We hear it all the time – – self-care, self-care, self-care. We hear it so much that we kind of ignore it. But it’s important! If you’re a busy mom with no time, self-care at home may be the beginning of what you need.
Let’s look at a few different ways to get self-care at home for the mom with no time:
Self-Care in 30 Minutes or Less
1. Face the Sun
Sunshine increases serotonin which helps to boost your mood, calm your mind and reduce anxiety. Step outside, sit on your stoop, stand in your lawn. Feel the sunshine on your face for 5 minutes and calm your mind. If you’re working, step away from your computer. If you have kids at home, step right outside the door. Put a movie on if you have to, or bring them outside with you.
2. Journal Your Thoughts and Feelings
Last week we talked about gratitude and how it can help us feel more positive emotions and more contentment with life. Let’s keep that going with journaling! Grab a notebook/journal and put your thoughts on paper. You can take your self-care even further by making coffee or tea, and enjoying a full, hot beverage while you silently journal.
Start with what you’re thankful for. Maybe you’re thankful Sesame Street is on YouTube so you can take 10 minutes to journal!
Jot down your thoughts, however they come to you. There is no right or wrong here. You can write what is bothering you, where you feel stressed, what makes you happy, what makes you sad, your hopes for the future, anything!
Sometimes when we write our feelings/worries it allows our mind and body to release that stress. We may feel lighter after having unloaded those feelings even if there isn’t a “fix” at that time.
3. At Home Mani/Pedi for Self-Care at Home for the Mom with No Time
I know I feel better when my nails are trimmed and shiny. I rarely go to a nail salon (I still need some self-care practice, too), but I enjoy taking the time to clean, file, polish and moisturize my nails and hands. Can you find 30 minutes of guilt-free time to sit down and give yourself an at-home manicure?
If your kids are home with you, do their nails too! If the weather is nice, grab your polishes, head outside, sit in the sun and paint your nails. Your kids will love it, and you can take the time to paint your nails while they play.
4. Close Your Eyes
I know so many people who say they can’t sleep during the day, even when they are exhausted. That’s ok. Set your alarm for 30 min, put a movie on for the kids, or have “quiet time”, sit or lay down, and just close your eyes. You can think of nothing, or have deep thoughts. If you fall asleep, no worries, your alarm is set! Sometimes we just need to mentally “check-out”. Take 30 minutes and shut your mind down.
5. Go for a Walk
Exercise is excellent for mental health, but I’m not talking about a 30 minute jog, here. I’m talking about simply getting your body moving. Technically you’ll have to leave the house for this one, but only to your street. Step away from your computer if you’re working, put your kids in a stroller if they’re little, or have them walk along with you if they’re older. Go for a walk, get fresh air, tilt your face to the sun.
When our bodies get moving, we feel better. It may feel impossible to stop laundry, or the dishes, or meal prep, but taking 30 minutes to get outside can positively impact your mental health.
Your Needs Matter
Self-care is important for your mental health. While I readily admit that these self-care tips barely scratch the surface of what you deserve, of what you need, it is a start.
Moms consistently put themselves last. They take care of everyone around them and ignore their own needs. Moms deserve more. If your needs are continually ignored, you may be feeling burned out, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed and even resentful.
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious happens to all of us. Take some time where you can find it. If you can’t find it, make it. You matter.
Counseling for Mothers in Washington, PA
Are you feeling overwhelmed as a mom? Are you tired or irritable? Do you no longer feel joy in the things you used to love? Have you considered counseling? I know there isn’t a lot of time, but you are important. Your mental health is important. Talk therapy is effective. And the sooner you start, the sooner you will start to feel better.
My office in Washington, PA is warm and inviting. It’s a place where we can sit, grab a drink, relax and just talk.
If you have any questions or would like to get to know me a little better, please call (724) 503-6670 or email me at admin@inthenowcounseling.org. You can also talk to me on Facebook and Instagram, too.
