As moms, we are always doing a million things. I can’t tell you how many things are floating through my head at once. How many things I need to cross off the to-do list each day. How many responsibilities we have. Not to mention, it’s tough being responsible for other human beings besides yourself. While I have an amazing partnership with William (we truly do everything 50/50 and I am so thankful for him), there are times where I do feel overloaded.
I know any mom reading this can relate. This mom thing is hard, no matter how you swing it. It’s the most selfless thankless job in the world, and it’s absolutely draining at times.
I wholeheartedly believe self-care is important, especially in the throes of motherhood.
I’m sure you’ve heard or seen a variation of this quote before: “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” We must make ourselves a priority for the sake of our own sanity and our family.
I realize that there are not enough hours in the day to do many things for yourself, but I’ve put together a list of 5 ways moms can practice self-care that will not take much time out of your day.
1. Take time out
We’ve all been there before – hide in the bathroom with a snack so the kids can’t find you and nag you. Instead of trying to survive, make your “time out” time intentional. Carve out 5-10 minutes to separate yourself from the chaos to sit in silence. Work it out with your partner if you have to! (Although, I will say, no one is judging you if you turn on the television or throw an iPad at your kids just for a few moments to yourself. You deserve it.) Silence is amazing, am I right? It’s even better if you have a nice calming beverage.
2. Allow Your Mind to Shut Down
I will say that this is my biggest struggle of all. Seriously. Since I've been at home more because of the quarantine, so it is much harder for me to “shut off.” The work literally never ends. I have to force myself to walk away, and it is essential to my mental state.
I’m a big fan of using timers – once the timer goes off, I must stop that task and allow myself to do something that has nothing to do with work. I prefer mindless reality TV while painting my nails. It forces me not to look at my phone (can’t do that with wet nails!). I also ask my daughter Lyric to set a time for her and I to chat and read together. She loves this and it keeps things more in balance.
Allow your mind to shut down. Once the kids are in bed, do something that requires little to no thought.
3. Create a Cozy Space
Having a messy and cluttered house is the norm with small children. It just happens, and that’s okay. But, make sure that you have space where you can relax. It could even be as simple as a corner in your room with an amazing smelling candle. It could also be a huge fluffy blanket on the couch by the fire in winter. The point here is that if you create a cozy space, it will help you relax.
Shove all the toys out of sight, relax in your space, and worry about the rest tomorrow. A wise woman told me that the house can wait.. but our kiddos will be grown before we know it!
4. Keep Your Kitchen Stocked with Healthy Choices
As moms, sometimes we may not even have time to scarf down a meal. And when we do, it may not be super healthy. While I try my best to eat healthily, I will usually fall off a healthy eating kick if I always have not-so-good-for-you items in my kitchen.
It’s important to fill the kitchen with healthy choices (especially snacks) so there is no temptation. Doing a little bit of meal prep also helps tremendously, so you can grab and go. I'm trying to live a healthier lifestyle for me and my family so I had to make big changes.
I like to cut up fruit and veggies beforehand, and I love make-ahead breakfast bites. I always have hard-boiled eggs on hand, as they help keep me full and are easy to grab and run out the door.
5. Keep a beauty and body routine.
Now this is an area of my life that I admit was LAST on the list. With four kids and a tight budget the last thing I was focused on was pampering! Our beauty routines tend to fall by the wayside when we become moms. I have fallen off and gotten back on so many times it's almost embarrassing to count!
This year I promised myself that I would begin taking better care of myself in order to take care of everyone else better.
You all know that I am a huge believer in taking time out for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes.
In fact, that’s one big mission for my blog. I really want to show you that you can take care of yourself as a mom or as a busy woman. Sis, You really do deserve a shower every day. Your whole family will thank you, LOL.
Take care of your skin – it’s the only skin you have. Wash your face!
Now listen, you might have a toddler or two in the shower with you but hey.. you're getting clean! I am beginning to do this for myself more so I am excited t share my journey with you!
I also love to take the extra time to take care of my body, as well. A great exfoliating scrub in the shower, a bath bomb, or a bubble bath are all so pampering and luxurious. I’ve also loved trying out The Seaweed Bath Co. body creams for extra hydration and pampering.
These body creams are gluten and paraben-free, are cruelty-free, and are vegan. They’re made with argan oil, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids – all of which are so good for your skin. Best of all, they are available at select CVS stores, and they do not break the bank.
I love sharing high-quality items for affordable prices, and I’m so happy I’ve found these to share!
Be sure to grab one for yourself on your next CVS run. The Eucalyptus & Peppermint is my favorite scent – so therapeutic and relaxing!
Mom friends, promise me you’ll find one or two things on this list to implement into your daily life. Do not neglect yourself.
In this together,
Mel
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored, but all words, reviews and thoughts are my own. Always!