When you become a mama, taking care of yourself kind of goes out the window. You are focused on your kids now, and when you aren’t focused on them, you are cleaning, cooking, being a good wife, and working. Squeezing in time for yourself seems impossible, yet it is SO important. You will have mama burnout if you don’t start a mama self care routine now. Use these tips to start taking guilt-free time for yourself right now.
There are other blog posts out there that will give you tips for how to have a mama self care routine if you are busy or only have 5 minutes. This is not one of those blog posts. You can’t possibly get in any meaningful self care in in 5 minutes! These are tips and self care suggestions that will help you mentally reset, physically recharge and ready to take on whatever comes at you.
It’s SO important that you find time for some self care. You can’t be the best wife and mom if you aren’t the best you. Self care is good for your mental and physical health and will prevent mama burn out. Organize your day with this free Mama Planner and have time for yourself!
Mama Self Care
Read a book
When was the last time you actually sat down to read a book? For me, it was a whole year after Jackson was born that I realized I hadn’t read a thing. Get lost in your new favorite book, blog (wink), or magazine. Reading is a great escape for the brain.
Take a bath
Relax and unwind in a hot bubble bath. Try to close your eyes and be still, letting your mind relax and wander. Detox with some Epsom salts to help reset and recharge your body and mind.
Exercise
Excercise is an amazing way to take care of your body and boost your mental health. Find a gym that has drop in day care, go for a walk with your kids, or do an at home workout while your kids nap (The Tone It Up App has amazing on demand workouts you can do at home or find some free classes on YouTube!)
It’s important to practice healthy living habits everyday and incorporating some of these super simple tips into your daily routine are great for self care!
Treat yourself
Mama self care doesn’t have to take a lot of time. It can even be as simple as treating yourself to something small that you can look forward to. Grab your favorite coffee one morning or pick up a new nail polish color. Treating yourself can also be something you don’t do! Put off that chore until another time and relax instead!
Pamper yourself
If time and money allows, head to the spa, nail salon or a boutique fitness class to pamper your yourself. Or DIY something at home! Set aside time to do a face mask, paint your nails with a fun and trendy spring nail color, shop online or talk your hubby into giving you a message.
Journal
Journaling is mentally freeing. Taking the time to write something out allows you to slow down and process your feelings. It’s also a lovely way to practice mama self care that creates a memory book of you and your family.
Meditate
Create some calm and mental space. A meditative practice can actually be really hard, especially with that mama brain going a million miles a minute. Do some guided meditation. My favorite way to do this is through the Headspace app or the Calm website or app. Both are free to use, only a few minutes long and will REALLY help calm your mind and find your inner peace.
Go shopping
As a mom, shopping with your kids can sound like more of a chore than self care, but you definitely deserve a new outfit or item! I went and bought a new pair of leggings for myself the other day and remember how much I like going to the mall and getting something new for myself.
If you want to go to the mall or Target, here are my tips. Pack snacks and toys to keep baby occupied. Have an idea of what you want and where you want to go. It isn’t going to be a marathon shopping trip but aim for one or two stores. Make your purchases and try on items at home so you have time to get in and out of the store and really decide if you like that outfit, color or fit. Go back to make returns if you need to.
Adding self care into your already busy day or week can feel impossible. It can also make you feel really guilty. I know the feeling. I used to feel like I didn’t have time for myself, and that I either needed to be wife or mom. It felt selfish to take away family time or time with my husband for myself. But when I made the switch to start adding some self care in after bedtime or by going to the gym, I’m SUCH a better mom and wife for it. Everyone wins!
If you are feeling guilty, talk with your partner to find some ways to add self care into your day or week. It might be hard and feel weird at first but it will become routine and you will thank yourself for it! You have to take care of yourself before you take care of everyone and everything else! Use this free mama planner and literally set aside time for your self care. Get it HERE!
Want help finding more time for self care? Head to this post on how to be a productive mom to get your to do list done and leave more time for YOU!
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