If I’m going to help you reach your very best you, then let’s get real. Sometimes, I’m a hot mess train wreck. Sometimes, we are all going to hit a moment where even your best messy bun is at it’s messiest, and you are lucky if anyone in the house has bathed in the last few days.
Don’t even mention how many dirty dishes are in the sink.
If we are going to be real, sometimes the anxiety can sneak up and overwhelm us and we’d rather be under the table than at the table.
We have those days at work where we want to have complete silence when we get home and don’t think we can listen to another voice.
It happens. That’s where self-care comes into play. Don’t forget to make yourself a priority while you are juggling your five billion tasks.
Self-care. It sounds so great, doesn’t it? No, it’s not a myth. It’s something real, and something you need.
Easy Ways for Busy Moms to Practice Self-Care
Get a massage.
I actually get an hour massage once a month. It’s a recurring appointment. It’s the best hour of my month, quite honestly and it resets and restores me. Even if you don’t get one frequently, even a once a year treat is worth it.
Get a manicure or a pedicure.
Do something that indulges taking care of you. A manicure or a pedicure can make you relaxed and feel better about yourself.
Go to dinner with a friend.
Call up your best girlfriend and go out for dinner or drinks. Or both. Having a night to cry, laugh, and commiserate with a friend can cure almost anything.
Sometimes, I don’t have extra money to indulge myself. I don’t have the budget for a large frappuccino with the extra shot of caramel sauce, or I don’t have the money for a massage.
That’s fine.
There are plenty of ways to practice self-care that are free.
Free Ways to Practice Self Care
Sleep.
You should be getting plenty of sleep all the time. At least striving too. Sometimes, though, things do get in the way. Catch up on your sleep if you are tired. Take a nap. Sleep in. Rest!
Eat Healthy.
Another thing we should strive to do daily, but straying away from this happens. Refocus, meal plan, and try to eat healthier. You’ll feel better once you have the right nutrients and vitamins in your body!
Bubble bath.
Fill up the tub with a bunch of bubbles and relax! (I have also discovered bath bombs – and I have also printed out a recipe to make my own… coming soon!)
Send the kids to a friend’s house.
Take a child-free hour or two to do anything you want. Maybe it’s a Netflix marathon, or that bubble bath previously mentioned. But take a time-out from your crew.
Give yourself a manicure or pedicure.
Maybe you don’t have the money for a professional one – give yourself a manicure and pedicure!
Exercise.
Yes, I’m going to tell you this is something to strive for frequently. If you are feeling down, take a walk to clear your head. I’ll also add that throwing around a barbell always helps my bad day.
Yoga.
You don’t have to attend a class, even. Google some easy yoga moves to help you destress!
Meditate.
If you would have told me to meditate a year ago, I would have looked at you like you had three heads. I had no idea how to slow down. I’ve practiced mediating with the help of a free downloadable app, and I am better at this now. Get centered and refocus. (Updated: A reader asked me which app I use to meditate, and it’s called Insight Timer.)
Take a staycation.
Put in a few vacation days, and stay at home. Watch bad daytime TV, take naps, read your favorite books, knit, or whatever you want to do. Be lazy.
Have a family board game night.
If I’m feeling unconnected to my family, we break out popcorn and board games. It’s so fun, and we reconnect.
Of course, these are just skimming the surface of things you can do to unwind and take care of yourself. Think outside the box, focus on the things you love, and remember it’s about making you the priority.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.
Thanks Chris. I hope this helps you find some self-care techniques that you can use.