Motherhood is exhausting. You might be wearing the same yoga pants you’ve been in for a week, your hair might be in the same messy bun, and perhaps the only thing you’ve eaten lately comes in a wrapper. You might be wondering when the last time was that you were able to close your eyes and relax, drink a beverage while it was still hot (or cold), or have a conversation without it being interrupted 10 times. This is the reality for many moms, which is why it’s important to prioritize some self-care when you can.
Self-care is important because it’s hard to pour from an empty cup. To give so much to be a parent or a spouse, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well. For this reason, next time you have a free day, spend it taking care of yourself. Here are some ideas to do just that:
Have a Spa Day
When many people think about self-care, they may think about something like a spa day. A massage, facial, and some pampering are, after all, highly relaxing for the body and the mind. A spa day will allow you to spend some time focusing on yourself, which is hard to do when you’re a mom. However, a spa isn’t the most frugal choice for moms on a budget. Thankfully, there are plenty of spa-related activities you can do at home when you have free time. You can soak in the tub with a bath bomb, create your own organic face mask, relax with essential oils or ask your spouse for a back or foot rub. It might not be a spa, but it’ll still be relaxing.
Enjoy a Beverage
It’s the little things, like enjoying a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of wine. Take some time on a free day to enjoy the beverage of your choice. You might look into the health benefits of different teas and spend a day relaxing with a book and a cup of tea. Maybe you want to go to your favourite coffee shop with your laptop and do some writing with a hot cup of coffee. Maybe you want a cold beer with some friends, or a cocktail and some appetizers. Whatever you choose, take some time with a beverage just for you.
Go to the Salon
The salon is great because it combines relaxation with a confidence boost, so if you haven’t gone it on for a while, a self-care day is a perfect time. You can go in for a hair trim and root touch-ups, or you could get a full brow makeover complete with shaping, colouring, and some brow beauty tips. You might consider lash extensions a favourite among many moms because they allow you to feel done up even when you don’t have the time to put makeup on every day. Lash extensions make the look more expressive, and it allows you to go out without any makeup most of the time. Mom’s life is a constant barrage of dirty diapers, play dates, and sleepless nights. Taking the time to get lashes done won’t make mum’s to-do list any shorter—but it will surely help her get through it with a little pleasure. Even something as simple as a pedicure or gel nail polish can do wonders for your self-care.
Have a Girls Outing
Motherhood can often feel isolating, so it’s important to take the time to socialize when you can. On your next free day, take care of yourself by taking part in some girls time. You might even be able to double up on some self-care by including your friends in a day at the spa or for cocktail hour. Allow yourself to have a day to dress up if you want, go dancing, talk about things other than diapers and formula, and vent about things that may be bothering you. Your relationships with your kids and spouse are important, but so are your friendships, so get together with them as a part of your self-care routine.
Do Something Active
It’s important to take care of yourself, and that includes working out and staying active. This doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym every day, but it does mean that taking time to yourself to do something active can provide you with an essential boost for your body and your mind. If you have a free day, try to spend it doing something active. Go for a walk, head to the gym, spin class, go on a hike, or go swimming. Many moms swear by their workout time and how it plays into their self-care. It’s a great time to focus on yourself, spend time with your thoughts, and feel good about yourself.
Find Something New
Some people find that doing something new is a great version of self-care that many moms don’t get. Motherhood is all about routine, and there are many activities out there that aren’t family-friendly. On your next free day, you might try something completely new. You might try hiking a new trail, going to a movie by yourself, or doing a glass blowing class. You can try something like baking a new recipe, trying a new craft, or attempting a new exercise at home. Self-care doesn’t have to be a big deal; it can be a small treat as well.
Everyone takes part in self-care a little different because everyone needs something a little different to be the best version of themselves. Some love the self-care of a massage, while others prefer to try a new recipe. Whatever your version of self-care is, don’t be afraid to implement it into your life whenever you need it. Motherhood is taxing and time-consuming, but it’s so important to take care of yourself as well. Whether you’re having a cup of coffee, a night out with friends, or going for a walk, make sure you’re prioritizing some self-care on your next free day.
