I’m calling this the real mums’ guide to self-care because so often mums are given advice like “take a shower” to look after themselves. Well, that’s complete BS self-care. That’s basic personal hygiene and shouldn’t ever be confused with caring or treating yourself mamas!
So here you have it – 13 easy to do self-care ideas for us mums!
What is self-care and why should I do it?
Essentially all self-care boils down to the same thing – carving time out of the day for YOU. There’s value in putting yourself first, there really is – you can feel better about yourself, you’re refreshed and more patient – all important things! Need some self-care ideas? Scroll on!
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1. Let’s get physical
Try something physical. Take a walk, join a yoga class or throw caution to the wind and take up running. It sounds cliche, but you’ll be amazed by how good working up a sweat can make you feel. It’s those sneaky endorphins, I tell you. That, and running away from your house can be really easy (and sometimes satisfying).
2. Books for brains
Feel like your brain is mush most days? You CAN boost your brain. Remember when we used to have time to read? Go visit your library or go buy yourself a good book to read. 50 Shades of Grey or War and Peace, it’s up to you. Even better, join a book club!
3. Treat yo’self, pamper style!
Pamper yourself! Girl, you deserve it. Treat yourself to a massage, a facial or get your nails done.
4. Bloomin’ marvellous
Buy yourself a bunch of flowers. I swear by the $12 bunches at the supermarket, they bring a smile to my dial every other week. If they make you happy, why not?
5. Reconnect with your friends
Ahhhhh friends, remember them? Life can make it really hard to catch up with friends. Catch up for a quick post-work drink or a coffee and vow to clear a date in the calendar for an actual sit-down meal with your gal-pals.
6. Learn something new
Take a class. I’m ALL for doing something you love and meeting like-minded people along the way. A cooking class, a pilates class, painting – whatever. Find yourself a group activity and enjoy it!
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7. Outsource the jobs you would rather not do
Outsource the jobs that make you feel overwhelmed. If there’s a mountain of ironing that waits for you every week or bathrooms with weird things seemingly constantly growing in your grout – hire someone to do those jobs for you. YES, QUEEN. It’s money well spent.
8. Learn to say No. Nope. Nada. No cannot do.
Say no and don’t feel guilty about it. You can’t be everything to everyone, all of the time.
9. REAL coffee is LIFE
Buy a coffee. If the budget doesn’t allow facials or nails and the like – buy yourself a decent cup of coffee (or hot chocolate) and SOAK IT UP. Sure, you have coffee at home but it’s always so much better when you don’t make it yourself, right?
10. Ring a-ding-ding
Ring a friend for a chat. If physically leaving the house isn’t an option, arrange a time after the kids are tucked into bed to sit down and have a good old fashioned chin-wag and a glass of bubbles with a friend over the phone or even virtually. It’s good for the soul!
11. Get up at the ar*e crack of dawn
Embrace the quiet times. The hustle and bustle of the daily grind, drop-offs, pickups, running errands, housework is a lot. If your kids get up at 6:30am, try getting up half an hour earlier than them just to enjoy a coffee in peace. It can make a world of difference to how you approach your morning.
12. Don’t compare
Sinead O’Connor said it best with Nothing Compares, but seriously, there’s good in cutting your social media ties. Comparison can be a real thief of joy and if you find scrolling your feed leaves you feeling a bit blue, don’t do it to yourself anymore.
13. Finally, just.. do nothing
You’re allowed to do NOTHING. We don’t have to fill every minute of every day with doing things. If you have an hour before school pickup and the house isn’t on fire – sit on the couch, close your eyes and DO NOTHING.
What are your self-care ideas and tips? We’d love to hear, so feel free to leave them in the comments so we can add them to the list!
Be sure to also check out our story on “other” self-care tips and tricks. AKA. How to master the fine art of masturbation. You’re welcome.
