As a busy mother, it is completely normal for self-care to fall to the bottom of your to-do list.
After all, you may already feel as though there’s not enough time in the day to do everything you need to do without having to work through a 13-step beauty regimen, too.
However, self-care comes in many different forms, and it plays a crucial role in your long-term well-being. For example, many people consider self-care to be instrumental to their mental health, as it ensures that their needs are addressed as opposed to being pushed to the side.
With that in mind, here are some simple ways in which you can practice self-care as a busy mamma!
Actually add it to your schedule. If you’re the kind of person who sticks to a tight schedule or writes down a list of everything they need to do within a day, you’ll find that you make time for self-care in your routine when you actually write it down in your calendar or schedule. This is because it holds you accountable to dedicating a bit of time to yourself, whether that’s five minutes a day or fifteen. Start small, as you will be able to build this up over time.
Focus on things that make you feel good. As referenced above, self-care means something different to each and every one of us. As such, you should try to figure out which kind of activities make you feel good, so that you can spend more time on them moving forward.
For example, you may find that spending time on your hair becomes an act of self-care, especially as it changes how you carry yourself. In this case, you could spend time learning how to maintain natural hair length, trying out new products, or simply developing a haircare routine that brings forth the best possible results.
Keep it simple. If time is the biggest barrier between you and a self-care routine, remember that these acts do not have to be overly complex or time-consuming. For example, a three-step skincare routine is often just as effective as one that could take more than ten minutes to complete, and it will leave you feeling just as good! Keep it simple, and you’ll find it much easier to embed self-care of all forms into your routine.
Get your body up and moving. Exercise can also be an excellent form of self-care, especially when you consider the physical and mental benefits of regular working out on a regular basis. Despite the clear benefits, a recent study found that “61% of mums would feel guilty about taking time to exercise,” as this means spending a little more time away from their children.
This is a mindset you must leave in the past, as time dedicated to yourself is just as valuable. Not only that, but there are also plenty of ways in which you can start working out as a family. For example, you could head out for a hike, a long walk, or a swim! This is also a great way to set an example for your children, who will learn firsthand the importance of staying as active as possible, even when they are busy.
Engage with your hobbies. Engaging with your hobbies will also bring you the sense of peace and contentment that you need to thrive moving forward. This is particularly important if you feel as though your identity is entirely wrapped up in being a parent, as it can help you to rediscover who you are outside of being a parent. It is also a great way to spend more time with your friends whom you may not otherwise see all that often.
Take your health seriously. Taking your health seriously is also an act of self-care, even if it does not seem like one to begin with. This means that you should pay attention to your body and take a break or seek help should you need it. For example, there’s nothing wrong with taking a few days off work if you are feeling under the weather!
Final thoughts. Right now, the words self-care may not even be on your radar. But, they should be. Practicing self-care allows you to show up not only for those around you, but for yourself, too. This means that you’ll find your day-to-day life much easier to manage and handle, even if it does mean that you’re adding a few steps to your routine.