Before becoming a mom, self-care articles made sense. Going on a weekend getaway, booking a spa day with my girlfriends, and discovering a new winery via gravel travel were tangible things that I could act on spontaneously and truly have the best time! I was able to unwind, unplug, and forget about the world for a little bit.
Then, I became a mama.
Quickly, I found my Google searches shift to: “self-care for moms” and “taking care of yourself as a new mom”.
I’ll never forget some of the articles I read that truly left me cackling.
You want me to… WHAT?!
Light fifty candles around my bathtub and relax in a hot bath for an hour?
*Insert laughing emoji here*
Suuuuuuure thing, self-care article! I can’t even pee by myself, let alone create this terrifying fire hazard of a situation that my child is guaranteed to walk into.
Okay, okay…I’m being dramatic. Let’s say I can get the candles and step into the bathtub while the water is still hot. How relaxing it will be to listen to the sweet sounds of my 8-month-old screaming refusal of dinner at my husband. *Knock knock* “Hunny, can you help me out here?” Of course, I am going to help my husband and my sweet baby! It’s in my DNA to take care of my family. However, my self-care attempt didn’t get to happen.
After a few months into motherhood, once the haze of the newborn stage faded a bit, I started to reframe my thinking behind self-care.
So, here I am writing yet another “self-care for moms” article to infiltrate your Google searches. You may laugh at mine too, but hey, I tried, and I’m glad you’re trying to take care of yourself too! I’m proud of you, mama!
10 Self-Care Ideas for Moms that Moms Can Actually Do:
- Have dinner with a friend
Just you! No kids, no partner. The conversation will be so worth it.
- Go for a walk and listen to your favorite podcast
This can be on a trail, in the neighborhood, or around the mall!
- Stop putting off your hair or nail appointment
You’ll be “feelin’ yourself” afterwards!
- Ask for help.
One time I had my neighbor sit in my living room while my baby was sleeping so I could drive around the block and actually think for 30 minutes. It wasn’t weird.
- Hire the babysitter!
You will be so glad you did.
- Walk around Target without a shopping list
Don’t worry, Target will tell you what you need.
- Sit in a parking lot and watch Netflix on your phone
It sounds creepy, but hey, it’s uninterrupted time!
- Have your partner run errands with the kids
The entire house to myself? Heck yes! The catch is, you’re not allowed to clean.
- Skip the commitment
Send an email or text to let them know you’ll not be able to make it. You owe no one an explanation as to why.
- Move your body
Whether it’s a stroll around the block, a Cedar Rapids Moms Fitness and Wellness Group Gathering, or yoga locked in your bedroom. Moving your body will feel so good!
How do you do self-care as a mom? Share in the comments below!
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