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Us moms are constantly juggling multiple responsibilities – be it work, kids’ activities, maintaining schedules, or household chores – we rarely leave time or energy to focus on our own wants and needs. Unfortunately, self-care is one of the things that usually gets pushed to the bottom of our to-do list as we continue with our daily grind.
Self-care is integral to our physical and emotional well-being. When you prioritize yourself, not only do you make sure you are the best “you” that you can be, but you also re-energize yourself. You have more strength, vitality, and joy to devote to other areas of your life.
Why Is Self-Care Important for Success?
It’s simply not possible to be your best for others if you aren’t taking good care of yourself. Self-care reduces stress at work and home, and it sets a followable example for your kids, colleagues, and others who look up to you and interact with you. By practicing self-care, you improve your mental health, which gives you the ability to view obstacles as opportunities and better positions you to find success in all areas of your life.
What Is Self-Care?
Self-care is self-love, and it looks different for everyone. What one person may find soothing, another might find stressful. While an extrovert may long to socialize with friends, an introvert would much rather be surrounded by peace and solitude. The beauty of self-care is that it doesn’t have to mean making major lifestyle changes. You can reap powerful benefits out of even small changes to your daily routine.
Self-Care Practice Types to Try
Here are a few self-care practices to help you strengthen your relationships, be compassionate toward yourself, and renew your energy:
1. Get Moving
By engaging in physical activities that you love as a form of self-care, your body will feel healthy and strong, and your mood and spirit will lift.
- Take a walk or go for a run
- Stretch or do some yoga
- Go for a bike ride
- Do some gardening
- Take a dance or martial arts class
2. Exercise Your Mind
Set aside a little “me time” each day to engage and stimulate your brain. Try getting up a few minutes before the kids each morning (don’t hit that snooze button!), grab your coffee, and get your mental juices flowing.
- Start a journal
- Sketch or use a coloring book
- Meditate
- Read a book
- Do a puzzle or brain-teaser
3. Pamper Yourself
Very few of us have the free time to indulge in a full day of being pampered at the spa. Luckily, self-care can be practiced in small intervals so they can easily fit into your hectic schedule.
- Relax in a warm bath
- Get a massage
- Sneak in a catnap
- Buy yourself flowers
- Try a new face mask
4. Nourish Your Body
A healthy diet is not only one of the best self-care techniques you can practice, but it can also mean the difference between enjoying a healthy, active life and a life limited by sickness.
- Eat healthy, whole foods featuring plenty of fresh produce
- Keep processed foods to a minimum
- Enjoy small portions of fresh, lean proteins
- Try healthy new recipes (cook them with the kids for bonus points)
- Strictly limit foods that are high in sugar and other refined carbohydrates
5. Make Time for Friends
Friendships can have a major impact on your health and well-being. Friends keep us connected to the outside world, prevent feelings of loneliness, and provide much needed support in times of need.
- Enjoy dinner and a movie
- Make a lunch date
- Become workout buddies
- Volunteer together
- Join a moms group or book club
By incorporating simple acts of self-kindness into your daily routine, you’ll begin feeling energetic and excited about your goals. You’ll be a happier mom, a more patient spouse, and an energized colleague. Always remember that taking care of yourself is not a selfish act–it is the best way you can position yourself to succeed in helping others and adding positivity to the world as a whole.
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