I’ll be the first to admit that I tend to put myself on the back burner all of the time. I can usually think of ten million other things to do during any free time I may get, which with two kiddos under 4, is like none. However, as time has gone on, I have found that it is absolutely necessary for me to take the time for myself. By doing so, I’m happier, more energized, and am able to focus more on what’s in front of me.
Getting to this point had not been easy for me, though. It’s taken a lot of time to realize that by indulging in self-care, I’m actually helping my family. A happier mom means healthier and happier relationships with those around me. For those of you, who may be just like me in the dragging your feet department, I wanted to develop of list of easy, no to low-cost self-care activities. Obviously, there are so many other things one can do, but these tend to by my go-to activities.
Take a Bath
This one is probably the most cliché, but honestly, I didn’t appreciate a good bath until after I had children. Throw in some candles, a good book, and a bath bomb. Complete heaven. I will usually stream some quiet, soft music and just let my muscles relax and my mind unwind.
Read a Book
I adore reading. I have been called a bookworm a time or two, but there is nothing better than getting lost in a great story. With e-books and audiobooks, there are so many different ways to escape to a different world, or see the universe through a storyteller’s eyes. I have been trying to focus on mixing up the types of books I read, as well.
Bake Something
The smell of chocolate something baking immediately puts me at ease. I love the motions of baking- the mixing, the measuring, the tasting. It’s awesome to just get caught up in a recipe and see how it all turns out. Not to mention, you are usually left with something delicious to indulge in!
Do a Craft
When I want to do something crafty, I usually bust out my Silhouette Cameo 3 (which is definitely not a low cost item). However, I have done many other crafts in the past that are usually pretty cheap. A canvas and a couple of bottles of acrylic paint can easily be transformed into something new. If you have the more expensive equipment on hand already, buying the supplies for a new project is usually not that much. I also highly recommend adult coloring books. Its a great, cost effective way to get some of that creativity out!
Watch TV/Listen to Music
Most people have a subscription to Netflix or Hulu or any of the other many streaming apps. With the huge selection of shows and movies, it’s very easy to find something to your taste and to get lost in it. I also may, or may not have a huge selection of “The Great British Bake Off” on my DVR. When I want something I don’t want to concentrate on, I will usually turn on one of my music streaming apps. Music is easily something you can add to another activity as well!
Exercise
I have recently picked up running and I was pleasantly surprised to find out how much I enjoy it. Putting in my earbuds and turning up a song and running off to the beat of it has been a great way for me to release stress and anxiety. I’m eager to try some other types of exercise, like yoga and swimming, to see if those will be great fits for me as well. The best bonus is how good I feel after the release of all of those endorphins.
These are just a snippet of easy things you can do for yourself. Some of these can be done during a short break and some can be stretched out for a longer period of time.
Take the time to develop your own list.
What charges you?
How can you release stress and anxiety?
What makes you happy?
The most important thing is that you do take the time to take care of yourself. Taking care of yourself is just another part of taking care of your family. You deserve to be able to relieve some stress and to recharge. Plus, your family is going to reap the benefit of having a happier mom in the house.
What types of things do you do to recharge?
Any tips for other moms looking to sneak in time for some self-care?
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