Self Care never goes out of style, even in the middle of a Pandemic. It’s safe to say Mother’s Day looks a lot different this year compared to previous years. Even more reason to give mom’s some tender loving self-care.
Mom’s have many duties throughout the day. From crying kids, wiping butts, cooking, cleaning, and the daily stressor, the list goes on and on. Let’s face it, Motherhood is no walk in the park. That’s why it’s more important then ever to make sure self-care is a priority. When Mom get’s run down and has nothing left to give, everyone is affected, including Mom. By showing up for herself she is able to give more to others.
I realize that we live in a life that doesn’t allow much addition time so I compiled a list of affordable and timely self-care ideas for you to try. Not only that, these ideas also allow you to have gratitude and appreciation for everyday life. The easiest way to practice self-care is to get practical.
1. Write yourself a love note.
Moms, you are so beautifully and wonderfully made! You deserve to write yourself all the things you love about yourself. Be sure to include those beautiful little quirks you have that make you unique.
2. Sleep in.
You deserve a little extra sleep for once in your life. Ask someone to take the kids in the morning and give you some much deserved extra z’s.
3. Take time for yourself.
Send your kids outside or on an errand with someone you trust. Take that time to be with yourself and do whatever your little heart desires.
4. Read a book or listen to a podcast.
Start that new book that you’ve wanted to read for a while or listen to that podcast that you have heard so much about. Take 15 minutes to yourself.
5. Workout with a friend or your partner.
There are tons of benefits to working out. One being it’s a natural mood booster. Make it a little more enjoyable and invite a friend to join you, keeping the laughs rolling throughout the workout. Even if it’s a short walk around the neighborhood, get that heart rate elevated.
6. Have a spa day.
Paint your nails, put on a facemask, and soak your feet in some warm bubbly water. Don’t hold back mama. You deserve the extra pampering.
7. Take up a hobby.
Is there something that you have always wanted to try but never did? Pick today to take up a hobby that brings joy in your life. Pick something that can be just yours alone, giving you that extra time to yourself and some passion beyond being a mommy.
8. Meditate.
Meditation relieves stress, reduces anxiety, enhances self-awareness, generates kindness, and so much more. It is extremely underutilized as a simple mom tool that can change your mood or help you get through a stressful day. Take five minutes to allow yourself to slow your thoughts down and breath for a few moments without fighting or yelling going on in the background.
9. Take a bath with Epson salt or a bath bomb.
Epson salt is a natural stress reliever and helps aid in better sleep. It can also help aid in recovering from that workout you did.
10. Do a hair mask or deep conditioner.
If baths aren’t your thing then treat yourself and your hair to a hair mask in the shower.
11. Create a space for you.
Find a space in your house that you can decorate just how you want it and use it for some of these self-care habits. Possibly a sitting chair for reading, a yoga mat to meditate and practice yoga, a space to take the time to do your hair and makeup. Find and create a space that is just yours that you would look forward to visiting daily.
12. Savor a treat.
It’s Mother’s Day, treat yourself to one of your favorite deserts or your favorite food. Take the time to be mindful eating it. Making sure to connect and appreciate what you are eating.
13. Order from your favorite place.
This pandemic might have us stuck at home unable to get our Mother’s Day brunch on at our favorite restaurant but it isn’t keeping us from picking up take-out from our favorite place and skip cooking for the day. Or if you’re husband is up to it, ask him to attempt to cook your favorite meal.
14. Make a gratitude list.
Listing all the things you are grateful for in your life big and small will put everything into perspective. Gratitude instantly improves your mental and physical well being.
15.Dance it out.
Blast your favorite song and have a little dance party. Dancing can brighten anyone’s mood. Put on that song that makes you bust a move and shake it off lady!
16.Make yourself a cocktail or mocktail.
Try this Motherly recipe that can be made both ways.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons rose water* optional
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1-1/2-2 ounces vodka omit to make a mocktail!
- 1-2 Tablespoon honey or to taste (use agave if vegan)
- a few drops of blood orange or pomegranate juice for color (optional)
- 3/4 cup sparkling water or more to taste
- fresh roses for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine all the rose water, fresh lemon juice, vodka, honey and blood orange or pomegranate juice (if using) in a cocktail shaker and fill with ice. Shake until combined and then strain into a glass. Pour in the sparkling water. Garnish with fresh roses. DRINK!
17. Watch a show or a movie.
Take the time to catch up on your programs or rent a movie you’ve wanted to watch for a while.
18. Get outside.
Get outside for some fresh air. The benefits of fresh air and sunshine have ample effects on not just your mental health but your physical health as well.
19. Make a wish list/bucket list.
This pandemic will be over soon and we will be living in our new normal. Make a list of the things you want to do instead of wishing you could do these things. Get excited about being able to do the in them near future. Take time to compile a list of places you want to visit.
20. Congratulate yourself for how far you’ve come.
Be proud of this beautiful family you’ve made. Whether it’s maternal or not, you deserve a pat on the back for all your hard work. So give yourself a pat on the back for how far you’ve come as a mother. You deserve it.
Happy Mother’s Day to all. “A mother is she who can take the place of all other’s but no one else can take”.