If you are a mom, you probably spend a lot of your time doing things for other people. You make dinner for the family, you fill out forms for the kids, and do laundry for what feels like a small village.
However, it’s just as important to make sure that you take some time to do things for yourself. Now this can mean an entire spa day, but most of us don’t have that kind of time at leadership not on a regular basis.
Today we are going to talk about little things you can do each day to care for yourself. Things that take a few minutes but can promote your healthy, your heart, and your sanity.
Drink Water First Thing
One simple thing you can do each morning to promote good health is to drink 16 oz of water first thing. You can fill up a water bottle the night before and leave it on your nightstand so it’s the first thing you see in the morning.
There are so many benefits to drinking water first thing. Water fires up your metabolism, hydrates you, helps your body flush out toxins, gives your brain fuel, and may even make you eat less. How is that for taking just a few minutes for yourself!
Make a List
One of the biggest mental strains for moms is trying to remember everything. We think we can remember each little thing, but that adds up to a lot.
Its like having a million browser tabs open. Your brain tries to keep track of all these different things and it wears on your energy and mental capacity.
Instead write everything down. Everything you have to do, appointments, people you have to call, forms you have to complete, everything. Write them down as you find out about them or as you think of them.
At the end of the day, you can add them to the appropriate spot such as your to do list, or your calendar, or the basket of things to go through over the weekend.
Even if you don’t do the actual thing yet, just getting it off your brain can help you feel better.
Practice Gratitude
When you start your day with gratitude it makes your heart happy. You can’t be grateful and be angry at the same time. In just 2-3 minutes you can put your day on the right track.
One way to do this is to take a few minutes each morning to think of someone in your life you are grateful for. This can be a teacher, a friend, a family member, a mentor, anyone. Think of why you are grateful for them, how they have impacted you.
Then let them know. Send a quick text or Facebook message letting them know that you are thankful for the impact they had on your life. It doesn’t have to be long, but should be specific. Not only will you feel good, but you’ll likely brighten their day as well.
Share Your Shower
The shower is one of the few times, if any, that a mom can get alone. Some days it’s a great time to just be alone with your thoughts. It might be the only time you can hear yourself think.
The rest of the time, a shower is a great time to do some learning. You can turn on a podcast or listen to an inspiring audio book that helps your mind as you clean your body.
Some of my favorite podcasts include The Model Health Show, The Chalene Show, Build Your Tribe and Power of Moms. These shows can help you learn to live your best life.
Have an At Home Mom’s Night
Bonding with other women is so important for helping us feel connected to the world, and filling up our cup. But, we can’t always find a sitter nor do we always want to actually leave the house. Sweats are too comfy!
Instead have a virtual mom’s night. Grab some wine and hop on Google Hangouts or Skype once the kids get to bed. You can make it a weekly girls night with your closest friends without having to leave the house.
Of course hanging out in person is better, but that’s not always possible, especially when you have young kids. This allows you to have regular hangouts in between the times when you can actually meet in person.
How do you fit in some me time? Let me know in the comments!
Cheers,
Emily
