Research suggests that the more we practice self-care, the more confident, creative, and productive we are. Here are some ideas of self-care.
After becoming a mom in October last year, it became really hard for me to find time for myself. The first half of this year passed by in a blink of a second with a brand new baby at home to care of and the second half of the year was filled with events like returning back to work after maternity leave, struggling with the separation from the baby while I am at work or tackling the uncountable household tasks like cooking, cleaning, etc. In the midst of all this while trying to find a decent work-life balance, taking care of me took a complete back seat.
It was not until my daughter was nearly eight months old when one day while cleaning my bathroom I glanced at the mirror and surprisingly I could not recognize myself. What I saw back was a tired, exhausted, sleep-deprived, messy person who definitely did not look very happy to me. It was a big mess!! It was then and there that I decided to practice self-care regularly, to be able to take better care of my daughter, my husband, and our home.
Sharing my top six ways of self-care ideas.
Here are few of my favorite ideas on how I instilled self-care in my busy schedule.
1. Say ‘YES’ to HELP whenever you can
I cannot describe what a huge difference this can make. We ‘moms', have a lot on our plate to tackle in a day and so passing some of the to-do list tasks to your partner or help that you can hire from outside for household tasks or a caregiver at home for the baby really helps take awake a lot of the stress and keeps you from running down.
2. Spend 30 minutes a day working out
This is my favorite! I spend 30 minutes a few times a week on myself working out. I don’t keep strict goals on what I must achieve in my 30 minutes, but I just let myself do my favorite exercise (whatever I am in the mood of), sweat a little, and listen to music while doing so.
3. Take a hot steam bubble bath at the end of the day
Sometimes when the baby is asleep and I have some time for myself, I love taking a hot steam bubble bath with some instrumental music and candles around. It magically takes away all the pain in my body and helps me unwind and relax.
4. Go out with a friend
Talking to a friend and sharing what’s in your mind over a cup of coffee or a lunch/dinner can be such a huge mood elevator. Sometimes with our busy lives, it gets difficult for me to physically go out and spend time with a friend. During those times, I pick up my phone and give my friends a call. It makes me feel so good to share what’s going on in my life and listen to their part of life stories.
5. Shopping in the mall
Always a great idea! Exploring the new stuff in the mall and treating myself with something new always makes me feel good.
6. Spa to unwind
Lastly, I love going to a salon and getting a spa or a manicure/pedicure at times. It’s a great way of taking care of oneself. But since, I don't always have the time to go to the spa, as an alternative I like relaxing at home with a soothing face mask. I have a couple of favorite masks that I own and absolutely love – this rose clay face mask before I go to bed in the night, my Perricone MD’s H2EE Firming Foam Mask, or this face sheet mask which gives a great cooling effect and helps me cool down.
Finding time for yourself in this busy modern lives where we have so many tasks to be completed is always a constant struggle. And, since my husband and I both have full-time 9 to 5-day jobs, I used to initially feel very guilty while taking some time away for myself especially while leaving my partner with the baby as he might be in the same boat or being away from the baby when she is already away from me for the entire week when I am at work. But after a few “me-time” sessions I could feel and also see a big change in myself. I found myself more contented, more energetic to take on the mom/life tasks and I was a happier version of myself.
Dear moms,
Give yourself the gift of “me-time” sometimes. You deserve it!
Love,
TMS
Related blog reads:
15 Simple habits of a happy mom
Stop feeling stressed and enjoy motherhood instead
10 Tips to balance work and family as a mom
Tips to help you become a more patient mom
15 Time management mistakes moms are making and how to avoid them
Very good tips for moms. Especially over the holidays!
Totally perfectly timed. I just noticed that after becoming a dad, I had fewer time for myself. This is a must read not only for moms but dads too.
Thank you so much for sharing this helpful article ❤ it is really important to look after yourself that way you will feel more happy about your self and share the positive energy with your surroundings ?
I love shopping and have recently taken up exercising. These are all great suggestions.
That first quote that taking care of yourself is taking care of your kids really hit hard. Thank you so much! I need at this
I’m glad you’ve found a way to take care of yourself whenever you can, it’s an important part of living, let alone when you’re a parent.
Take care.
I’m not a mom yet but if I was.. this is exactly what I would do! Great advice for mom’s and dad’s!
Great post on self care. I particularly like the spa for relaxation away to rejuvenate yourself and spirits alone or when you have children.
“Say ‘YES’ to HELP whenever you can” very much agree on this point.
I am not even a dad yet but these are some good tips, sure your life changes when you get your bundle of joy, and some sacrifices on your personal time have to be made, but still, taking some me time here and there is good for the soul and the psyche
It’s so true you really do need to take care of yourself!!
I agree self care is very important.. that’s how us moms will be able to take care of the house.
Great tips from you! We need to take care ourselves no matter what. All of people they need to read this interesting article. thanks for sharing.
These are some good tips to relax, take care of self and have a good time after you have worked hard
It’s very important to take care of ourselves. I worry when I see friends with little kids stress out too much. We all need to refuel.
Self care is incredibly important so keep it up!
These are definitely a must for every busy individual….. Lending a helping hand or being emphatic is definitely therapeutic and don’t forget retail therapy……
very cool. this is absolutely right!
Do you have any kind of pointers for composing short articles?
That’s where I constantly battle as well as I simply finish
up staring empty screen for very long time.