Moms work hard for their families every day. Between the carpool, their 9-5 job, cooking dinner and everything else that comes with running a household, moms really have a need to carve out some time for self-care and pampering.
Self-care is taking care of one’s own health and well-being. It’s essential for mothers to prioritize their needs, as well as their family’s, to avoid burnout, exhaustion and stress. We’ve put together some ways to pamper yourself, whether you have a few minutes after the kids go to bed at home or a full weekend to rejuvenate.
Self-care on a dime
If you’re on a budget, there are still many ways to practice self-care. You don’t have to indulge in extravagant getaways or spa visits. Self-care can be as simple as getting enough water to drink and staying hydrated or going to bed early to get in a full eight hours of sleep. Taking a nature walk is another way to care for yourself both physically and mentally. I find it boosts my mood immediately, and the best part is it’s absolutely free.
In this busy parenting season of life, it’s important to take in as many small moments for yourself as you can to maintain your overall health and wellness. I know that sometimes I just need a little quiet time. I like to sneak in a little “me” time to read while my daughters are in gymnastics class or turn on my favorite podcast in the car while waiting for school to get out.
Visiting your loved ones or simply giving them a call is another great way to take care of yourself. Your friends and family can quickly boost your mood—and they’ll get a lift too! So next time you have a few minutes, pick up the phone and call your mom, dad, grandparents or that friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
Local drugstores also offer personal care products that will leave you feeling like you left the spa without the hefty price tag. You can find affordable face masks, hair conditioning masks, bath bombs, body scrubs and bath salts that will give you a spa-like feel. You can also give yourself a manicure and pedicure. To add to the spa-like atmosphere, light some candles and play some zen music.
Self-care at home
Most women would love a day at the spa complete with a massage, facial and pedicure, but many moms with young children just don’t have that much free time in this season of life. That doesn’t mean we can’t indulge in a little self-care at home. My favorite way to relax is to take a vacation day from work while the kids are in school. I take the day to rest and recharge. I normally take a nap, catch up on my favorite Netflix shows, read a book and Door Dash my favorite restaurant. By the time the kids come home, I feel so refreshed and ready to take on the evening! I also do this during the holiday season to catch up on shopping and gift wrapping. Having this extra time to check things off my to-do list helps alleviate so much stress during the holidays.
Taking a day off work isn’t always an option, but there are still ways to care for yourself at home. If you have a few minutes after the kids go to bed, make a habit of taking a long shower or bath. I love to draw a bath and read a book or listen to a podcast with a glass of wine when it’s been a rough day. Sylvia Plath wrote in the book The Bell Jar, “There must be quite a few things a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.” I completely agree!
Self-care can also be something as small as waking up 30 minutes earlier than your family to enjoy a cup of coffee on the porch and watch the sunrise or sitting on the deck with a glass of wine to help unwind from the day.
Another way to take care of yourself is to make sure you’re working exercise into your routine daily. It can be easy to put off when you have a busy schedule, but taking the time to get that workout in will help give you the energy to take on your day.
Splurging on self-care
Sometimes you need to splurge a bit on yourself. Indulge in a luxurious weekend stay at the Elms Hotel & Spa in Excelsior Springs. This can be a solo trip, a romantic getaway with your spouse or a relaxing trip with your best friends. Book the Grotto, which includes a steam shower, hot tub, cold plunge shower, steam sauna, dry sauna and a self-service exfoliation bar. Follow it up with a massage, facial and soothing mineral mud wrap. This getaway weekend is sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
If you don’t have a lot of time but want to do something special for yourself, stop by Posh KC Blow Dry Bar for wash, style and makeup. For some extra social time, book an appointment with a friend, so you can catch up at the same time. You will both leave feeling beautiful and confident.
If money is no option, invest in a little retail therapy. A trip to the Country Club Plaza for some shopping and a nice dinner is sometimes just what the doctor ordered. A new wardrobe and not having to cook dinner is always a win for me.
In this season of motherhood, a date day with my husband is one of my favorite splurges. We love to leave the kids with their grandparents, so we can have a drink and check out the books at Afterword Tavern & Shelves, burn off some steam with arcade games at Up-Down KC and finish the day with some delicious barbecue at Q39. Just one day together without the kids helps us reconnect.
According to “The 7 Pillars of Self-Care and How to Use Them” by Catherine Beard on TheBlissfulMind.com, the pillars of self-care are mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational and social.
Regan Lyons is a girl mom and freelance writer. She lives with her husband, Cale, and daughters, Atley, 9, and Ensley, 3, in St. Joseph.