Being a mom is one of the most selfless things you can do. Between school runs, meal preps, play dates and family commitments, there really isn’t much time left for you and your needs. But, you absolutely deserve some self-care too, so here are a few small and simple ways to incorporate it in your daily routine.
Turn your shower into a ritual
A shower is something you already do, so why not make it really count? It’s usually one of your only times to enjoy a quiet moment alone and do something for yourself. Instead of rushing through it, treat it as a ritual that belongs entirely to you. Perhaps invest in some nice shower oils or body scrubs that feel nourishing on your skin and some body lotion that you love the smell of. The whole routine might add a few extra minutes to your shower, but it will make you feel just that extra bit special and cared for that day.
Protect your evenings
After a long and tiring day, scrolling social media for an hour before bed might feel like a good downtime, but it rarely leaves you feeling rested. Quite the opposite, the dopamine rush that scrolling gives your brain makes it harder for it to shut off afterwards, impacting the quality of your sleep and, therefore, leaving you feeling more tired the next day. Instead, try designating the last 30 to 60 minutes before sleep as a tech-free time. Use it as a window of time to do something that makes you happy, whether that’s reading a good book with a cup of chamomile tea, writing a journal or chatting with your loved ones.
Move your body in a way that feels good
As a mom, you may struggle to find time for the gym or a fitness class, but you should still try and move your body when you can. It really doesn’t need to be anything long or complicated – anything is better than nothing. For example, try to incorporate a short walk whenever you can or do a quick yoga flow while the kids are eating. You can even turn boring tasks into a chance for movement, like doing a few squats while the kettle is boiling or dancing around the kitchen to your favourite music while you cook dinner. The goal here really isn’t performance, but rather showing up for yourself and releasing some tension.
Find a moment of stillness each day
Family life is always frantic, with about a hundred things to remember at once and constant noise all around you. While you may feel used to it, that doesn’t mean it’s not affecting you. It’s only when you find a moment of stillness when you realise just how much you needed it. It might just be five minutes with your morning coffee, before anyone else wakes up, or sitting quietly in your car for a moment before you pick the kids up from school. Use this moment to close your eyes and simply breathe, without thinking of anything or anyone else.
You can’t pour from an empty cup
No mom should ever feel like self-care is a luxury they can’t afford. Even if you cannot do anything ‘bigger’ at the moment, at least you can show up for yourself in small ways each day.