As a mom, there are probably a lot of things you say yes to throughout the day. “Can I have a snack?” Yes. “Can I talk to my friend’?” Yes. But have you ever stopped to think about how many times you say “Yes” to yourself throughout the day? It isn’t selfish to make yourself a priority and self care shouldn’t be something you consider a luxury. In 2022, it’s time to take control of your free time and schedule days or even just moments where you can focus on what you love for some essential stress relief. We’ll share some tips to get you on track to make sure taking time for yourself is always a part of your week and not just an afterthought.
What is Self Care Anyways?
Many people throw around the term “self care” in different contexts, but what does self care look like for a parent? What might be helpful for parents can vastly differ from self care activities of those who don’t have kids to take care of. While the formal definition of self care can be broad and have various meanings, the short and sweet definition describes it as any action that improves your health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, self care activities can include focusing on any or all of the following aspects of your life:
- Physical
- Psychological
- Emotional
- Spiritual
- Social
- Professional
Tips for Prioritizing Self-Care Time
We all know that as a mom, you are constantly running around trying to keep up with your kids. Just getting a minute to stop and take a sip of your coffee can be a peaceful moment during the day. However, more than just a few seconds of free time is needed during the day to keep you healthy and your mental health in good shape. According to a recent study on free time, it’s recommended that moms set aside two hours per day for themselves. Where do you find the time to do this? We’re here to share some tips for prioritizing this essential self care time:
Put self care on your calendar
Just as you keep a schedule of soccer games, ballet lessons, and play dates — do the same for your self-care time. Keep a calendar entry where you set aside time each day to focus on what makes you happy.
Start your day with a personal reminder
Waking up and setting intentions for how you want your day to go is a powerful tool. This can help you mentally prepare for the day ahead and prepare for your self care time throughout the day.
Make room for a class or activity just for you
Joining a book club or a workout class is a great way to establish your self care time. Having something to do with a set time and date can help you more efficiently carve out your needed self-care time.
Self Care Ideas for Moms
Now that you’ve learned about the importance of self care as a mom, and how to establish your own self care time, it’s time to brainstorm a few ideas for how to use this time in your day. Whether you only have the chance to spare 20 minutes or you have a couple hours to indulge in self care, here are some ideas to consider:
- Take a power nap — we all could use some extra zzz’s during the day.
- Attend an online yoga class to de-stress.
- Pamper yourself with a new skincare routine.
- Go for a walk outside.
- Book a massage or nail appointment.
- Watch your favorite TV show.
MUTHA™ CEO and entrepreneur Hope Dworaczyk Smith is a huge advocate of self care for moms, especially. Learn more about how she manages being a mother while developing her brand.