Becoming a Mother has been one of the hardest and most rewarding experiences of my life. Yet with each of my babies I feel like I have lost a portion of myself. She’s in there somewhere, but sometimes it’s hard to find her. I get caught up in the mundane every day tasks and with each new phase of my children’s lives things get busier and busier. The things I used to love doing get closed up in my rarely used craft room, and my bath bombs sit unused night after night.

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Lately I am certain that this has to change, that in order for my kids to get to know the “real” me they need to see-ME. The woman who loves to dream. The woman who loves to get lost in a book. The woman who loves to tackle DIY projects, and feel fulfilled by creating something from nothing. The woman who loves to sit and visit with a friend late in the night and realize she’s not totally alone in this journey of raising tiny humans.

And yet….where does all this fit in? With a busy toddler, and work, and an after school schedule of homework and dance lessons, and treasured family time?

I have learned a few tricks to slip in some “me time” that can make you feel refreshed and more in tune with who you truly are! It’s so important to channel that inner self in order to show up for those we love so much.

8 Self Care Practices for the busy mom

1. Movement:

 For me, exercise is crucial element of self care. Again, this will look different for everyone. And varies for me from day to day. I wish I had advice on WHEN to do this but for me it really will vary.  Some weeks it flows better in the morning, sometimes I slip it in real quick when my baby is napping, and other days I will do it real quick in the evenings. *Bonus points* for self care if you exercise with a friend! I love to go on walks with friends, we strap the babies in to the strollers and visit while we make laps around the park. This fills your heart with girl talk, gets out that pent up anxiety with movement, and gets your kids outside too!

2. Personal Development/ Reading

Personal Development/ Reading. I thrive when I spend time in my scriptures every day. But for you it may be the newest Rachel Hollis book, or the Miracle Morning. Whatever lights your soul on fire. Set aside even just 10 minutes for this. I wake up just 20 minutes before my family to at least get this one thing done. Even if that’s all it is- I am able to begin my day recharged and motivated to be a little better than I was yesterday.

3. Don’t waste Nap Time

Don’t spend “all” of nap time cleaning. A wise friend once told me to do something for myself during nap time. That I shouldn’t spend all of nap time doing house work. I LOVED this advice. And try my best to stick to it. I love taking at least 1 hour of my babies nap time to channel my inner creativity, and do something for ME. Something that makes me feel like the old Emily again.

4. Listening to Podcasts

Podcasts. This may go with out saying, but I love listening to podcasts. I especially love motherhood podcasts and personal development podcasts. Having these playing while I go about my day has really motivated me to be a better person and given me so much to work towards. I especially love 3 in 3o: A Podcast for Mom’s, A Family looking up, and About Progress. But there are so many options out there!

5. Stash your book in your diaper bag

Keep your book in the diaper bag. I love reading, but this is one thing I haven’t been able to do as much as the days get busier. So I like to keep my book with me, and instead of killing time on my phone I like to pull out my book whenever I can. Car pool is an excellent time to squeeze in some reading time.

6. Listen to Audio books

Audio books. This goes along with the above. With less time to sit and read, playing audio books is a great alternative!

7. Girls Night Out

Girls Night Out. Do NOT be afraid to embrace a night out every once in a while. It can do the soul so much good to kick up your feet and be a lady on the town for an evening. Everyone will be fine at home, and it even gives you kids a chance to enjoy an evening with out you too (yes that’s possible).

8. Shower and get ready every day

SHOWER and get ready every day. It is so tempting to not get ready every day, especially if you feel like you won’t see anyone important! But I promise the 30 minutes of self care that it takes to get ready will help you feel more like yourself than anything else. And then you won’t be embarrassed when the UPS guy rings the door bell and you can’t answer because you don’t have a bra on yet (please say I am not the only one?)…

 

From one Mama to another I encourage you to spend time each day being YOU!