Contrary to what you may think, carving out time for self-care isn’t selfish. Taking time for yourself each day helps keep you at your best, which helps you to be a great parent. Between diapers, feeding, playing, and tears, there has to be special time for mom. Even with just five minutes, you can accomplish a lot for yourself. The suggestions below will help you fold self-care into your day.
Turn your shower into a spa
Make a quick shower more meaningful with a few small touches. Add a little bit of bath salts to your shower floor while bathing. The steam and warm water will boost a soothing aroma into the air. They don’t have to be expensive; many drug stores sell Epsom salts at really reasonable prices. Add relaxing essential oils to the salt to increase your ambiance. Scents like lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile are known for their soothing effects. P.S. – the shower is a great place to practice the next tip.
Take some deep breaths
It’s no secret that taking a deep breath can improve the quality of your day, as many of us spend entire days taking shallow breaths. A few minutes of concentrated breathing can reduce stress, increase energy, and release tension in your body. Check out
this video from Bria on three different breathwork techniques. Try out these techniques to help deal with a child’s temper tantrum or to relax before you go to bed.
Enjoy a treat slowly
It’s not often you get to enjoy a treat without sharing it with your little one! Sharing is caring, but it is also nice to savor the snack. When your child is napping or otherwise occupied, try slowly enjoying something special. This could be anything you like, such as a cup of tea or a piece of dark chocolate. Take a few moments to enjoy the smell, taste, texture, and more. This is a great way to become present to your surroundings and literally enjoy the small things. Making time for yourself can help you feel more like the super mom you are.