I’ve had a lot of feedback about moms needing more self-care as a response to posts this month. We do our best to take care of our families, so I wanted to devote a series to helping moms focus on their own care and help them get more of it into their routines. As the final post of the 5-part series, I share thoughts and advice on self-care from others in a self-care round-up for busy moms. My question to each of these powerhouses of knowledge in her field was, “What would tip or advice would you give to busy, working moms about self-care?” See which ones resonate with you on your quest for more self-care.
Unplug and read a book
Jennifer Blossom
Sounds simple, I know… but I really want you to focus on limiting your social media and internet time. Learn to get disciplined in this area. Unplug at night. Unplug during the day. Set certain hours where you truly do check-in and, by all means, enjoy it… but learn how to step away as well. Now, I want to challenge you to also tap into the sacred practice of reading. I’m a HUGE reader. Audiobooks, paperback, you name it. I’m always looking for ways to sharpen my skills in life– will you do the same? 20-30 minutes a day is ALL it takes, Momma. COMMIT. www.blossomtobefit.com @blossomtobefit facebook.com/Blossomtobefit
Choose what works for you
Brittia Kubeczka
There are many, many options when it comes to health and wellness. My tip for you today is to simply choose what works for you. Find something that will light you up instead of feel like a chore. Go for walks, breathe in fresh air, literally lay on the ground and do nothing for 5 min, or pick up some weights and sweat it out. There is something for everyone, you just have to MOVE!
There are many things out there that will work, and there are many that do not. The one thing I know for sure, is that taking care of yourself and loving yourself are the easiest way to get healthy. All you need to do, is to tell yourself you are enough and you are worth it!
Once you believe it you will find the time to receive it. Now go get your beautiful self some water.
www.fringeandfitness.com @fringe_and_fitness/ facebook.com/fringeandfitness
Ask for what you need
Jessica Rasdall
Self-care can mean something different to all of us. We waste so much time trying to fit into a mold that wasn’t made for us. So before you start making time for self-care in your life, determine what that actually looks like for YOU. For me, it’s getting up before my daughter to have a quiet cup of coffee in the morning. My days are always better when they start in reflection rather than a hectic scramble. It means staying up after she’s in bed, even if just to enjoy a face mask and a little “Big Bang Theory.”
But most importantly, when I need a “me day” to check out for a few hours and just take care of myself (rather than everyone else) I’m comfortable asking my other half for help. Remember that the people in our lives are not mind readers. If you need a break, don’t assume they know – just ask for help.
www.jessicarasdall.com @jessicarasdall facebook.com/OfficialJessicaRasdall
Self-care doesn’t have to be big
Raewyn Sangari
As moms, we tend to get hung up on this notion that self-care looks like hours away from everything, perfectly manicured hands, or a trip to the salon. We equate it with money and time, that we don’t have to spend, so we keep putting it off. We keep pouring from our almost empty cups.
Self-care doesn’t have to be big and it doesn’t have to be time away from your kids. Try to include them in your self-care acts – if you do a face mask, pretend to give them one. Talk to them about taking time for yourself. Self-care isn’t just good for you and your parenting, it’s a great lesson to teach them, too.
www.shieldsistersinitiative.com @shieldsisterswq www.shieldsistersinitiative.com/e-course/
Build your busy schedule around self-care
Daryl Bart
Being a working mom is a challenge. I think we all know that, but remembering that we are better for them, when we take care of ourselves first, is the
key. Building our busy schedule around the habits for success is a way to sneak in self-care to our routines. I do it myself and ask my challengers to spend only a few minutes each day planning their day, prepping some healthy meals or snacks anticipating the chaos, getting in a quick sweat session and drinking water all day long.
It sounds like a lot at first, but once these small steps are daily habits, you have a strong foundation for feeling great, and being ready to face the challenges of the day. Your journey is a long one and there is no reason not to feel fantastic or be at the bottom of your very long to-do list.
www.darylbart.com facebook.com/TheFitnessFixx/
You deserve some self-care
Vanessa Matthews
I think it’s so important that we get real about self-care. It’s a concept that is thrown around quite a lot online. But what does it really mean? Does it mean spending the day in a downward dog or hanging out in tree pose for a few hours? Does it mean a luxury spa day? Does it mean meditating yourself into the Zen zone? Does it mean snuggling up by a picture-perfect log fire with a good book and a warm coffee?
Well, it can. For sure. It can be grand and expensive and indulgent and soothing and perfect and restorative and blissful.
But do you know what else it can be? Taking a hot shower without the kids banging on the door asking to go for a poo. Applying a $5 hair mask whilst in the shower, because for the first time in weeks you have time to leave it on for the full 5 minutes required. Not doing the ironing. Throwing away all of your old knickers – the ones that have holes in or bits of elastic hanging off. Or even letting go of clothes that no longer make you feel good. Throwing away that pile of odd socks that makes you feel guilty every time you look at it because you know it shouldn’t be there – let’s face it, the matching ones are never coming back, give it up. Cooking yourself a simple lunch and enjoying/noticing every bite instead of grabbing a lump of cheese and a chocolate biscuit. Staring out of the window for 10 minutes just to notice life outside. Clearing out that kitchen drawer that you have to fight and struggle to open because you deserve ease.
Realising that you deserve ease. You do, you know. You deserve it all.
Make yourself a priority at least once a day and treat yourself with the love and care of somebody who deserves it all in whatever way suits your life right now. That IS the epitome of self-care. Spa days can come later.
www.realcoachrealentrepreneur.com facebook.com/groups/RealEntrepreneursStartHere/
You’ve read lots of ideas here and in the 5-part series. What’s stopping you from making self-care part of your daily or weekly routine? What are going to start doing as part of your self-care routine? What changes will you make to fit it in?
