As much as we all hear about the importance of self care, it’s still challenging to find the time and energy to spend much-needed time on ourselves as busy moms. This is especially true if you have multiple kids but even with just one child, it’s hard to pull ourselves away and devote time just for us. With two girls and another baby on the way, I’ve thought quite a bit about how I can indulge in a little time to myself while juggling the responsibilities of motherhood and wanted to share a few of my self care ideas.
Self Care Ideas for Busy Moms
Let the Kids Spend Some Quality Time with Dad
I know some husbands travel during the week for work and others work late sometimes, but on the days or evenings when your spouse is home, allow him to spend some quality time with the kids. My husband is a big kid at heart, so he’s the one who likes to get on the floor and play when he’s home – which works out nicely for distracting the kids so I can sneak out of the room! Whether you just need a few minutes to decompress at home or if you want to take a trip to Target alone, this is your time – enjoy it.
Indulge in a Little Luxury
One of my favorite self care ideas to unwind in the evening is by taking a hot bath to relax. I used to be a huge cheapskate when it came to bath and body products, but I’ve since learned that quality is worth the price. I love bubble bath, great-smelling bath bombs, good skincare and a high-quality shampoo and conditioner for my hair. This Silk18 shampoo + conditioner set not only smells amazing, but it makes my hair silky and shiny. I usually just wear my hair down and straight, so it’s nice to use quality hair products to keep it healthy and smooth. I’ve been using Silk18 shampoo + conditioner for almost a month now and my hair is seriously so silky. That’s really saying something coming from me, because I’m very picky about my hair products!
Unwind with Your Favorite Hot Drink
I’ll be honest – coffee is my love language, so there have been times I’ve reached for a hot mug of coffee well into the evening hours! However, since becoming pregnant and also just trying to drink more hydrating drinks overall, I drink a mug of hot herbal tea or lemon water at night while relaxing on the sofa after the kids are in bed. Not only is it good for you, but the warm drink is calming – perfect for unwinding from a full day of parenting!
Take a Solo Trip
And no, I’m not talking about a solo vacation – although that’s pretty popular these days when it comes to self care ideas! All I’m saying is take a trip to Target or Trader Joe’s alone – it’s amazing how enjoyable it is and you don’t have to run up and down the aisles quickly before your kids have a meltdown. I’ve really enjoyed this school year since both of my girls are in preschool twice a week for the first time ever and I have an uninterrupted 10 hours a week to myself! Honestly, it goes by super fast, but just being able to run a quick errand without unbuckling and buckling two car seats is a game changer for me. I try to do all of my errands during this time and I also take an hour both days to go to Pure Barre for a workout. If you don’t have kids in any type of school, take an hour or two on the weekend to leave the kids with Dad or another family member and run those errands solo!
Read a Book
I admit I’m not good at keeping up with this one – but on the rare occasion I did complete a full book over the past year, I felt SO good! I love reading but it’s one area of my life that has suffered badly since having kids. I used to read everything from mysteries to marketing blogs (the marketing nerd in me loved these!) but I just find myself preoccupied with kids and life and don’t prioritize reading as I should. It’s definitely a work in progress but just making a plan and attempting to read a few pages a day can make a difference.
Lastly, one of the best things you can do to properly care for yourself is to give yourself some grace! It’s easier said than done, trust me, but I’ve learned that there’s no such thing in perfection in motherhood and we’re all just doing the best we can. Some days and weeks are harder than others, but finding the nooks and crannies of your day to give yourself some much-deserved attention will pay off tremendously and help you better appreciate all of the people that make your life special!
*I was graciously gifted a set of Silk 18 shampoo + conditioner, but all reviews and opinions are my own.
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