It's September so that means it is Self-Care Awareness month! Everyone should practice some self-care and love for their bodies - mentally and physically. As a busy stay at home mama I know as time goes on we can neglect ourselves and we put the needs of everyone else, for instance our spouses, children and even friends, before our own. I'm here to say No. NAY NAY! Stop putting everyone else before you! Take care of you. You know the saying you can't pour from an empty cup? Well it is true. To fill up that cup you need to pour in some love and care for the soul.
Use September to FALL (see what I did there....) into a new routine of self-care. It is not being selfish and it doesn't have to be expensive or even cost money if you want. For me self care is indulging in getting a pedicure and manicure, working out to relieve stress and keep my high blood pressure low. Getting a massage and having my lashes done because they make me feel pretty and plus I fall asleep every time so - BONUS - nap time included. I also enjoy hiking and taking walks with my corgi Cairo. Reading and writing is another thing that brings me peace and happiness so to me that is self-care and giving myself love.
Here are five tips that you can do to practice self-care this month and can continue it in your daily routine for the ongoing future.
Ease into the morning!
Wake up before everyone else. Just an hour before the kids wake up and the chaos begins. Having an hour of quiet, peace, and the rays of the sun glistening through the windows is heaven. It allows me to wake up and think about the day, journal and pray or just be in the moment and practice gratitude. It can help make a great start to your day.
Jump around!
But no really move around. Exercise is great and can help give you the much needed energy that is required being a mama. You can do fun activities to help you stay motivated to continue with the exercise. It can be walking, yoga, bike riding or even swimming.
Have a date with yourself!
Yes girl! Wear something cute! Buy yourself those beautiful flowers you were eyeing while pushing the $300+ of items in your loaded Costco cart to the checkout. Go to your favorite restaurant or cafe. Enjoy your favorite beverage and meal. Go to a comedy club. Go dancing. Just go have fun and make the night all about you.
Sleep.
Yaaaaassss sis! Get your rest! Whatever doesn't get done today will be left for tomorrow. I know I used to stay up late to DO DO DO and DO some more and honestly, it's not worth it. Our bodies need rest. It's good for depression, stress, illnesses and just your overall health. Plus more sleep allows you to get up early before the kids so you can have that quiet time to yourself.
Eat right!
Better yet, just eat! You know days come and go and sometimes even I am left wondering, did I eat breakfast? I know I fed the kids but did I eat? We have to fuel our bodies mamas with good nutrition and also WATER!! I definitely drink my two liters of water a day but food.... a lot of times I find myself throwing back a protein shake and when dinner comes around I'm cooking and starving. It's not good nor is it healthy. So here's to making sure I, we ALL eat better. Snacking on almonds, eating a salad as a snack in between meals or pretzels, eat the fruit, make the sandwich - just make sure you eat and it's not just empty calorie filled junk.
What do you do for self-care? Remember you can't say September without self-care. Well you can, but just remember to take care of yourself. Make yourself a priority and know that no one is going to love you or take care of you as much as you should be doing. Happy Self-Care month!