yourself have some down time to do something enjoyable like binge watch your favorite Netflix show, take a nap (my personal favorite) or just sit and pet your cat.
You deserve it.
Do Some Writing
Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, journaling can be a very therapeutic activity.
The actual act of jotting down what you’re grateful for has been proven to be beneficial to well-being. Trust me friend, I can save you lots of money in therapy by sharing what I’ve learned over the years!
It can also be energizing to simply do a brain dump in which you write down all the things that are floating around in your head. I find that I often have ideas and thoughts circling around and around in my brain. It tires me out even though I’m not actually doing anything!
Jotting down dreams for the future, or getting your worries in print might inspire and motivate you to take action.
Give it a try.
Reach Out to Someone
In this age of social media, we sometimes think we’re connecting with others, but they aren’t real connections.
Socializing is a crucial part of self-care.
Even introverts benefit from interpersonal connection. Humans aren’t meant to be isolated.
Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Can’t bring yourself to do it? Fine, then text them!
Sit down and Skype with your favorite friend or your sister. Meet up with a friend for a walk together or a cup of coffee.
Connecting to others might just provide the spark you’ve been missing. Living in a rural area, I sometimes have to make myself go in public just so I can be around the energy of other people.
You’ll find it in the strangest places, like the grocery store or library, too.
Change Your Perspective
A change of scenery can be a wonderful source of renewal, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot.
Just heading out to walk in your neighborhood might help when you’re feeling stir-crazy in your home.
We live near an awesome State Park and it’s just down the road. We often forget that a beautiful nature retreat is less than five miles from our home! I always return from a walk or a drive through that area with an extra spring in my step.
If you’re able to afford it, a low-cost staycation to a nearby location for a day or two is a fun way to switch things up. You’ll be surprised what this change of perspective can do for you, too!
While these are just a few of the countless ways you can indulge in self-care without spending much money, perhaps they’re just the jumpstart you need to begin exploring this concept.
You truly do deserve to spend time, energy and effort on your own well-being!
The challenge is remembering to actually do these things and I get that, 100 percent! We spend so much time focused on others that we sometimes forget about ourselves.
I hope these self care ideas for moms remind you that you deserve to take care of you! Share this with a friend who needs the same reminder!
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