Family, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Working Mommy

Surviving to Thriving: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Self-Care

The Struggle is Real

The daily life of a mom is a struggle sometimes. Mom’s needs often seem to come last. After all we have morning routines, evening routines, cooking, meal planning, sports practices, and work – among a ton of other demands. There are times I feel like self-care is impossible. There’s just not enough time in one day.

It’s a backwards thought process because in reality, what good are we to anyone if we are burnt out and not at 100%? I know that it is important to care for myself but between working mom guilt and the overall lack of time, there are times when self-care does not happen. I have gotten better though and have been making it my goal to make time for self-care and find quick ways of incorporating self-care into my routine without feeling guilty.

My Self-Care Routine

My brain dump notebook

I incorporate much of my self-care into my morning routine. I wake up 2 hours before everyone else to have the time for myself. I write in my gratitude journal every morning with my coffee. I spend about 20-25 minutes on the elliptical machine, and plan out my day. Once a week I do something like get my nails done, put on a facial mask, schedule a night out with my girlfriends – whatever helps cheer me up.

The point is – self care is essential, you need to take time for yourself. Whether you have 2 minutes or 2 hours; are on a budget or have hundreds of dollars to spare – it can be done. Check out my list of self-care ideas that are perfect for busy moms.

EMBRACE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE

  • Draw
  • Paint/Get Crafty
  • Write in a journal
  • Blog
  • Decorate your planner (*personal fav)

CONNECT WITH OTHERS

  • Spend time with a friend
  • Spend time with a pet
  • Volunteer somewhere (SPCA, Soup kitchens, Shelters- they are all in need of help)
  • Play a board game with family (We love Candyland, Guess Who, and Operation)

RELAX

  • Take a hot bath
  • Listen to music
  • Take deep breaths
  • Diffuse essential oils (Lavender to help you relax or Wild Orange to lift your spirits)
  • Read your favorite book or a new magazine
  • Have a DIY spa night (buy some inexpensive face masks at Walmart, do your nails, and take a nice long bubble bath)
  • Curl up with your favorite glass of something (coffee, tea, hot cocoa, wine…whatever)

NURTURE YOUR PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

  • Exercise
  • Go for a walk
  • Take a nap
  • Get a massage

TAP INTO YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE

  • Look up motivational or inspirational quotes
  • Write down positive affirmations
  • Spend time with your Bible
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Attend mass/services 

Some days my self-care routine is pretty simple (Starbucks coffee, exercise, catch up on YouTube videos, read and journal) and other days it is more elaborate (nail appt, face mask, massage). The most important thing to remember with self-care is that it really is essential for your well-being. It is giving yourself the tools you need to achieve your own goals while caring for your loved ones.

Over to you! How do you practice self-care in your busy life? I would love to hear how you unwind after a busy day.

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9 thoughts on “Surviving to Thriving: A Busy Mom’s Guide to Self-Care”

  1. It is great that you’re practicing some self-care with a busy schedule! This helps keep you moving forward. I love that you keep a gratitude journal and work out! There are a lot of neat things to do to destress and make yourself feel a bit more energized without all of the caffeine. Thanks for sharing your self-care routine!

    Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me

  2. So easy to forget to make time for this! My self care is currently taking some time after the kids are asleep to catch up on soocial media and occasionally watch a TV episode, but I need to work on making a better and more intentional routine.

    1. Very easy to forget! I have several tv shows that are my guilty pleasure – Real Housewives is one of those. What do you watch? Thanks for stopping by!

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