Self-care. Take time for yourself. Do something you enjoy. You need downtime. Get away from it all. Take a break.
How many times have you heard someone say that?
Does it make you gag, just a little bit, in the back of your mouth when people start telling you just what you should be doing? Do you ever find yourself thinking, “Well if it were easy, I’d be doing it already?”
Then factor in kids. Big kids. Little kids. Good kids. Crying kids. Sick kids. Funny kids. Clingy kids. Stubborn kids. Just kids.
And then just how are you supposed to have self-care? Heck, going to the bathroom alone without being interrupted would feel like a day at the spa!
Self-care? How about just caring? What would it feel like to have someone notice that you vacuumed or got all of the laundry put up? Or that you remembered to take out some of the spaghetti sauce before you added the onions and mushrooms, since half of the family likes it one way and the other half hates onions? How would it feel to have your partner tell you that you look nice (on the day you actually have on a shirt that doesn’t have a stain from one of the kids embedded on it somewhere)?
So if you’re ready to throw something at the next person who tells you the answer to all of your problems is self-care, then here are some tips for incorporating some good ‘ole R&R into your busy life as a mom.
Self-care Should Be Personalized
There is no one size fits all approach to self-care. What relaxes one person, could stress out another. Not everyone enjoys massages. Not everyone has time to devote an hour every day. Not everyone wants to be away from their children. Do what works for you.
Self-care Doesn’t Have to Cost Anything
The best things in life are free! From library books to sunsets to foot rubs, there are tons of things that don’t cost a dime that can revitalize your spirits. Spending more money doesn’t automatically equal a better, more relaxing result.
Self-care Can Happen at Home
Who says you have to leave your house to be at peace? Lots of time and money goes towards making your house a home, and to make it more comfortable and relaxing to be there. So don’t think you have to go anywhere. Sometimes an uninterrupted shower can be a bit of heaven on earth.
Self-care Doesn’t Have to be Done All By Yourself
Where did everyone get the idea that you have to be alone (or with your friends) for it to count as self-care? At the core of self-care is the idea that you take some time away from work, whether it be a paid job or your never-ending list of chores at home, for something that refreshes and rejuvenates you. If catching fireflies and blowing bubbles with the kids relaxes you and brings a smile to your face, then DO IT!
So to help you maximize every second, I’m keeping this post short and sweet so you can take those remaining few minutes before someone calls out your name to look on Pinterest, read a chapter in a book, or just sit and stare into space!