As mothers of very young children, we sometimes think there is not enough time in the day for us to add self-care to our list of to-do’s.
We wear so many different hats in our household. In the midst of all our checklists, scheduled events/meetings, diaper changes, potty training, work, practices, games, dinners, baths, errands, cleaning and everything else, it is vital for us to make room to care for ourselves.
“Self-care is not Selfish”
Making sure we are doing well spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically will not only benefit us, it will benefit our children too.
Self care can be simple and it doesn’t have to break the bank either. Some of the best things you can do for yourself don’t even involve you spending a dime or having to travel far from home. Some of these things can even be done right alongside your children.
I would like to share with you some practical tips for self care:
1. Spruce it up a bit!
Going that extra mile when getting dressed in the morning is a game changer for sure. Do something outside your normal routine. A little makeup, some earrings, your favorite top will put a little pep in your step.
2. Exercise!
Most of the time this can be at the VERY bottom of our lists, however, exercising can be refreshing and a way to naturally boost your energy. Get the kids in on this one too. You’ll burn calories while they get their wiggles out. WIN WIN!
3. Laugh it out!
It is true, laughter is good for the soul. Put on one of your favorite comedies with a good snack in hand, prop those feet up and enjoy! Party of one!
4. Wake up before the kids, even if it’s just 30 minutes earlier.
Waking up to the peace and quietness of your home brings a sense of joy to the start of your day. Being able to gather your thoughts, look at your planner, do a devotional, etc will help you ease into your day and be more productive.
5. Read your Bible!
Starting your day off or finding pockets of time during the day to read or listen to God’s Word is a vital part of self care. God always speaks to us through His Word. He knows exactly what we need to hear to help us throughout our days. Letting scripture pour into you is God’s way of nurturing your soul!
6. Ask for Help!
Wonderful mamas, we can’t do it all on our own all the time. Let your spouse know that you need some time just for yourself. Ask a family member or trusted friend to come over so you can have a little “me” time. Having some time to take care of you is very important. Lean in on your support system!
7. Sing it out! Dance it out!
Something that can instantly put you in a good mood is turning on some music and dancing around! This one can also be fun to do with your children. Be silly and have some fun! It’s a great remedy for super busy days when you need a quick pick me up!
8. Hobbies!
Think of something you enjoyed doing before you became a mom. Pick those things back up and start doing them again or learn something new. Adult coloring books are really popular right now. Journaling or scrapbooking are great ones too. I learned to crochet while pregnant with our twins and I still enjoy it to this day! Think of what you love and go for it.
9. Call up a friend….or two…..or three!
Call up a friend and get together for lunch or plan a girls day out! Get dressed up in one of your favorite outfits, go all out! Have fun and laugh hard. As moms, it’s good for us to have moments where we feel free as a bird and your girls are just the people to call to join in on the fun!
10. Pamper Yourself!
There is nothing more lovely than a good pamper session. Whether you are at home or you go out and treat yourself being able to feel your best will help you be at your best. You give your all taking care of your little ones. It’s good to give back to yourself as well.
I hope these 10 tips have helped you and maybe given you some ideas for your own self-care routine. It is a special blessing to be called Mom. Remember to take care of yourself so you can be the best version of yourself for them.
Joyfully, Frances
Hi it’s Brenda from RubyHemMinistries.com It’s so important for moms to take care of themselves because if they don’t, then who will?
Hi Brenda, this is so true! We have to make sure we are okay on all fronts. Us mamas are the backbone but we also need our own time to take care ourselves as well.
These are all very good idea’s. I love to pamper myself every once in a while it really does refresh you. Also I think time in pray and your bible are very good refreshers too. I think one of my favorites is to just get out with friends.
Hi Leisha, yes there is nothing quite like a day out with the girls!! One of my favs too!
Great post! The first tip “Spruce it up a bit” set the tone for me.
Hi Tina. Thanks for the feedback! “Sprucing it up” always makes me feel brand new! I love it!!
These are all helpful suggestions. I, too, have found that getting up before the kids is a must. Getting even just a few minutes of real peace & quiet helps set the tone for the day. So do real clothes and make up…although I can’t say I always follow through on that! Thank you for reminding us of the importance of taking care of ourselves.
Hi Kristin, my pleasure! The peace and quietness early in the morning must be what Heaven is like! I absolutely cherish this time so much! I have grown into being a morning person for this very reason!
Great ideas. Thanks for them. It’s hard to break out of the feeling that self-care is ‘selfish’… a work in progress for me!
Hi Kate, I can relate to this so much. When our twin boys were born, it was hard for me to separate myself even for a moment to take care of me. It has been a journey for me to get to this point. I know you will get there in your own time too.
This post was great and so important for moms to see. I struggle with your first suggestion lol but I always feel so much better when I take the time and do it! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Kali, yes lol the first one is hard. A few years ago, I was doing good to drag myself out of the bed sometimes. Motherhood often comes with great hurdles to overcome.
I used to feel that taking time out for myself as a mother was selfish (isn’t there ALWAYS something to do) but have come to accept that I can’t be my best for my kids if I feel depleted mentally, physically, and emotionally. Thanks for this post!
Hello Danielle, for sure, when is there not something to do! :D….In our journeys, I feel that we all come to a point where we’ve completely depleted ourselves and it is vital to recharge. Keeping a routine of self-care often times helps us before we’ve reached this point. It’s so important for us to accept when we need a time out.
I have been doing much better about taking care of myself, but it helps to have a good reminder. Thank you!
Hi Leigh Ann, you welcome. I am glad to hear this and I agree a little reminder makes all the difference. Thanks for your feedback!
I must say I’m not that good at self care. Really haven’t been since little one was born. Been making more of an effort though. I hope I can keep up.
Hey Brittany, I get where you’re coming from. I felt the same way after our twins were born and just as I was getting back into the swing of self-care I had our daughter lol! My advice, start small first, with whatever helps you feel extra special and then add to your routine as you see fit. Create a nice balance for yourself. Keep it going mama!
I absolutely LOVE this post. Thank you for the reminder to take care of myself 💕
Hi Maeghan, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this post. My favorites right now is exercise (if you can believe it) and waking up early. I LOVE yoga. Most of the time my kids join in too. And it’s so peaceful early in the morning. Perfect for devos and planning the day!
Thanks for sharing! I started waking up a little earlier than my son, and I’ve noticed my mood has improved significantly.
I completely know where you are coming from. My mood is so different when I am able to plan my day, check my email and spend some time with Jesus before my little ones get going in the morning 😀
I wake up an hour before my kids and it has been a serious game change for me! I get to start my morning with peace and quiet and I get to finish my coffee before dealing with my wild babies.
Jessica | Babble Mama Babble
http://www.babblemamababble.com
I feel that this is so necessary for us moms. To have the start of the morning to ourselves makes so much of a difference. Thanks for sharing 🙂