If I asked you when was the last time you did something for yourself that made you feel special or taken care of, what would your answer be? Sometime earlier today? Last week? Or are you like me a few months ago, when my answer would have been, “I honestly don’t remember” because that’s how long it’s been?
One minute you’re getting your nails done every 2 weeks, and the next, you’re struggling to even get a shower in every day, am I right? Or maybe your shower game is just fine, but real “you” time feels like a thing of the past.
I know the feeling.
I can’t even remember the last time I had my hair done. And I of course gained weight during both of my pregnancies, but it’s definitely been more post pregnancy weight gain than pregnancy weight gain. The struggle, right?
Then there are the things that once brought us comfort or joy, that we ‘ve simply forgotten about. Or others that would be so beneficial to our well-being, but we just don’t do.
It’s been a little while, but I’ve finally started making “ME” a priority again, and I’d like to share some of the small and big things that I’ve started doing to show myself some TLC and take care of myself again.
Exercise
It’s amazing the difference exercise can have on you. What it does for your mental health, your mood, your weight. I’ve had positive experiences for all of the above once I started making exercise a priority. A 20 minute workout before work, or a walk in the neighborhood on my lunch break or after work have done wonders, and I feel so good afterwards.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend making time for exercise, even if it’s only 10 minutes. Your body and mind will thank you. Especially now that the weather is changing, and it’s getting warmer. Go outside and get some sun on your face.
Stretching
Why didn’t anyone tell us to stretch when we were younger? Now that I’m getting older, and because I sit all day for work, I’m realizing that stretching is necessary.
Doing movements that stretch out your back and arms, your legs, and your hips are all so amazing for your body. I highly recommend that you start incorporating stretching into your daily routine. I know that future You will thank you.
Prayer
I’ve recently upped my prayer life, which is something I share a little bit more on in my previous post, Give God Everything. But getting with God every day about everything has been a real game changer.
It’s for 1. A comfort because praying throughout the day will remind you that He’s always with you and 2. A relief knowing that you don’t have to carry all of your worries, concerns, hopes, doubts, disappointments, or hurts alone. You can share them with God and trust that He’s going to protect you, provide for you, and carry you through whatever you’re facing.
Praise & Worship
I’ve recently started having praise parties, which generally involves me jumping, singing and dancing around my house to all my favorite Christian songs.
When I choose to stop focusing on my problems or worries from the day, and just focus on lifting up praises to God, my mood changes. I feel gratitude. I feel loved. I feel affirmed and reassured. All things that make a big difference living in this crazy world.
A Little Treat
I’m still working on this area of making treating myself a habit, but I’ve started doing face masks, which make me feel like I’m pampering myself. I’m also planning on going for a mani/pedi this week.
If you needed someone to remind you today, you deserve all of the things. You deserve to treat yourself, and be pampered, and to indulge in things that make you happy and make you feel special. Go get your nails or hair done. Go do a face mask or buy that ice cream or coffee that you love.
Regular Doctor and Dentist Appointments
I know this one seems kind of random, but I can’t even tell you how bad I became at this after I had my kids. I would make their doctor and dentist appointments but stopped making them for myself. It literally wasn’t until about 2 years ago that I started making this a thing in my own life again.
We need to make sure that our kids stay healthy, but we need to do the same for ourselves. We need to keep up with our health too, for us and for our kids.
Old and New Loves
It’s so important for us as moms to have our own things- our own hobbies, pastimes, or activities that are important to us. I developed a love of reading not too long ago. I started going to the library, and regularly renting and getting lost in books, and it’s been amazing.
Just recently I picked up tennis again after not playing for years and realized that I still love it. I’ve even got my son playing with me and he loves it too.
How many things can you remember loving at one point, but you feel like somewhere along the way, you lost the time for? Or what are some things that you’re interested in trying or making a hobby, but you haven’t made time for? Go for it. Pick up an old love or pursue a new one.
The Little Extras
This is where the small things make a big difference and make you feel like you’re taking care of yourself. For instance, I know that showering can feel like a rushed event when you have kids, but the next time you take one, take time to apply lotion all over your body afterward and notice how different you feel.
Shave your legs or use a body exfoliating scrub. Spritz a little perfume on once you’re dressed.
These small things can have you feeling feminine, pampered, and put together.
I know how easy it is to neglect yourself, and not do the things that will benefit your emotional, physical, or spiritual health, but it’s so important that we do.
I hope you’re able to start incorporating a few things, if not everything from this list, and start making self-care a habit in your own life. You need and deserve it.
