If you’ve ever thrown your hands in the air in frustration and said “I never get me-time!” then this post is for you.
I hear from many moms who feel so guilty about simple things: going to the gym, taking care of themselves, spending money on something that’s just for them. How do you get over the mom guilt? That’s a question I hear often and honestly something I’ve continued to work on myself.
WHY IS SELF-CARE IMPORTANT FOR MOMS?
We play so many roles
As a mom we have so many roles. We cook, clean, help with homework, run errands, pay bills, take care of the dogs, the list is endless on what we do. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in playing each role and forget the most important role: just being YOU.
That’s why scheduling self-care is so important for moms. We need that mental and physical break to take care of ourselves in order to continue playing those mom roles.
I didn’t take self-care seriously until I started scheduling a monthly appointment at my local spa. You may not have a spa near you or have the funds to book once a month (it’s not that expensive though, trust me.) But, even scheduling in a bath night with your favorite drink, candles and a book will do it. Whatever self-care looks like for you – find time for it in your schedule.
HOW DO I STOP FEELING GUILTY FOR SELF-CARE TIME?
Recognize that you are an entity separate from your family. Just like your kids need care, so do you. And if you don’t make time for yourself there’s no waiting on the sidelines to do your self-care for you!
Ask your partner what YOU can do to help them get self-care time. This is the perfect time to discuss your needs and make a tradeoff as well.
My husband trains several days per week after work. This means most nights I am the one doing dinner, after-school pick up, after school activities and bedtime routines plus clean up.
So we set up to where I have 1 week night per week to get my stuff done. Once he’s home from work everything is his “job” and he handles the kids, dinner, clean up, baths and bedtime. This gives me several hours to do whatever I want! I can leave and go to the gym or meet a friend or just go work at the library or in my office.
I don’t feel guilty when it’s my day to do what I want and his day to be at home with the kids. We designed it so we both feel good about the tradeoff and help each other reach our goals.
HOW DOES A SINGLE MOM GET TIME FOR SELF-CARE?
I’ve been a single mom before and I know how tough it can be to get one. freaking. minute. alone. I get it, I promise I do. So if you’re a single mom try hiring a babysitter or trading babysitting with a family member or friend. I was lucky to have 4 sisters and my parents around when I was a single mom.
If you don’t have family around you can try Moms Night/Day Out programs or check your local gym often they provide daycare while you work out.
Single moms, can you sneak some self-care time in while the kids are at school? Can you take time for yourself during your lunch break? After the kids are in bed? Get creative and make it happen.
WHAT ARE SOME SIMPLE SELF-CARE ACTIVITIES FOR MOMS?
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Run a relaxing bath
A bath is a great way to soak in some self-care time. It doesn’t matter what time of day it is and all you needs is warm water. Baths are one of my favorite ways to get self-care time. You can read about what I put into my bath in this post here.
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Move your body
Go for a walk in your neighborhood or get on your treadmill. Get on Youtube and throw on a Zumba video. Go to the gym. Do anything that gets your body moving and you’ll start to feel better! This exercise post shows you how to burn 200 calories in 30 minutes.
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Pour a drink you love and spend a few minutes journaling or reading
Whether you love tea, coffee, water or wine – grab a drink and spend a few minutes journaling, doodling, being creative (scrapbooking anyone?) or reading. Set a timer and I’ll bet once it goes off you’ll want to keep going.
DOES SELF-CARE MAKE YOU A HAPPIER MOM?
In my experience, YASSSSS! Self-care makes me a happier mom. When I make time for myself I feel refreshed, clear-headed and less annoyed. Because I feel so good I’m able to handle the highs and lows of parenting with a little more grace and ease.
Self-care is not the magical tool that will make you into the Betty Crocker of Moms. You won’t magically know how to handle the craziness that motherhood brings along.
But, you will feel better, look better and perhaps be more mentally prepared to look on the bright side of things.
LIST OF SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR MOMS
- paint your nails (this is my favorite polish)
- journaling
- reading
- go window shopping
- take a drive alone
- go to the gym
- go get your hair done
- get a pedicure
- go on a walk in your neighborhood
- try a meditation app
- take a longer shower or better yet a hot bath
- start a skincare routine
- listen to your favorite music
- try a zumba class or Youtube video
- go to a new coffee shop or restaurant
- call a friend that makes you laugh
- watch a funny video
- find a mantra that resonates with you
- walk on the treadmill and binge watch a show on Netflix
- spend quality time with your pet
If you need more self-care ideas and strategies for actually making time be sure to sign up below to get my Self-Care Guide – it’s FREE!
Let me know what you think about the list of self-care ideas for moms.
I hope this list helps you find self-care ideas that help you replenish yourself.
Please share this page and leave a comment below. I’m excited to hear from you!
