Most self-care tips are not realistic. No, I don’t have time to get a pedicure. My elementary-age child was late for practice, the baby was grumpy from another restless night, and the toddler was triumphantly dancing on the kitchen countertop despite the reminder I gave 30 seconds earlier that we only dance on the floor. Somehow, amid this, I was supposed to prioritize self-care.
When self-care takes lots of time and effort, it’s not self-care anymore. I am right there with you. As a mom of 3, I can tell you that there are thriving and surviving seasons. I am passionate about self-care and feel strongly about having appropriate and realistic expectations of ourselves.
I am excited to share these six simple tips on implementing self-care into your daily routine. And no, I won’t tell you to wake up an hour early every day. Sleep wins in my house, always and forever, amen.
#1 Drink Your Coffee Hot
Why is it so hard to finish coffee with littles running around? It’s impossible to enjoy the full cup while it’s still hot. Reheat that cup, mama. Reheat it as many times as you need to. Make a fresh pot even. Drink your coffee hot.
There is something comforting about a hot cup of coffee. Drinking lukewarm coffee makes us all feel blah, and no one wants to start the day off feeling blah. Drink that morning’s happy bean juice from a special mug to level up. I like this one with a verse from the book of Proverbs. Whatever cup you use, let it inspire you and motivate you.
#2 Get Dressed
I know. Pandemic life made daily pajamas socially acceptable. But think about how good it feels when you wear real clothes instead of those sweatpants from yesterday. I always have a little more pep in my step if I’ve gotten dressed for the day, and it helps me feel more refreshed overall.
I’m not saying go full glam when you’re spending your day at home with babies and toddlers. Do whatever “get dressed” means to you. Sometimes I prefer a hoodie to a sweater—leggings instead of jeans.
I really enjoy makeup, so I wear it every day. However, you might be more of a moisturizer and mascara-only girl. You do you, friend. But spending ten minutes in the morning tending to yourself can help you feel refreshed for your day.
#3. Have a Special Afternoon Snack
The house is finally quiet, and the babies are napping. I know that never-ending list of chores is calling you. But hear me on this; the to-do list will never end. I know it’s a hard truth, but there will always be something else to do.
Take 30 minutes. Fix a favorite snack, the snack you keep hidden from the kids in the back of the pantry or that random cabinet. Then, put on a show that doesn’t include Cocomelon or Mickey Mouse. I promise the day will not fall apart while you take these 30 minutes for yourself.
With three babies five and under, the refreshing sweet bubbles of the Prosecco and the slight bittersweet taste of the dark chocolate made me feel fancy and fun when my days felt mundane. I looked forward to that special treat each day. And, of course, I am not advocating for being irresponsible.
#4 Move Your Body
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I was not very good at maintaining exercise during the years when my kids were babies. However, having a fulfilling exercise routine now makes me wish that I had prioritized my physical fitness sooner. It’s one of my regrets of those early years.
Sweet friend, you are worth it. Even if you stretch for five minutes at the end of the day, it will help you unwind and recharge. Also, I encourage you to get outside and move your body. Maybe that means walking or playing with your kids in the backyard.
Whatever it is, work up a sweat now and then. I promise you will be glad you did. And if you’re looking for great at-home workouts, I like Blogilates.
#5 Write It Down
Journaling has so many benefits. I find journaling helpful for processing life. It’s not something I consistently do, but journaling is what gets me through whenever I am in a season of survival.
Writing everything gets them out of your head and onto the paper instead. It helps you think and process those challenging times more objectively.
Journaling is also a fantastic way to keep track of your prayers and meditations. If you want to explore journaling from a Christian perspective, I love these Write the Word journals. I am currently working through the one on worship.
#6 End Your Day With a Hot Bath
I am convinced people who say they are not “bath people” haven’t given baths a chance. Think of a tub as an experience – not just a mode to get clean.
My nightly bath is essential to my mental health. I say that with all sincerity. My husband and children know not to come near the bathroom while I’m taking a bath. When soaking in that magnificent hot water, the day’s weight lifts off my shoulders while my entire body relaxes. The scent of my favorite body wash calms my mind and relieves my daily stressors. The quiet and peaceful bath centers and decompresses my introverted self.
Sometimes I make it fancy with bubbles and a candle. But most of the time, it’s not. It doesn’t need to be. Give it a chance. I even turn my husband into a bath person.
When we think of self-care, we often think of grand excursions like a spa day or a girls’ trip. However, I have found self-care to be more effective when you can consistently do little things for yourself throughout the day. It’s also essential to communicate with your person about what you need.
A self-care routine reminds you that you are worthy, lovely, and called to your season. That season might feel like thriving, or it might feel like you’re barely surviving. Either way, I hope these self-care tips help you feel loved because you are!
Some great tips. And yes, I am always drinking cold coffee. LOL
I will definitely send this to my sis (recent mom) 🙂
Great content
Congratulations to her!
Yes, yes, and yes!! Great post. I started making coffee time a priority for resting and starting my day well last year and it literally changed my attitude for the whole day.
I love it! Small changes can have such a big pay off!
Thank you so much for posting this! As a mom I think we can sometimes forget the importance of self care. I always try to have a bath at night to unwind and get some alone time. Thank you!
Preemie mom,
https://thepreemiemomblog.com/
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Coffee is still my big challenge but I’m working on it. I love the end of the day bath—something I have loved for years. Nothing like a hot bath to sooth and relax the body.
A hot bath at night is like magic. It’s lovely ?
Thank you for these ideas that can be implemented easy with such a great return.
I’m so glad you enjoyed them!
Great tips indeed. J hardly ever have a hot cup of coffee…
These ARE really simple, and more importantly, totally feasible ways to incorporate some self-care. Love these ideas so much!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Some great tips.
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great tips thank you what is this “bath tub” of which you speak ??
You can some times find one in a bathroom under a bunch of kid toys. 🙂
Great tips!
Loving these easy self care tips! I agree with the hot coffee too, I like to wake up a bit earlier than the husband and kid to enjoy my cup in the silence and semi dark room.
I resonate with most of these points! I finally started being more purposeful with how I go about my day and these tips are so simple yet so spot on.
Great self care tips. I love your #1, drink your coffee hot. It really is the little things like that that can make all the difference sometimes.
These are some great tips and yes I live in coffee it is my favorite time of the day. As a working mom it is so important to do little things that make yourself feel more human.
You had me at drink your coffee hot! I love self care tips for moms. Thank you for sharing!
My afternoon tea in my porcelain tea cup and saucer along with a few biscoff cookies is a must. Sometimes all I get is 10 minutes but I try to sit on my deck and sip tea and biscuits. It’s my me time.
I also try to get a few minutes of me time early in the morning before the kiddos wake. I try to journal during that time.
These are great tips. But I LOVE being in my PJs and tend to be more productive. (Of course, even if I’m having a virtual meeting with my boss, who doesn’t even see me, I get dressed for that!)
These are all some wonderful tips to ensure we practice self-care. I feel journaling has been one of the best forms of self-care that I have used throughout my life.