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As moms we are always so…extremely…busy.
Between taking care of our families and working outside the home, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself.
Between the early morning rush to get the kids ready to school, to getting to work on time and the many different after school activities and games that your child may be a part of, it can be difficult to not only get a healthy supper on the table, much less to find time for yourself before going to bed to do the same thing all over again.
However, it’s very important that we do make time for self care, because if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to take care of anyone else.
Here are my 20 Essential Self Care Ideas To Take Care Of Yourself
1. Get Enough Sleep
I know, I know, this self care idea is an obvious one to mention and is WAY easier said than done; however, getting into a regular routine is one of the most important things you can do to take care of yourself.
Most people needs at least 8 hours of sleep each night and with getting enough sleep, you’ll be able to function better the next day. Set an alarm on your phone as a bedtime reminder, and plan for your day using a daily planner so that you can make the most of your day.
Don’t put off the big tasks to do until later. If you’re anything like me, once you sit down on the couch, it’s over…I find it best to get things done while my momentum is going.
Grab a FREE daily planner below to start planning your day below.
2. Eat Healthy Foods
Eating nutritious foods helps your body stay strong and healthy and is essential to take care of yourself.
Make sure to include lots of fruits and vegetables and whole grains in your diet.
It can be very tempting (and more convenient) to go through that drive thru on a busy weekday, and while that’s ok every once in a while, it’s not a good habit to get into regularly.
To take care of yourself, try meal planning at the beginning of the week so you can stay on top of the chaos of the week and you will be prepared.
Not only will you be able to incorporate healthier foods into your diet, but you’ll be surprised how much money you will save just by planning ahead.
Tip: A beneficial self care idea is to pack you some some fruit for a snack at work, or go to the grocery store on the way home and get a rotisserie chicken with frozen vegetables for supper.
3. Exercise Regularly
Another important self care idea is to exercise regularly.
Exercise release endorphins which can improve your mood and energy levels.
Every little bit of exercise helps. Parking in the back of the parking lot and simply taking the stairs instead of the elevator are great simple ways to incorporate exercise into your daily life and to get moving.
Walking is also great exercise that you can do anywhere–on your work break, at the gym, or at the park.
If you do not have time to go to the gym or walk outside, there are plenty of indoor exercises that you can do without owning gym equipment.
Tip: There are YouTube walking videos you can follow along with to get your recommended steps.
Remember to always consult your doctor if you have any questions regarding exercise and your health and diet.
4. Take Breaks Throughout the Day
When you’re constantly on the go, it’s easy to neglect your own needs.
Try to take a few minutes throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate yourself.
This may be different for each person.
Some people takes breaks and watch their favorite show, play an instrument, or take a hot bath.
For me, self care includes fostering my creativity and writing blog posts and graphic design.
If you’re a planner like me, make sure you don’t just schedule your to-do lists for chores- schedule time for yourself.
Productivity is more than just completing tasks in your daily life; it’s about improving your energy and rejuvenating your soul.
What do you enjoy doing the most that you wish you had more time for? Help our community by leaving some self care ideas in the comments below.
5. Connect With Family and Friends
Spending time with friends and family members can help reduce stress and promote positive emotions. Go shopping with a buddy or go out dancing.
6. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises can all help you relax and de-stress.
Enroll in a class and learn the proper techniques.
Remember, to ask your healthcare professional if you have any questions whether these exercises are right for you.
Journaling is an amazing self care idea that you can do to relax your soul. Just being able to write down all your thoughts and feelings can be so therapeutic.
There’s no one right way to journal and the best part is that you can do it anywhere.
You can buy a traditional journal to write in or just simply use your phone or tablet to write everyday.
Promptly Journals has a collection of beautifully designed journals with carefully curated prompts for capturing and preserving life’s moments.
These journals offers prompts that inspire introspection and self reflection that promotes clarity of mind and alleviating stress.
Journaling encourages self discovery and serves as a therapeutic outlet.
Check out Promptly Journals and browse through their collection of journals.
UPDATE: From 12/1/23-12/12/23, Promptly Journals is having their 12 days of Christmas Sale! This is the PERFECT opportunity to stock up on Christmas, birthday, anniversary gifts, etc. There is a new sale each day so check it out here before it’s too late!
7. Avoid Over Scheduling Yourself
This is also way easier said than done.
One self care idea that helps me the most is to use a daily, and weekly planner.
It’s important to allow yourself some downtime each day so that you can relax and recharge your batteries.
Don’t be so focused on scheduling all the tasks that needs to be accomplished in a day that you forget to make time for yourself.
Being productive is so much more than your to do lists- it’s about balancing tasks with wellbeing.
By using a planner you can get an idea as to what all you can realistically accomplish in a day or in a week, while still making time for you to take care of yourself.
8. Take Care of Your Mental Health
Moms often put their own mental health last on their list of priorities.
However, it’s just as important as your physical health.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, seek professional help if needed.
There is absolutely no shame in seeking help and someone you can talk to. No one should go through problems alone.
Tip: use positive affirmations throughout the day. Put these affirmations in places where you’re likely to see them daily- such as on a mirror or the Lock Screen of your phone.
9. Set Realistic Goals For Yourself
It’s important to have goals but don’t try to do too much too quickly.
Pace yourself so you don’t become overwhelmed or burnt out.
A useful self care idea that I have found works for me is to use planners to get organized.
There are so many different daily, weekly, monthly planners to choose from as well as digital planners that you can always keep with you.
10. Say No When Necessary
Wow, this self care idea is a difficult for me as well.
I’m the type of person that is always willing to help others out and will go out of my way to help.
While it’s important to help others, you also need to consider your wellbeing as well.
Don’t stretch yourself too thin.
Don’t be afraid to say no when someone asks you to do something that you do not have time for.
You need to take care of yourself. You are just as important!
11. Take Care Of Your Home Environment
A cluttered home with no system in place can be overwhelming and stressful, so try to keep your home neat and tidy. Develop a cleaning routine so you know when to clean and when you can relax. After you finish reading this, read my article on how to declutter your home. You’ll find some great tips that you can incorporate into your everyday life.
12. Invest in Self Care Products
There are many self care products on the market that can help you relax and rejuvenate- such as aromatherapy candles, bath bombs, and essential oils. Go on Amazon and search around for self care products that resonates with you. Anything that relaxes you that you enjoy counts as self care and is a great self care idea If you’re an artists and drawing soothes your soul and relaxes your mind, then treat yourself with some art supplies. You deserve it!
13. Treat Yourself
Get a massage or pedicure/manicure or anything that makes you feel pampered.
14. Make Time For Hobbies Or Activities
Doing things you enjoy that make you happy can help reduce stress levels and promote positive emotions.
Self care includes anything that you enjoy doing that help you relax.
Start using a planner to help you schedule things. It can seem near impossible to find the time, but you’d be surprised how much wasted time the day can bring.
Tip: Start grouping activities so that you can find more time in the day. Keep the kitchen tidy as you’re cooking, or put a load of laundry in the wash before you start supper and dry them after you’re finished cooking. You’ll be surprised how just doing one load of laundry a day can help!
15. Avoid Negative People And Thought When Possible
Negative emotions can be contagious as well and can drain your positive energy.
Surround yourself with positive people who makes you feel good.
Practicing “self-compassion” is a crucial to self care– be kind and understanding towards yourself, even during difficult times.
Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence and self esteem. Put these positive affirmations in a place where you’re likely to see it…a wallpaper on your phone or on a mirror so you see them frequently.
Life can be hard, and you’re doing the best you can!
16. Drink Plenty Of Water
There are just so many benefits to drinking water.
Keep a log of how much you drink a day and strive to aim for the recommended amount per day. If you’re not a big water drinker, start small and increase slowly. Every bit of progress is an improvement.
17. Take Vacations and Trips When Possible
This does’t have to include expensive vacations like to Europe or a week long cruise…although, wouldn’t that be nice?!
Just a simple day trip or weekend trip to a new city in your state can help give you a sense of adventure and rejuvenate the soul and is a self care idea that is within your grasp. Take a trip the mountains or the beach and treat yourself to a nice hotel.
Keep a vacation jar to help you save up. Every time you find spare change, put it in the jar to help you save effortlessly.
Be mindful of spending during your week and eliminate any unnecessary spending that you could then put towards a trip.
18. Spend Time Outdoors In Nature
This is probably another favorite self care idea for myself. I absolutely love going on walks. I love just walking around and looking at all the beauty that nature has to offer. Find what works for you!
19. Use A Planner To Organize Your Time
A planner is a great self care idea that can help you keep track of what you need to do each day and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
This is an essential self care idea because planning can help increase productivity and can decrease stress overall.
Schedule time for yourself each day for self care. Even just 20 minutes each day is a great start and can go a long way in how you feel. You can read my article on how ways to increase productivity.
20. Find a Support Group and Communities
Being able to relate to other people and know that you’re not alone, is very important and can benefit your mental health.
A great way to take care of yourself is to find a community in which you belong.
Whatever your hobby is, find like minded people that you can share it with. Join classes at a community college just for fun to increase your knowledge.
There you have it. Those are my top 20 essential self care ideas to take care of yourself.
I hope you found this article helpful. Which of these self care ideas are your favorite? Leave your ideas in the comments below.
Also, don’t forget to sign up and get your free planner bundle!
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