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Self-care? Who has time for that?? Ha! I found myself saying that on the daily, but then realized how easy it is to incorporate self-care into my daily life. You are probably rolling your eyes right now. I realize that some days it seems like there isn’t even enough time to brush your teeth, let alone take a break to get a mani. While going to the spa is wonderful, it isn’t accessible for everyone. Therefore, that is not what I’m referring to when I talk about self-care.
What I’ve learned is that self-care can be small. Just enough to bring a smile to your face. It can actually be easier to practice self-care when you are a mom. Stay with me here. We appreciate the little things now more than ever – a hot shower, 3o minutes alone. A hot shower didn’t make me smile before the kiddos came along.
Why self-care is essential
People work best when we are fulfilled and happy. Regardless of what you spend your day doing, you will not be your best if you are depleted and unhappy. While my children bring an overwhelming amount of joy to my life, wiping butts, getting bossed around by a tiny person, and getting covered in spit up constantly can really get to me some days. Becoming a mother is an amazing gift that can also leave one feeling out of sorts and lonely.
This is why self-care is essential; especially for mothers. We cannot give our best selves to our families, jobs, and friends if we are not taking the time to love and care for ourselves. This post is the first in a series of caring for yourself so you can be and feel your best. I’m going to start off with very simple self-care ideas you can do every day.
Daily Self-Care ideas
Think positive thoughts about yourself: This is the most important thing you can do. Start right now. Release the negative thoughts about yourself. I’m a bad mom. I’m a bad wife. I can’t. Let those thoughts go. They do not serve you.
Think about what you tell yourself the most. Does it serve you? Does it lift you up, or bring you down?
When you have a negative thought about yourself, stop. How did it make you feel? Now, let it go and think something positive about yourself. Your thoughts are powerful – positive or negative. Start to think postive thoughts about yourself right now. Always cheer yourself on.
Wake up at least 30 minutes before your children: This is tough but so important. I still have a little one who nurses as night, so I avoided waking early for the longest time. Soon, I realized how much I missed my alone time in the mornings. Wake up at least 30 minutes early so you can enjoy coffee (while it’s still hot), read, meditate, or exercise. Starting your morning off in the quiet will work wonders and set you up for having a good day.
Let the light in: Open your blinds. Yes. It’s that simple. Let the sunlight fill your home. Sunlight is naturally uplifting. It’s especially important when you’re feeling down.
Get dressed: Change out of your pajamas! Yes, some days it’s fun to sit in pajamas and watch TV but you shouldn’t do that every day. Even if you are changing into yoga pants DO IT. Shed your dirty pajamas from the night before and start off fresh. Not only will you feel better, but you will look better (and maybe smell better) too! While our outside appearance shouldn’t be the most important thing, it just feels better when I’m more put together.
Drop the phone for 30: I love scrolling Facebook and Instagram to see what my friends are up to, but I know I spend way too much time doing it. Get a text. Oh, what’s happening on Insta? 15 minutes later my kid is pulling on my leg trying to get me to come back to the real world.
Social media sucks me in so fast and I don’t realize how much of my day I’ve waisted. Can you relate? While I think reducing phone usage is SO important, it isn’t always possible. So, try swapping out some phone time to read, draw, listen to a podcast, or do something else you enjoy. Instead of scrolling in the evening,
Get moving: Go for a walk, stretch, do some yoga (my fave), or dance every day! I know this sounds rough, but you can do it. You will feel so much better if you move. Even if it is a quick 5-minute stretching routine or a dance party with your kids. Your body will thank you. Moving and being in our body is so important for your overall health and wellbeing so do it!!
Laugh: Get your belly laugh on! The other night I crossed my eyes and Jack starting laughing SO hard. It was contagious. I started laughing so hard that I couldn’t stop and it felt so therapeutic. I’ve made it a point to try to get a good belly laugh going every day! So check two self-care items off your list bu having a dance party with the kids. You’re sure to get a good laugh out of that.
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