Most moms are aware that they need to take care of themselves more, but with all they have to do, time doesn’t seem to be on their side. You’re getting up every morning, scrounging to get the kids ready, dropping them off at school, running to work, then back to pick them up, after school activities, homework, dinner, bedtime routines, and by the time all of this is done, you’re exhausted.
Where in the world are you going to find the time to do yoga, meditate, go for a walk, take a vacation, or treat yourself to something nice? After all, getting a decent 7-8 hours of sleep each night is a challenge. Though it can be difficult to find the time to practice self-care and still care for your kids, it’s not impossible. Check out some of these simple solutions you can start today:
Meditate for 5 Minutes
Meditation doesn’t have to go on for hours for you to feel the positive effects of it. Start setting an alarm to wake up at least 5 minutes early so that you can go into a quiet space in your home and meditate.
Get Outside for 15 Minutes
The fresh air and vitamin D from the sun can do the mind and body some good. During your lunch breaks, take 15 minutes and just go outside and feel the sun. Walk around taking in deep breaths of air and exhaling all that negative energy.
Eat a Piece of Chocolate
While too much sugar isn’t good for you, a little bit won’t hurt. Indulge in a sweet like a honeycomb chocolate bar as a snack. You can find flavors like this at an online chocolate store and have them delivered to your home. They’re a great pick me up to keep you going when things are rough.
Journal for 5 Minutes
Journaling can be very therapeutic and is a great self-care practice to start. You can purchase a journal very affordably or simply jot down notes on your computer or smartphone. Write about how your day ways, what you’re feeling, or even some positive affirmations to boost your spirits when you’re down.
Listen to Personal Development Tapes
You’re in your car so much sometimes you’d swear you live in it. So, why not make the most of it by learning on the go? Download some personal development tapes of your choosing and listen to them on your way to and from work.
Listen to Calming Music
Personal development recordings aren’t the only things you can listen to that will boost your mood, you can also listen to music. Whether you compile a playlist of all your favorite jams or you listen to inspirational music, it makes that car ride a lot less stressful.
Treat Yourself to Lunch
Money may be tight but, something as simple as a nice lunch can really make your day. You can get something as simple as a sandwich and a drink or head to a nearby restaurant and dine in. If funds are really tight, look for lunch recipes online and create yourself an easy but delicious lunch to take with you to work.
Take a Bath
If you’ve gotten your children on their own bedtime routines then you should have enough time at the end of the day to pamper yourself. Even if you only have about 15 minutes to spare take a bath at least once a week. Create a quick therapeutic experience with warm water, bath salts, and essential oils and just relax.
Eat Breakfast
Here’s one you probably didn’t expect to see on the self-care list but, eating breakfast is a necessity. If most women are honest they often skip this important meal of the day trying to prepare their families for school and/or work. Whether you have a breakfast smoothie, a granola bar, or a bowl of oatmeal each day, getting into this practice can improve your mind and body.
There’s no arguing that the life of a mother is difficult. Your time is stretched between the needs of your family and your own. Though it can seem noble to always put your family first, the reality is it can hurt you and them over time. So, do what’s best and be sure to find simple self-care solutions like those described above to care for yourself every day.
