Self-Care Basics to Have Better Days
When is the last time you practiced self-care?
It's common knowledge that we have to take care of ourselves, and if you ask someone, they'll say they do.
But if you say “How do you take care of yourself?”
Crickets.
If you don't know the basics of self-care, how can you expect to be able to practice it?
Self-care is a necessity, especially for moms. We need to start taking control of our mental health, our wellness, and our sanity so we can give our families the very best of us.
When you're overwhelmed and pouring from an empty cup, what you're giving your family isn't a gift.
So how can we start giving our best to our loved ones?
Self. Care.
Girl, you have to fill that cup up before you can expect to contribute to your family. Do it early and often. Every day.
I always say “Self-care isn't selfish”, but maybe it's time to change that.
Be selfish.
Take that time for you, because if you aren't taking it, who will give it to you? Who will fill your cup for you?
No one.
Be selfish. Be unapologetically selfish.
Self-Care Definition
What is self-care?
Being deliberate with your efforts to take care of your health.
Here is what Google says when you type in “self-care definition”:
The practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
Is putting yourself last for the good of the family taking an active role in your well-being?
It sounds like procrastinating to me.
As moms (and women in general) we tend to put ourselves last because we think everyone else needs to come first.
The time is now to begin your self-care routine.
How to Start With Self-Care
Aside from when you are sick when do you take time for yourself?
It's been a while, hasn't it?
Self-care doesn't have to be this crazy, long, drawn-out process. You don't have to put your entire life on hold and ignore your responsibilities to find time for yourself.
Simple Ways to Practice Self-Care
I used to know nothing about self-care. I mean like, I didn't even know where to begin.
Often, I find myself craving some relief from my chaotic life, and shutting down.
Retreating to my bed, laying in the dark, hot tears running down my cheeks and wishing I could be anywhere else than in my house with my ungrateful children.
I can't be the only mom who has thought that, right?
Where do we start, then? How can we get out of this downward spiral of depression?
Self-Care
Here are a few ways you can take your well being into your own hands.
- Sleep
How are you sleeping? Are you sleeping? Take a look at your sleep routine, evening rituals, and nightly eating to see what might be hindering your sleep. - Move Your Body
FitOn is a great (completely free) app you can use to find workouts for all fitness levels, in several varieties like Yoga, Ballet, Hiit, Pilates, Weight Training, and Cardio.
Oh, and have you heard of Youtube? Also free. Also has SO MANY workouts.
Another great free alternative is the great outdoors. Usually located outside of your front door, it's available with or without WiFi. - Unplug The Wifi
Be present in your life, and everyone will notice. Your kids will behave better, your dog will wag her tail more, and you'll be able to appreciate all of it.
Sometimes getting off screens is the best thing you can do for your mental health. - Create a Self-Care Kit
Luckily, you landed here, and self-care is my jam. Here is a fantastic guide for creating your own self-care kit. - Create Something
This is purposefully vague.
You can draw, paint, plan, color, make a list, knit a blanket, or make a paper airplane.
The possibilities are endless. You just have to start. - Eat Better
Most of us have SOMETHING we can do to eat better, and this will look different for everyone.
Maybe you can commit to omitting fast food from your life for one month.
Perhaps you can decide to start eating more colorful veggies every day.
Drinking more water is a common goal also. - Read a Book
I read a lot, but really . . . I just listen a lot. While I'm doing dishes, while I'm folding laundry, or while I'm sitting in the school pick-up line for the millionth hour.
Scrib'd is my favorite streaming for audiobooks, click here to try it out for a month free!
With these tips, you'll be on your way to better self-care in no time.
Daily Checklist for Self-Care
A checklist is great, but here's the thing. You don't need a checklist.
I can't create a checklist for you that will satisfy all of your needs. Only you can do that.
Create a list for yourself with all of the things that bring you true happiness. Try for 20 things, and then do three of them. Right now!
In the meantime, grab this morning routine planner I created for you. You'll see results as soon as you start putting yourself first and living on purpose.
