Here are some practical self care ideas for moms.
If you want to be a better mom, one of the best ways to do that is by taking care of yourself. Whenever I’m not following a self care routine, I find myself not being present with my kids and I often have less patience for them.
I don’t like that version or myself, that’s why as a mom I make self care a priority. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty pitcher. You have to fill yourself up in order to fill up those around you.
The problem is as moms, we have this idea that self care is spending the weekend getting pampered at the spa once a year. While that sounds really nice, there are basic self care habits that moms should be doing on a regular basis all year round.
Why is self care important for moms?
If you’re not taking the time to care for yourself and intentionally doing the things that energize you, you won’t be able to care for your family and home well. You will procrastinate because you are tired and have little energy.
However, when you feel better about yourself because you have done things that energize you, you’ll be able to be the mom and wife your family needs.
How to start self care
Think of the things that energize you. What makes you feel like you can conquer the world or at least mop the floor?
What makes you a better mom? A better wife? A better homemaker?
Make a list.
Be specific with your list. And if you aren’t sure what energizes you, be more mindful in the coming days.
When you feel tired and unmotivated, ask yourself why. What is causing you to feel this way and make a note of it.
And when you do feel motivated and energized, again, ask yourself why. What is causing you to feel motivated? Add it to your list!
Once you have your list formed, get honest with yourself and ask if you are making time for those important self care practices.
How to take time for yourself
The best thing you can do is to make a plan for your time by following routines. You can start with a daily schedule and then add in a morning routine and evening routine.
Many of your self care habits will happen in the morning and the evening.
Here are some great self care ideas especially for moms to get you started.
Self Care Ideas for Moms
Beauty Self Care
1. Take a shower every day.
2. Don’t wear your sweat pants or over sized t-shirt all day.
3. Get dressed in clothes that make you feel good.
4. Wear earrings or a fun bracelet or rings.
5. Develop an easy make up routine you can do in 3-5 minutes for days you are home.
6. Don’t wear your hair in a ponytail or messy bun every single day.
7. Create a hair routine that is easy to follow but makes you feel good.
8. Cut and file your fingernails and toenails once a week.
9. Paint your fingernails and/or toenails once a week.
10. Use a loofah or exfoliating mitt on your legs and arms and follow up with lotion.
11. Apply a facial mask once a week or once a month.
12. Get your haircut regularly.
13. Wear perfume.
Emotional Self Care
14. Wake up earlier than your kids for quiet time.
15. Journal your feelings.
16. Make a gratitude list.
17. Call a friend.
18. Invite a friend over for a playdate.
19. Understand your personality. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
20. Manage your time with a daily schedule.
21. Guard your time by saying “no”.
22. Have a quiet time for kids, so you get a break too.
23. Take a break from social media.
24. Find a babysitter and use them.
25. Tell your husband when you are feeling depressed or stressed and need a break.
26. Let out a good cry instead of holding it all in.
27. Surround yourself with positivity and limit the negativity.
28. Start a new hobby.
29. Light a candle.
30. Check out books from the library or on Hoopla.
31. Read a book instead of binging Netflix or Instagram.
32. Plan a date night with your husband.
33. Hug your kids every day.
34. Set goals.
Health Self Care
35. Drink ice water with slices of lemon or lime.
36. Eat a big, delicious salad for lunch.
37. Consume berries and nuts for snacks.
38. Make a protein and fruit smoothie for breakfast.
39. Take vitamins C and D to boost your immune system especially in winter.
40. Go for a walk around the neighborhood. The kids can come along or ride in the stroller.
41. Do a 20 minute aerobic exercise video on YouTube.
42. Kick or throw a ball with the kids outside.
43. Wash your makeup off at night.
44. Go to bed at the same time every night for better sleep.
45. Get up around the same time every morning and follow a morning routine.
46. Floss your teeth every day.
Spiritual Self Care
47. Read the Bible. The best thing I ever did was simply read through the Bible for a year instead of reading devotional books.
48. Memorize scripture. Choose verses that encourage you as a mom.
49. Listen to Christian music while you do the dishes.
50. Listen to sermon podcasts or other Christian podcasts or programs.
51. Talk to God. About everything.
52. Find a Christian friend who will encourage you, and you can also encourage.
53. Join a mom’s Bible study that offers child care.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to self care, get out a piece of paper and write down the things that make you feel like a better version of yourself. Then find ways to incorporate those things into your routines.
You can also get help with my e-course Self Care 101 for Stay at Home Moms.
And if you have more ideas to add to this list, add them below in the comments!
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