15 Self Care Ideas For Mom (or anyone really)

A few bloggers and I have teamed up to share about what our thoughts about what self care is. This summer series was started by Arin and Navy. While today, we are sharing about self care, they have created a list of topics that I can’t wait to read about later this month.

Over the past couple years, the topic of self care seems to be everywhere.  As a busy work at home mom of two, I have to indulge in some sort of daily self care. Contrary to popular belief, self care isn’t all at home spa nights and wine Wednesdays. I mean yeah, those two things are great and I have participated in both, but self care can be so much more.

A Happy Mom Makes a Happy Home

Think about what makes you happy and then do it. That my friends is basic self care. But in order for it to work, we have to intentionally make time and practice the things that make us happy. Making time may be the difficult part, however, not all self care practices require time commitments.

I think self care can be broken into two different categories: body and soul. Sounds hippy dippy, but stay with me a minute. You’ll understand more as we move down the 15 ideas for self care.

Self Care for Your Body Ideas

1. Eat Good Food – This one can be easy because we all have to eat. I used to think it made me happy to indulge in sweets and fried foods, but as I get older I am learning that the more I stick to a whole food diet, the better I feel and hence, the happier I am.
2. Have a Dance Party – One of my favorite things is to put on some music and dance it out. You can even get the whole family involved in the dance party. .
3. Find a Skin Care Routine That Works for You – Not all skin care routines are created equal. Some nights, my skincare routine takes a good 30 minutes, other nights I wash my face, use toner, and moisturizer and call it a night. But always remember take off your makeup with something more then a makeup wipe. I am pretty passionate about the no makeup wipe thing. The wipe ends up just moving the makeup around on your face and that’s not helpful at all.
4. Get Outside and Get Some Sun – Do anything in the sun. Take a walk with the family or even by yourself.  Lay out on a blanket in the sun during nap time while sipping on a cold beverage. Sun light can do wonders for any mood.
5. Breathe – I would usually suggest yoga, but sometimes I don’t even have time for a short yoga routine. But breathing, anyone can take the time to intentionally take a few deep breaths.
6. Have Sex – TMI maybe, I don’t know, I don’t really care. All I’m trying to say is just do it. (I also thing this one could be good emotional too, just saying)

Self Care for the Soul 

1. Spend time with your Bible and pray – Praying comes easily to me, I am constantly praying for people. But spending time with my Bible is hard for me to commit to. And I have no go reason for it except it just doesn’t get done. I’m working on it because I know if I study the Bible and chat with God, I feel more grounded.
2. Give out compliments or serve others – Do you know that feeling you get when someone say thank you with a huge smile? I love that feeling. Self care doesn’t have to be all about you, it can be about helping others.
3. Practice Gratitude – A thankful heart can do all things.
4. Spend some time alone, with your partner, and with your friends without kids – I love my kids but sometimes my mind just needs reboot without them around. I always feel recharged after spending an afternoon by myself, or on a date night, or getting out with my friends. If you have kids, you need time away from them. Its not selfish, its just the truth.
5. Set Boundaries – Learn to say no. Make decisions based on what would help your family. Stop comparing and trying to please people. Get away from negative people. This has probably been the hardest for me to put into practice, but as I am working towards setting boundaries in my life, I feel like a weight has started to be lifted off my shoulders.
6. CRY – I’m a crier. Over the years, I have come to accept it. Crying makes me feel better. Let out those tears.
7. LAUGH – The opposite of crying is laughing. Laughing also does wonders. Laugh a lot and laugh often!
8. Hang Out on The Couch – This is my way of saying unplug from your phone, work, and household duties. Right now my TV viewing consists of reality tv, sitcoms, and teen dramas. Sometimes being able to watch anything but Paw Patrol is just what the heart desires.
9. Get your groceries delivered and/or hire help – A couple months ago, I signed up for Instacart and I have never looked back. I dislike taking my kids shopping. With Instacart, I don’t have to walk into a grocery store with them. In a few clicks on my phone, i can grocery shopping at my front door. If grocery delivery isn’t your thing, get someone to clean your house or watch your kids on a permanent basis. You don’t have to do life without help

Do you practice Self Care?

Because you should and because it’s not just coffee and face masks.  If you don’t currently practice self care, add some self care practices into your day little by little. And remember, not all self care practices look the same.

Want to know more about Self Care?

Check out my friend’s posts below!

Arin |  Navy  |  Chelsee  |  Jen  |  Liz  |  Aryn |  Noelle  |  Cait  |  Hannah