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Mom life can be hard. It’s totally worth it, but sometimes proves challenging. A little pampering goes a long way to reenergizing you for the next best thing.
Here’s how to pamper yourself without feeling selfish.
As a mom, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We give, give, give with very little breaks for ourselves. Our sense of duty is great, and we’re not about to squander the family’s money or time on frivolity. But, each of us needs a little respite in our life. We need to have a moment to breathe deep, rest, relax, and recharge. By doing so, we’re ready to take on the challenges of life as well as love our families more since we don’t feel drained and exhausted.
Pampering Yourself: It’s Not Selfish
Learning how to pamper yourself — without feeling selfish — is a great strategy to reenergizing. You can enjoy a little treat, refresh, and go back to the good work set before you. Consider one of these easy things to add to your week. None of these is too elaborate or expensive. But each can carry a punch, each has the potential to give you that much-needed boost.
Take a nap and/or go to bed early. When your first baby is a newborn, you understand the lack of sleep. But as he grows or you add more children to the fold, you may find yourself burning the midnight oil on purpose. Introvert moms will know that nighttime is often the only time you have to yourself! However, sleep deprivation is good for no mom. You will be more patient and more fun if you’ve had a good amount of sleep. A nap or a good 8-9 hours of sleep is just lovely. While the baby might not yet sleep through the night, there are ways for you to creatively get more sleep.
Sleep Strategies for Busy Moms
Sleep when the kids sleep. Yes, the laundry can wait. Learn how to take a cat nap . It can be done! (Husbands have been doing it for centuries.) Ask your husband to put the kids to bed so you can get an early night. Hire a babysitter to come early in the morning so that you can sleep in. Bonus points if your husband greets her while you’re still asleep.
Give yourself a pedicure. My sister Jamie is a manicurist. It’s always lovely to have a “real pedicure” at her hands. But, we don’t see each other often enough for me to have pretty toes all the time. So, I’ve learned to do it myself. Even if it’s just a polish change, it’s so fun to see my toes pretty and polished. There are so many great pedicure tutorials nowadays, it makes it easy for you to keep your toenails cute.
Self-Care Essentials for Moms
Soak in a tub or take a longer shower. I do some of my best thinking under water. And I find that a hot shower or bath relaxes and rejuvenates me. This is easy to swing once the kids are asleep, so make this a regular event on your calendar. Choose one night a week that you know is easy to put the kids to bed at an early hour. Then grab a book, a cup of tea, and go soak. Bonus: make a batch of Lavender Milk Bath to make it extra luxurious. If your home doesn’t have a tub, you can treat yourself to a longer shower. I love these Shower Steamers from Bootleg Bath.
Eat some chocolate. Chocolate does all kinds of good things for you , so enjoy some this week, guilt-free. You can make it a family affair and enjoy a Slow Cooker Chocolate Cheesecake together for dessert one night. (Trust me, it’s the best!) There are also less indulgent ways to enjoy a bit of chocolate everyday: Load up on bite-size dark chocolate squares . Enjoy one after lunch with the kids. Enjoy a Built Bar which is loaded with protein and chocolate. Stir cocoa powder into yogurt or cottage cheese. Sprinkle cocoa powder into your coffee.
The Power of Chocolate for Moms
Enjoy a good book. Reading is food for the soul and mind. And while I love Bread and Jam for Frances as much as anyone, I also enjoy reading books just for me. I recommend reading with a caveat. If you’re a woman who easily gets lost in story grip to the neglect of home and family, set a timer or use a reading app with a built-in timer to ensure you’re not neglecting your responsibilities. Try one of these books for a quick escape:
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Treat yourself to a new lotion or beauty product. You deserve it! Choose one that makes you feel pampered and relaxed. Some of my favorites include:
* L’Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Body Lotion
* Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream
* Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser
Self-Care Hacks for Busy Moms
Give yourself a home spa treatment. Set up a relaxing space in your home, complete with candles, soft music, and a face mask. Take some time to pamper yourself, and enjoy the benefits of a spa day without leaving the house.
Here’s how to pamper yourself without feeling selfish.
You can enjoy a little treat, refresh, and go back to the good work set before you. Consider one of these easy things to add to your week. None of these is too elaborate or expensive. But each can carry a punch, each has the potential to give you that much-needed boost.
Try one on for size and let me know in the comments what works for you.
