I want to start talking more about self care for the busy mom. What do I mean by “self care”? I think the definition will be different for every person. Things that make me feel healthy and happy may be different from what someone else needs. As a busy mom of two, I really struggle with taking care of myself. And listen, this is not a pity party. I am fully aware that some moms of way more children than me, are great at self care. I’m being honest with you and admitting that I am really…really bad at it.
I have to make a very conscious effort to put my personal wellness on the front burner. I know I’m not the only one. In an internet full of jokes about Moms without showers, looking like a Walking Dead extra, with heads full of dry shampoo, it’s obviously commonplace for Moms to put themselves last. Hey, we can’t help it sometimes. Sometimes, we literally don’t have the time. But, often, we do have the time; we just don’t invest it in ourselves.
Honestly, it’s hard not to. When I wake up in the morning I have to get Grayson off to school, get Charlie fed and ready for the day, work on my business, start housework, and the list goes on. My first instinct, is to push away whatever I NEED to do for myself, and start “fixing” everything/everyone else. The next thing I know, it’s bedtime and I’m starting over. Then, all of a sudden it’s been a week and I’ve worn two outfits and had three showers. (Totally NOT kidding.)
NO. That is NOT what I should be doing.
I decided that the first 30 minutes after I wake up can set the tone for the entire day. Whether or not we want to, most of us mamas can get up half an hour earlier than our kids. If we get no other time during the day, we can have that 30 minutes. (You might wonder why I don’t include a shower in the morning. That’s because it’s easier for me to do my showers at night, but that’s important too, so don’t neglect it!)
Here are five of my best tips to make the most of that time, and start your day with self care:
- Set your coffee pot alarm and prep your coffee the night before so that your coffee is ready when you wake up and you can make a cup first thing. Removing that task from the morning will free up valuable time.
- Lay clothes out for you and the kids the night before, so no time is spent searching and choosing in the morning.
- Get dressed immediately after you make your coffee. EVEN before you drop the kids off. I am tempted to wear my pajamas to the drop off line every day (and I do most days), but when I get dressed in something that fits well, even if it’s workout clothes, I feel much more ready for the day. When I stay in loose fitting PJs, I feel lazy all day.
- Take ten minutes to think about the day ahead and write a to do list. When I don’t take time to map out my day, I feel scattered and forgetful all day long. While your at it, make a list of what you will eat that day. Planning meals ahead of time almost always ensures better choices.
- Brush your teeth. I know this sounds like a no brainer, but it’s HUGE.
I’m getting real honest here. I make jokes about being so busy I forget to brush my teeth, but it’s true! It’s an easy step to skip in a hurry. Why is that a problem? Because, good health starts with good oral health and our long term health is important. I often think how neglecting myself here and there will take a toll in the long run. New Colgate Enamel Health™ Mineral Repair™ Toothpaste helps your teeth absorb minerals like calcium for stronger enamel. My dentist told me that I am one of the #blessed humans with thin enamel. By making sure I brush with this toothpaste twice a day, it helps to rebuild my enamel so I can… Smile With Strength™.
Believe me, I know how hard it is to put yourself first. I look like garbage most days and my kids look like supermodels. This advice is just as much for me! We have to take care of ourselves, because, if our cup is empty- how can we give to anyone else?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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