We’ve all seen the advertisements, the model with the perfect body getting a massage at what looks to be a five-star resort in the tropics, or the yogi nailing the perfect yoga pose while basking in the sun, or the image of the woman reading a book with the perfect cup of coffee! While these are all ideal images of self-care they are not practical. Let’s get real. Each of us needs to incorporate self-care into our already busy lives, not put it off until we have the time for that trip, to read that novel, or learn yoga because chances are burnout will occur first!
I’ll be the first to admit that it has taken me much trial and error when it comes to navigating the harmony of life, and yes, I said harmony, not balance. Parents it is impossible to balance everything, please don’t try, but more on that later, back to self-care. Here’s the thing, if you do not practice self-care as a busy parent you will more than likely end up entirely burnt out. You want to be there for your family, for your kids, and you need to be there, you’ll never get this time back. So, how can you be there and fulfill all your obligations and responsibilities while still enjoying life? By finding the joy in the small things. I’m sharing 5 small things I do to find joy and exhibit self-care in my hectic life.
5 REAL ways to exhibit self-care weekly!
Decompress with your Playlist
It’s about getting in your car after a tough day at work or running errands with your toddler and listening to your playlist. After work, I managed to get four songs in before having to take a phone call and pick up a kiddo. And when selecting songs to put on your self-care playlist choose uplifting songs, your favorites, classics, fun songs that will mentally take you to that massage on a tropical island. Can’t listen during your commute? Then listen while you get ready in the morning. I enjoy listening and saying the rosary as I get ready each morning, it’s a little pre-day prep self-care.
Wear a Warm Hug in the Perfect Hoodie/Comfy Clothes
After work and on the weekends you deserve to feel comfortable in quality clothing that will last. I have a comfy hoodie that I wear religiously, it’s practically my after-work and weekend uniform, lol! I can’t help myself, when I put this on it feels like a warm hug and I feel like I can conquer the world. And, while we’re at it, ditching the underwire makes me feel even more liberated and comfortable, perhaps it’s a bit too personal, but, these sports bras are self-care as well!
Go to Bed Early
I know it seems impossible and even impractical but do it anyway, go to bed early! Trust me you will thank yourself and the best part is all the laundry, dishes, etc, that you had planned on doing before bed will still be there in the morning.
Command the Remote
It’s not often that we busy moms get to sit down and watch a television show or movie but on the rare occasion during the week that we do we tend to be watching a show or movie to appease our young children, teenagers, husbands/spouses, etc. command that remote! May I suggest Damsel as a family movie or The Gentleman as a show just for the grownups? As always, I am open to suggestions, please share your fave. We need to watch entertainment at least once in seven days!
Say no to say yes
I had to say no to a meeting and grad school work to say yes to an impromptu weekend dinner with my kiddos. I chose wisely. Class and those other obligations aren’t going anywhere, my kids are, and my days with an 18, 16, and 13-year-old under my roof are going to be numbered. So remember the next time you feel conflicted, saying no to one event means saying yes to something else, like quality time with your family or partner.
When was the last time you practiced self-care? Do any of these suggestions resonate with you? Do you have a simple self-care suggestion that would benefit busy parents?
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 