Like most moms, some days I’m off. My energy tank is empty. I’m sometimes SO OVER everything. And guess what. That’s NORMAL! And also, it’s a huuuge sign I need to start taking better care of myself.
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If you’re here, it might be because I started a self-care challenge on Instagram. And you may have done the challenged, or maybe you started it and didn’t finish it. Or, maybe you didn’t do it but wanted to check out this post! Thank you and welcome!!
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I reached out to mamas via social media and asked their faaavorite ways to get back to themselves. Ways to take care of yourself. Ways to take a minute to relax, or get things done to relieve that busy, busy list in your head.
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So here what I got!
Creative projects! Make something new, search DIY on Pinterest, create something!
Bubble baths (saaaame here!) get a bath bomb from a local shop and up your bath game a lil.
Working out - it doesn’t matter how. A short walk in the sunshine, quick cardio in your livingroom, or a hardcore workout at the gym all count. Just move your body!
Yoga - although this might qualify as a workout, yoga specifically is sooo good for your body and can help in so many ways. If you can’t get to a studio, get on YouTube! There are thousands of amazing instructors with free videos for you to begin.
Books - read! When’s the last time you read a book? What about a book so good you couldn’t put it down?
New Shampoo - yummy luxurious cosmetics can upp the way you feel by 100 times! Splurging on a small bath product for yourself can make you feel like a new mama.
The Bible - reading the Bible may be the perfect way for some to get back to what is truly important, and to let the cares of everyday life fade away.
Mani & Pedis - many mamas often feel guilty to spend money on “indulgences,” but it often can make you feel 10x better about yourself. Can’t afford frequent pedis? Go once a month, or check out the local community college to see what they offer! Make sure to bring a friend, it’s soo much more fun than going alone.
Massage - getting a massage can do WONDERS for your mental health. Even if you can’t get to a professional masseuse, turn the lights down low, light a few candles, and have your husband give you a massage!
If I were to add a few more, here’s what I would add!
Call your mom! Most of us know the feeling you get when you hear your mom’s voice on the phone. It’s like instant reassurance that it’s all going to be okay.
Get rid of that one nagging thing you need to do. You know what thing I’m talking about. Now go do it.
Workout! I know this is on the list already, but I can’t emphasize it enough. Get moving! Find something you actually enjoy doing, and do that.
Get coffee or dessert with friends. Don’t just get coffee to go on and do something different. Get coffee to just get coffee and sit and visit. Chat about their week. Getting social is soo good for us, and sometimes it can slip away from us!
Take care of your body. I don’t know how many people tell me they’re SO TIRED, but then talk about how they drank a redbull for breakfast and stayed up until midnight the night before. Eat some veggies. Chill out on the sugar. Get some rest. Your body and yourself deserve that.
Sometimes self care isn’t just bubble baths and retail therapy. Sometimes it’s dealing with hard emotions and things you reaalllyy have a hard time talking about. Sometimes it’s taking care of those things that you keep putting off. Sometimes it’s taking care of your body rather than constantly splurging.
I had somewhat of a hard adjustment after having Maverick. I felt like I was constantly taking care of someone else, and never had enough time for myself. I had feelings of disappointment and frustration from his birth that I never talked about. I had a hard time adjusting to being a mom, and not just Stefany. But a HUGE part of being a good mom, in my opinion, is figuring out what you need as a mom to take care of your physical and mental health. I had to write Maverick’s birth story out, crying for a looong time. I had to make a point to chat with friends and family frequently to stay social. I had to workout often so that I would stay sane and that I could someday get to the point where working out wasn’t uncomfortable. I had to learn how to let Leo handle Maverick sometimes so I could take a relaxing bubble bath. I had to know when a splurge on gf cupcakes were okay, and when I had to take care of my body through healthy eating. I eventually got a gym membership so I could spend time without Maverick every day, an hour to myself. I marketed like crazy to book shoots and weddings so I could feel like ME, and to get that creative energy out.
And I’m still figuring it out!! I probably will always be. But I feel like reminders are SO needed. Taking care of us as mamas is essential so that we can take care of our little ones.
Let me know what you think! Did I miss one of your favorite ways to take care of yourself? Comment below!