Are you a busy mom who often feels guilty for prioritizing self-care? You’re not alone. Self-care is defined as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. Self-care is important for all, but moms typically don’t take the time for themselves for a variety of reasons. My personal reasons were feeling guilty for leaving my kids, feeling like it meant I was a bad mom for needing time alone, feeling like I would miss something important, etc. But all in all, moms are better moms when they take care of themselves. This has taken a lot of practice for me.
After having my first daughter in 2020, I did absolutely nothing for myself. I went to work and then came home and centered every waking moment around her. The weekends were strictly for her too. I was so burnt out, but would never admit it. I thought this is what a good mom is, centering their entire world around their kids and not leaving their side. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I was physically with my daughter, but I wasn’t always present. I absolutely suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety with her, but again, didn’t admit that until I was over the hurdle.
It took having my second daughter in 2022 and also getting over the hurdle of PPD/PPA to finally recognize that I needed to do things for myself again. Obviously having children does make my “me time” more challenging to schedule, but I am grateful to have a supportive husband who makes sure I get it. I encourage whoever is reading this, parent or not, to make sure you are doing things that make you genuinely happy; even the little things.
So many people consider self-care to be a beauty routine. While things like taking an everything shower or dermaplaning your face can be considered self-care if this is something you enjoy, there are so many non-beauty related self-care ideas you can take advantage of.
Below are a few of my own favorites that you may be able to draw inspiration from:
. Reading
I just recently got back in to reading. I go through lulls of wanting to/not wanting to read. I read a book in two days (I have never done that before – BTW it was Verity by Colleen Hoover.. 10/10). I was picking up my book while my kids were playing independently. It’s not something you need to do while they’re asleep (although, you will likely be able to read more pages when they are lol) and it lets you stop thinking about your to-do list and what’s for dinner for a few minutes.
. Knitting
Ok, so I know this is a skill not everyone knows how to do. My aunt was visiting over the summer and I asked her to teach me. She makes such beautiful blankets, clothes, costumes and dolls for my daughters, so I knew I was in good hands. She taught me in 3 sessions, each ranging from about 1-2 hours. I am by no means good lol. But it’s fun! I am making a chunky blanket right now and can’t wait to see the finished product. There are definitely YouTube channels that can teach you for free too, if you are interested.
. Walking + Nature
If you told me 5 years ago that I would enjoy walking, I would not believe you. In the past year, I have become really passionate about going for walks. Walks with little kids are amazing because you get to put them in the stroller and take off (this alone is self-care for me because both my daughters are climbers and I always have to have my eye on them, so walking gives me a break from that). I usually throw on a podcast (I enjoy the skinny confidential, hot mess, call her daddy and just glow with it) and walk for an hour. Walking has been so therapeutic for me and is something I really enjoy doing. My family are big on being outdoors too. We are always going for nature walks or hikes. Getting fresh air is a non-negotiable for us and immediately makes me feel good.
. Baking
This is definitely not for everyone, but I think it’s so fun! Baking always scares me because if you mess one thing up, your recipe is ruined. I enjoy cooking because I can wing the measurements and just go with the flow. Baking is a newer hobby/self-care idea that I started fall 2022. I started following a really amazing Instagram account (@halfbakedharvest) who posted these incredible recipes that inspired me to try baking. I have definitely had some come out really terrible, but it’s a fun activity that I look forward to doing. I am just about to start getting into baking again now that it’s fall again!!!
. Journaling + Meditation
Journaling is something I don’t consistently do, but when I do, I feel wonderful. I typically journal when I have something really weighing on me. I write whatever is on my mind and it likely makes no sense. I make sure to get every thought and emotion out of my head and on to paper. I instantly feel lighter. Note: don’t go back and read the journal entries lol.
Along with journaling, I really enjoy meditation. There are a lot of free apps and youtube videos you can follow along. A lot of people are intimidated by meditation, me included in the past, but there is no right or wrong way to do it. What helps me get the most out of meditation is to go back to focusing on my breath when I find my mind starting to wander. I think breathe in (and then breathe in), breathe out (and then breathe out) continuously. I find meditation stops me from thinking about everything else in my life for a few minutes and really makes me present in that moment.
. Beauty
I am someone who enjoys doing beauty routines, so I do consider this self-care. I take hours to myself doing “high maintenance to be low maintenance” things. This looks like doing my eyebrows, buffing my feet, dermaplaning my face, applying self-tanner, etc. All things that will physically make me feel good during the week. These little things make me feel more put together and just all around better – just like that saying “look good, feel good”.
. Going For a Drive or Having Lunch by Yourself
There is something about going for a solo drive and blasting your favorite music that I love. I used to do this all the time as a teenager and slowly just stopped as I got older. But I love doing it again. Being able to blast your favorite music and go on a scenic route (always the beach for me) makes me so happy and I am sure it will make you happy too. It’s all about appreciating the little things in life, which also takes practice.
I also enjoy grabbing lunch by myself (this doesn’t happen too frequent though). It’s nice to just sit there and chill. It can feel a little weird at first and I honestly didn’t even know what to do, but no one else is thinking about you eating by yourself, promise! People watching while having lunch is fun for me. I try not to sit on my phone the entire time because that kind of defeats the purpose of spending time with myself.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential for your well-being. Embrace your favorite self-care habits and make time for yourself. What’s your go-to self-care activity?
Until next week,
Lauryn xo
Beauty and the Mama 