Being a mom often means putting yourself last. Women will give their kids the extra serving of dessert or purchase things the kids need without taking time to realize what they need. Women can offer their families so much more when they are at their best. By being calm, fulfilled, happy, and healthy, you can give your family more attention, care, and love. Here are seven ways to keep your sanity, find ways to care for yourself, and make sure you always perform at your top level.
#1: Create a soothing experience in the bath
Put a few candles on the sink. Add a bottle of champagne or wine to a bucket of ice. Stream some soft and mellow tunes to listen to while you bathe. Drop a fizzy bath bomb into the water and get ready to soak away the stress of the day. If you have a Jacuzzi or hot tub, then grabbing a cold beverage and tossing on your bathing suit will be all the nudging you need to get away from the little ones for a bit.
#2: Spend half an hour with a book and a warm beverage on a cool autumn day
There is no need to spend money to relax. Sometimes, the simple things are what we need to make it through the day or the week. Choose a fancy gourmet tea and make an extra big mug of it. Then, find a comfortable place and a book. Change into something more comfortable, such as your favorite pair of wool socks and slip on sneakers. Put someone else in charge of the kids while you take the time to imagine yourself somewhere else for a bit.
#3: Find a hobby and make a weekly date for it
Do you like to paint? Perhaps you want to learn how to cook a new type of cuisine. Maybe, you enjoy writing poetry. Choose a hobby that will hold your attention. Make an appointment in your calendar and stick to the schedule. Take the time to give back to yourself, and you will find you are calmer and can handle things easier the next time life gets stressful.
#4: Do something spontaneous and exciting
When life gets boring, it can be hard to find your way out of a rut. The best way to kick start your life again is to jolt yourself out of the routine. Try a new experience like go-cart racing, rock climbing, or zip-lining. By getting out of your comfort zone, you can let loose and forget about everything that is on your mind.
#5: Plan an evening with the girls
Nothing beats a night out with your best friends. Sometimes, the best way to give yourself a little love is to spend the evening laughing and having a few drinks or dinner with those who know you best. Moms need socialization outside of the home to keep their verbalizing skills in check. Hire a sitter for the night and go to the movie theater. You can check out a chick flick with all the popcorn and treats you want to enjoy.
#6: Take a class
Sometimes, learning something new is a great way to beat the blues. Picking up a new skill, or taking the time to hone a craft, can give you the mental break that you need. Many local artists offer free classes to teach people how to perform new skills. You can also support small businesses by participating in opportunities they offer, like making holiday cards or creating a backdrop for your next photo session.
#7: Spend time exercising and meditating
Another excellent tip for self-care is for moms to get out and get some fresh air. Take a walk, go for a hike, learn how to do yoga, or try martial arts. Learning how to meditate is an excellent skill to have when the kids are stressing you out to the max.
