We all know that modern mothers have a never ending to-do list, and very rarely do they put their own needs anywhere on it. But while moms often don’t take care of themselves in a variety of ways, doing so is actually vital to their own physical and mental wellbeing.
This Mother’s Day, it’s time to put yourself #1 on the to-do list for a change by practicing some or all of these forms of self-care that will refresh you and recharge you.
Get Moving
Sure, you probably spend plenty of time chasing after kids and keeping the house up and running, but ask yourself this: When was the last time you moved your body for your body’s sake alone? Take some time to move your body with a yoga or pilates class, or just crank your favorite playlist and dance in your room.
Connect With Others
Busy moms keep their families at the focus of almost everything they do. Take a moment to reconnect with people whose friendships and connections you might not have as much time for. A 20 minute Zoom call with an old friend could be the perfect way to recharge your batteries and begin building those relationships again.
Connect With Yourself
It’s easy to get lost in the hundreds of roles a mom fulfills in the life of her family. It’s not uncommon that once in a while, a mom feels a little disconnected from her own self. Take a moment to reconnect with the woman you are outside the role of mom by getting centered through meditation and mindfulness. New to mindfulness? YouTube has thousands of guided meditations that can walk you through the process, so you don’t need experience to reap the instant health benefits.
Start a New Project
Is there an activity you love but seems “too time consuming” to start? Tap into the hobby – whether it’s a craft or a DIY project – that seems to always be placed on the back burner, and get it started. Perhaps starting will inspire you to carve out time to continue self care in the future.
Get Pampered
If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgence in self-care, there are two words: spa day. Getting a massage, a facial, or other spa treatment could be the best form of self care for a hardworking mom. Not in the budget this year? You can still pamper yourself in the comfort of your own home with a dry brushing session, a long bath while wearing a face mask, and finishing with a gentle hand massage.
Get Some Fresh Air
If you’re constantly in the house, in the car, and in the office, getting a breath of fresh air could be a luxury. Grab a cup of tea or glass of wine, open your favorite book, and take some time outside to enjoy the peace that only Mother Nature can bring. If your own backyard isn’t cutting it, look for a nearby park that offers plenty of quiet, shady places to breathe for a bit.
Let Go of the Guilt
We all have guilty pleasures. However, moms often have to keep putting theirs off in order to keep the family afloat every day. Well, not this time! Indulge in that guilty pleasure that you usually don’t let yourself indulge in. Get on Netflix and binge that show that’s been favorited for months. Grab that expensive pint of ice cream that you don’t have a coupon for. Indulge yourself and don’t feel guilty one bit about it.
Take a Day to Unplug
The stress of constantly being plugged in is very real. On top of a mom’s already busy life, they usually have several intrusive ways they can be contacted for any reason at any given moment. Unplugging from technology can help reduce those stress levels even for a day. After all, think of how many times you’re contacted that is truly an emergency. Say to yourself, “It can wait,” and enjoy the peace of unplugging.
Check Out by Checking In
A year of dealing with a global pandemic has caused ALL of us to be in very close quarters for a long time. Consider checking yourself into a hotel room for the night. You can take an uninterrupted bath and enjoy being the one to have sole custody of the remote control for a night.
Eat Your Favorite Foods
But here’s the catch – don’t cook them yourself! You can enlist the help of your partner and children to make sure your favorite meal is made, or you can get a takeout order from your favorite restaurant. Eating our favorite foods can give us peace and comfort and make us feel indulged when we don’t have to make it ourselves.
Moms are very often the glue that holds the family together, so what better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than by honoring the role you play and recharging your batteries so you’re ready to tackle more in the weeks ahead.
Remember – self care may seem indulgent, but it’s actually key to making sure you are physically strong and mentally strong so you can be the best mom you can be.