It seems like a mother’s work is an infinitely-long to-do list. For busy moms on-the-go, it seems there are simply not enough hours in the day to complete day-to-day tasks before collapsing in bed to do it all over again.
Juggling multiple schedules, completing household chores, and ferrying family members to and fro doesn’t leave a lot of time for you to unwind. Often mothers neglect their mental and physical health to keep the family going.
However, self-care can help you recharge your batteries, so you’re not running on empty. After a full day of bandaging boo-boos, taming temper tantrums, and acting as a family taxi-cab, what can you possibly do for some Mommy me-time? Here are some tips for the moments when supermoms can hang up their capes and have a little time for themselves.
Boost endorphins with an at-home workout
Getting your body moving increases your energy (and who doesn’t want more of that?) by increasing your heart rate and getting your blood pumping. Taking time to improve yourself, even if it’s only a few minutes a day, can work wonders on your mental health.
A quick exercise routine is perfect for recentering yourself before or during a busy day. At-home workouts don’t have to be elaborate. Customizing a workout schedule consisting of exercises such as jumping jacks, squats, and push-ups ensures that your exercise routine is tailor-made to your specifications, abilities, and time constraints.
For those hesitant to hop aboard the cardio train, going for a walk or run is free and can get you out of the house. Additionally, a folding exercise bike offers a low-impact activity that is easy on the joints and great for burning calories. Best of all, it can fold away for easy and compact storage.
Bask in a bath
Recuperative and rejuvenating, a bath is an ideal opportunity to soak your stresses away. Remember, after long days of soccer games, ballet practices, and after-school tutoring sessions, you deserve some much-needed pampering. That said, turn on some soothing spa music, put on a facial or mask, and sit back and let the heat help relax you.
Catch some zzz’s
Give yourself permission to go to bed early or wake up late— or both. Sleep is imperative for keeping your brain in tip-top shape and giving your body the energy it needs. By allowing yourself more shut-eye, you can reinvigorate your brain to tackle new challenges with a smile.
Pursue a hobby
Is there something you wish you did more often, like writing or painting? Or something you’ve always wanted to try, like drawing or playing an instrument? Set aside some time to invest in your hobbies. Just a few minutes a day can help you feel accomplished and show steady improvement in your hobby of choice.
Treat yourself to a favorite food
Whether it’s an elaborate home-cooked meal you don’t usually make or a bowl of your favorite sugar cereal, treat yourself to one of your all-time favorite tastes. Dedicating a meal to the foods that you like can be a special reward to look forward to. Don’t want to cook? Consider take-out. Whatever you decide, choose to put yourself first.
Doll yourself up
Manicures and pedicures are always a fun and simple way to treat yourself. However, you don’t have to stop there. Try doing your hair in a new way, putting on your favorite clothes, and showing yourself that you’ve still got it. That “wow” factor does a lot to help you feel like you can conquer the world.
From self-sacrificing to self-care
While selflessness is often the measurement of success for stay-at-home moms, it’s time to ditch that self-sacrificing attitude and make the long-awaited switch to self-care. After all, you deserve it.