I am so excited to be collaborating with my friend Meg again for this post on self care! We have been instafriends and have collaborated on a “red head” post in the past. This time we are both bringing you our take on self care. After you read below make sure to head over to her post and tell her I sent you!
Self Care. You hear it talked about especially in the mom world. I think that is because self care techniques are constantly changing and evolving based on our life situations. You add a kid or two (or three or four), you move, you get a new job, or your schedule changes…. All of those things cause a seismic shift and you have to reevaluation how you execute your self care. A perfect balance is always the goal but I think a HAPPY balance is what is important.
Personally, lately I have had to scale down working out because of my pregnancy and so to replace it every few weeks I am heading in for a mani or a pedi. It helps keep me relaxed and it is something that is a treat. I also have enjoyed some time reading and watching a few netflix shows. I am doing this all knowing that in a few short months a new baby will be here and my self care routine will have to change. Taking a little extra self care time during these months is hopefully setting me up for a positive mental health level as we shift into a new normal.
There are so many different ways to fulfill your self care needs. It can be hard to get the ball rolling [especially if you are a newer mom #momguilt]. But I promise it is so worth it not only for you but for your family. Self care can be done in as little as 10-15 minutes but that time can do so much for your mental and physical health.
I think the very first piece of self care advice I have is once your child is on a good schedule getting up before them is so imperative. Even if it is to just lay in bed and check social media. It is so nice not to feel rushed into getting up and getting the ball rolling. Some other Ideas on self care include:
Read a book
Workout (even small at home workouts get those good endorphins going)
Take a Bath
Pamper yourself… get a mani, your hair down, something that makes YOU feel beautiful
Have a glass of your favorite drink
Enjoy a cup of coffee HOT before the kiddos wake up
Enjoy time with friends WITHOUT the kid (s).
Taking care of yourself will help make sure you are functioning as your best self. Whether you are a mom or not taking time for yourself in our “go, go, go” world is important for your mental and physical wellness. I love that people are finally talking about it because I know that I need to constant reminder to take care of myself and not just those around me!
What are you favorite strategies for self care?
PS Make sure to head over to Instagram and follow Meg and don’t forget to head on over to her blog post on self care!