Prioritizing Self-Care

As a stay-at-home mom, it’s easy to feel like you are living on the set of the movie Groundhog Day. Each day often seems the same as the one before. You feed the little people, you do the dishes and the laundry, and you try to convince the little people to sleep.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

We can begin to feel run down and worn out. It’s easy to forget to put yourself on the to-do list, and self-care becomes something you no longer even think about. When I get a free moment, I feel like I need to catch up on the laundry or the housework. There is so much that needs to be done, and so little time in a day. However, I have found that I am a better mommy when I intentionally make myself a priority. In fact, self care is also important to your mental health! When we are mindful of our own physical, spiritual, emotional needs, we can reduce or own anxiety and improve our own well-being.

However, self care doesn’t just happen. Like anything else in life, we have to make a plan. Here are some great ideas to making yourself a priority and put self care on your schedule.

Relaxing Bubble Bath
Some days you just need a nice long bubble bath. Turn on some relaxing music, grab your favorite book or magazine, and get some yummy scented bath bombs. When baby wakes up from nap, you’ll feel like a brand new (rested!) mommy. 

DIY Pedicure
Nothing makes it feel more like summer than freshly painted toes. Sometimes just taking the time to paint my toes during naptime is enough to make feel just a little better, and it adds a little pep in my step. Pamper yourself with an Epsom salt foot soak, followed by a great moisturizer.

Take a Walk
It’s beginning to look a lot like…spring! It’s a great time of year to put baby in the carrier or stroller and get outside. Bundle baby with a hat and blanket if you need to, but the vitamin D from the sunshine will be good for both of you! Plus, the endorphins you release from the walk may even boost your mood and help you have an even better day!

Schedule a Playdate
This isn’t what you think. This is a mom date disguised as a “play date.” As moms, we often don’t make time to interact with other adults. Some times I go all day and realize I haven’t spoken to anyone over the age of 9 all day. Make it a priority to spend time with your friends, even if it’s by hosting a play date.

I have found that these little moments of self-care go a long way to making me feel like a better version of me, which helps me be the best mommy to my little ones. They certainly deserve the best version of me I can give them!

Wendy is a breastfeeding, baby wearing mom in central Illinois where she blogs at TheMessyMom.net.