Ok, Dani

Travel, Wellness, Personal Growth, and Manifesting for Women

Increasing Self-Care as a Busy Mom

by 146 Comments



Some mommy bloggers in their “confession” pieces are talking about how they haven’t showered in days, are wearing the same yoga pants for a week, and haven’t brushed their teeth or hair since two Sundays ago. It’s like a badge of honor, to be all jacked up in the name of motherhood… because a good mom puts her kids so high on the priority list that routine hygiene just doesn’t make the cut. ::side eye::
That’s a place I’ll never get to. (I will say, that those first weeks home with the baby, I was the hottest of hot messes, but once I was able to walk upright again without meds I was able to take care of myself properly.) I’m never going to be the fashion plate mom with an uber trendy designer outfit and full face of perfect makeup on before leaving the house just for a target run, but I’m not going to be a slob just because I can use having my two young children as an excuse.

Cutest excuses ever tho:

cute kid hug

Sooo…

I recently looked over the long goal and to-do list I wrote for this year in January. It’s June now so I’m starting to think of the second half of the year. I’m on track with a lot of the goals, I crossed out tons of the to-dos (which felt great!) and remembered some goals that kinda fell by the wayside.

One goal that I had was to increase my self-care and “me time.” I wake up early so I can sneak some exercise in, but that’s really the extent of the “me time” I created for myself. Things like getting mani/pedis I realize I now view as a treat, when they used to be routine maintenance… like brushing teeth.

No bueno.

So, I reorganized my list. I realize I’ve become that mom that lets herself slide down the priority list. Not to the point of the mommy bloggers mentioned above, but definitely not keeping myself up like I used to. My last brow appointment was on Mother’s Day for chrissakes. I know I’m busy with the kids, the house, the day job, and building my business, but there is no reason for my poor brows to feel the pain of my full schedule.

Here’s my personal plan for how I’m increasing self-care and feeling my best (and healthiest):

Bathroom Vanity Audit – I’m going through my staples, and the millions of un-used or partially used products that don’t serve me. Some of my faves like coconut oil and witchhazel will stay close at hand, I’ll see what I need to re-stock and remove from cluttering up my bathroom. This helps my health and self-care mentally and physically 🙂

Scheduling “maintenance” appointments in advance – Nails, brows, hair, etc… I’ll make them non-negotiable! And 100% child-free. Non-mommy time is essential! (I think I’ve finally found a natural hair stylist close by in Royal Palm Beach!) – cross your fingers for me.

pedi

Monthly “Treats” – For me this means a massage. I know some women love spa-days, or facials… but a monthly massage for me is something that can fit in the budget easily, and increase my feelings of well-being a million times over.

Nighttime Routine – I’m great about mornings. I have a morning routine that works well for me. The night however, gets nutty. I get the kids down and then work until I drop. Recreating my p.m. routine will definitely help me feel my best!

Back to yoga – Yoga is my boo. It’s that old friend that I talk to for a while, then never see, then talk to every day again… We’ve been on hiatus for a minute. P90X3 has brought us back together, but in a different way. I’m going to return to my soul-cleansing, vibe-refreshing yoga. I miss it.

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Comments

  1. Danielle says

    Uhhh so I can’t even fathom the idea of not completing basic hygiene tasks on a daily basis because of the kid. That’s just unsanitary in my opinion and certainly not a badge of honor. I legit said ewww while reading the beginning of your post.

    Okay so back to what I’m going to do in order to improve my self-care. I’m going to do a better job of scheduling time for myself that doesn’t involve work. Right now “me time” is sneaking in the office and watching Netflix while writing or grading and I’m pretty sure my brain needs a break. So, I think I’ll add 30 minutes at the beginning or end of the day where I just read something for fun. I also need to add more maintenance things like mani/pedi time. It used to be a Friday night ritual for me to do it myself, but that rarely happens anymore.

    Reply

  3. Natalie says

    I take control and care of my body by exercising every day, eating healthy meals filled with fruits and veggies and getting plenty of sleep.

    Reply

  7. Julie Wood says

    I take control and care of my body by making sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise every day, drink plenty of water, and I do yoga which really helps me stay balanced!

    Reply

  13. Terri says

    As crazy as it sounds, I take care of myself by swinging on my pole. No, I’m not a stripper but a dance and fitness and enthusiasts who likes to look good. By scheduling time to do some pole dancing/pole fitness in my living room weekly, I give myself the chance to improve my health, tone my body and look good by dressing up in my favorite pole clothes. (I dare you to look up pole dance clothes or pole fitness outfits without finding a handful of totally cute outfits you want to work out in.) Not only is it fun, but it’s unique and a sure bet for self-care and staying healthy

    Reply

  16. Erika says

    I just turned 30, and I’m suddenly finding wrinkles and achy joints. So I’m trying to take better care with good face cream and keeping my feet up at night.

    chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply

  19. Sharon says

    Being conscientious about my overall health, including my dietary intake and getting enough sleep and exercise, is how I take care of myself.

    Reply

  23. Paige says

    I work way better at night than in the morning, so I try to stick to my nightly routine of working out and reading a good book before bed!

    Reply

  26. Kimmy Ripley says

    I eat healthy most of the time and drink a lot of water. I also try to get some good sleep every night!

    Reply

  29. Madeline says

    I try to exercise while watching TV shows or movies, rather than sitting there. I sit enough all day at work!

    Reply

  32. OFG says

    I try to get a little fresh air and sunshine every day. Whether it’s sitting in the swing with my baby or walking to the playground with my three year old. I try to get outside and move my body at the same time.

    Reply

  33. LaChaya Terry says

    I used to be very loose about bedtimes until I realized it was very necessary to my mental health. Now I swear by them. I also have to do better about scheduling things just for me throughout the month. Just a little self care goes a long way!

    Reply

  39. Susan Smith says

    I take control and care of my body by walking daily, eating lots of fruits and veggies, having yearly checkups and taking vitamins

    Reply

  42. ANGEL JACKLYN says

    I LIKE MY NIGHTLY BATHS AND DAILY MORNING RUNS TO STAY CONFIDENT AND HEALTHY! THANKS FOR THE CHANCE!

    Reply

  44. Gina M says

    I take control by maintaining a regular exercise routine.

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    Reply

  56. Kerry says

    I try to take time out during the day to go for a walk – helps with stress and gets me some exercise!

    Reply

  62. Suzanne K says

    I take care of myself with my zumba classes, do need to add back my pilates DVD time at home tho! Thanks for the reminder/nudge!

    Reply

  72. Jen Reed says

    The way in which I take control and care of my body is that I make time daily for physical activity and I drink clean fresh water whenever possible.

    Reply

  76. MelissaO says

    I have made a lot of strides, but I still have a way to go. Eat well, exercise, sleep enough. But I need to make the time to truly recharge…ten minutes with my journal, an hour getting a pedicure. Doing yoga rather than cardio.

    Reply

  84. Henria O. says

    I take control and take care of my body by making sure I take my vitamins, drink lots of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
    sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

    Reply

  88. LAmusing says

    I take control by trying t listen to my body and give it what it needs. I get fresh air and vitamins every day.

    Reply

  101. Angela W says

    I take control and care of my body by drinking a lot of water and going to the gym at least three times a week!

    Reply

  104. Samantha Daleo says

    I try to take control by drinking a lot of water, walking daily and letting my husband spoil me with spa treatments and pretty undies every now and then 🙂

    Reply

  111. Aurelie Red says

    I take care of myself by drinking water (neither alcohol nor soda), eating fresh vegetables everyday and avoiding sun.

    Reply

  120. Lisa V. says

    I try to eat right, exercise, drink plenty of water and take cranberry supplements and a couple other vitamins targeted for women.

    Reply

  122. Beverly Metcalf says

    I drink lots of water, take vitamins, walk when I can and try to eat healthy. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  123. Stephanie Larison says

    I take control and take care of myself by drinking only water. I cut out sodas at the beginning of the year, and I feel great!

    Reply

  130. susan smoaks says

    I exercise and eat healthy to take control and care for my body. I love to feel energetic and healthy!

    Reply

  137. angie says

    I try to listen to my body, among the normal things like going to the doctor regularly and eating right. If I am tired, I try to get more sleep. If I am hungry, I try to eat only until I am full. If I am feeling anxious, I do something that helps me to relax like my photography. I pay attention.

    Reply

  140. Tabathia B says

    I always try to make time for me even if its only about 15 minutes to read or just close my eyes

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

    Reply

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