What is Self Care?
The term self care has gained increased popularity in recent times. If you’ve been on social media at length, you’ve probably noticed it too. It may have been one of the many memes floating around, or you probably noticed your friends using the term quite frequently.
Self care is simply the things we do to take charge of our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. It is necessary for people to take mental and emotional breaks from the hustle and bustle of life to pause and recharge.
Self care will mean something different for everyone. For those living (or wishing to live) the lifestyle of the rich and famous, self care can mean anything from exotic vacations and jet setting across the world to expensive spa days and fancy retreats. However, for those of us living a more humbled lifestyle, self care tend to be a bit less exaggerated.
What does self care look like for moms, though? Especially your average mom who’s juggling the responsibilities of taking care of her home, her kids and probably her work? It’s a known fact that mothers are usually the last to get served, whether it be at the dinner table or in life. How can moms take care of their own wellbeing when it seems there’s no time, no energy, and sometimes not even any money for luxuries? How do we make sure we keep the candle burning for ourselves so we can remain functional for the people who need us the most?
Over the past few months I’ve embarked on a personal journey of self reflection and rediscovery. I decided that it was time I started being intentional about improving my physical and emotional health. I want to share 10 easy, simple and inexpensive ways I found to start practicing self care. Many of these I’d already been doing. It was now a matter of making them a priority.
Self care for busy moms
- Unplug and get Outdoors – It costs absolutely nothing to unplug and take a walk. For me, being inside for extended periods of time literally casts gloom over my mood. It will do a world of good to simply log off social media, turn off Netflix and head outside. Find a green space or a body of water and just take it in. It’s a sure mood booster, trust me. Plus, the time you’ll spend unplugged will be less time you’ll spend comparing yourself to lifestyle bloggers in Instagram.
- Start a Journal – Writing down your thoughts when you’re in the middle of them can be very therapeutic. It’s long been proven and any good therapist will tell you that it’s one of the best ways to deal with past and present issues. The issues we sometimes have trouble verbalizing to others and even to ourselves, they have a funny way of coming out when you start to write. Writing down your thoughts will offer perspective and give you that opportunity needed to reflect.
- Practice Gratitude – Train your mind to always be in a state of thankfulness. Whenever you find you’re getting too focused on the things you don’t have or can’t do. Take a moment to reflect on all the good that has happened and is happening. It will definitely change your perspective on life.
- Make Time for Friends – Human beings crave connection, it’s in our nature. So grab a few of your favorite gal friends and have a girls day/night. Plan a coffee date, head to the mall, or go get a pedicure. If you can’t find the time to connect, then grab your phone and call a friend. Vent about your day or whatever current stress of motherhood that is causing you anxiety. You will feel much better after you’ve talked about it.
- Find a Hobby – Everyone is good at something. Find out what your passions are whether it be, crocheting, dancing, cooking etc. Then schedule some me time during the week to work on your passions. Remember, you are worth it and it’s okay to take time to do things for yourself – guilt free!
- Exercise – Did you know that exercise releases endorphins which are chemicals that trigger feelings of happiness? That’s right, exercise literally makes you happy! Now I’m not saying to go run a marathon here. Start small by going for a walk, or join a gym and commit to taking group classes. You can do whatever will fit in with your schedule and budget. Try to make it a priority and part of your regular routine.
- Reorganize and Decorate – I don’t know about anyone else but I get bored with the decor in my house pretty often. I am constantly shuffling things around and adding new pieces. I love to take on little projects around the house and tinkering with stuff. It’s a guilty pleasure of mine and it genuinely gives me happy vibes.
- Meditate and Practice Being Still – Being in constant grind mode will leave us forgetting to just be still. You will burn yourself out always trying to reach for the next best thing. Practice being still and appreciate the fruits of your past labor.
- Volunteer – This may seem out of place on this list but I promise, it’s not. Being open to offering a helping hand to someone else in need is one of the most selfless things you can do. Especially so when you are not in the best place yourself. The act of giving in service to others will leave you feeling fulfilled and purposeful. It’s one of the best ways to feed your soul.
- Read Something New – One of my personal goals for the remainder of this year is to get more intentional about reading. I absolutely love books and I will usually read anything. However, I have fallen off majorly so my goal is to get back to the basics.
- Go See a Therapist – Therapy is not for “crazy people”. The purpose is to help people deal with issues they can’t deal with on their own. Taking care your emotional health should take precedence over any awkward feelings.
