Self-care sounds lovely, doesn’t it? Since your new mom days, you were always told to sleep when the baby sleeps. That kind of seems impossible, right? How the heck am I supposed to get the house up to par if I’m always napping?
If the majority of the housecare and childcare is your responsibility, then you start to realize you have a choice. Well, 2 choices…
If you do a lot by yourself with high standards you’re probably setting yourself up to feel like a failure. You keep putting everything above your needs as if you don’t deserve it.
Believe me, momma, you deserve a break! I know you do! So here are some simple self-care ideas that you can and should practice.
Put down that laundry and figure out which of these ideas are what you need most!
Here’s the list!
Sleep 😪
Most importantly, make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can really play with your emotions, ability to function, and feel good. If you have to go to bed at 9 p.m. to get it, even if it’s once in a while, do it. As a momma myself, I rarely ever get a full night’s sleep uninterrupted. However, if I go to bed early even sometimes I feel amazing the next day!
Favorite Morning Drink ☕
As soon as the kids wake up, they’re hungry and they stall getting ready for school. Mornings can be chaotic. There’s nothing in the morning I love more than a hot coffee with cream. I love sitting with a warm mug in peace and quiet, preferably before it gets cold.
Journaling 🖊
If you’re exhausted and overwhelmed it might be a good idea to jot down your feelings. It helps you get the headspace you need. You can either write down some cute memories to your baby, write in prayer form, or for your eyes only.
Daily Devotional
Maybe you’re not as physically exhausted as rusty spiritually. Your feelings of being tired could just stem from not seeing the bigger picture. You can revamp your faith with devotionals online or get a copy for your coffee table. You’ll feel 100x more mentally strong with a deep-rooted faith.
Go for a walk 🏃
One of my favorite ways to take care of myself is to go for a 20-minute walk. Exercise releases endorphins, gets your heart pumping, and gets you some good air in your lungs. Being outside is just great for when you feel a little down on yourself. Something about nature is so relaxing! If you don’t have a sitter, just push the kids in the stroller.
Jam session 💃
Music is known to alter moods. Sometimes you just need to crank up Hall of Fame for motivation. Sometimes you need some Lauren Daigle for an uplifting vibe. I also love singing my heart out to Pentatonix while I’m driving or doing dishes. What’s your jam?
Secret stash 🍷🍫
Although eating crappy often will make you feel crappy, it’s safe to have your own chocolate stash. Or wine. Or chips. Something that you don’t have to share with anyone. Because as moms, we literally just don’t want to always share.
Go for a drive 🚗
Those quick little trips to the store might be a good excuse to leave the house solo. If you just have to pick up milk, take it for a little freedom to and headspace.
New clothes 👕👗
You deserve a wardrobe that isn’t totally stretched out, too small, from last decade, maternity-wear, or uncomfortable. Next time you’re picking up something from the store, toss in some new panties or a t-shirt that fits nice. Even a pair of sandals that aren’t falling apart. Doesn’t it seem like even the nice sandals wear out too quickly?
Have a Tribe
When you’re going through something challenging it’s nice to have a group of people who get you. Other moms to vent to when you’re exhausted or down on yourself. It’s best to have this tribe within driving distances to visit and support each other from nearby. But online support is there too. Here’s the link to my Mom Tribe.
That’s 10!
Which things will you start doing for yourself? The great thing about self-care is it can come in all forms. For us mommas, self-care looks a little different. We deserve to feel good physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and in all ways!
As moms, we’ve got to start making ourselves a little more important. We’ve got a long road ahead of doing big things for others. We truly deserve so much more than we allow ourselves. And you don’t deserve anyone’s permission to do so!
