It is safe to say that self-care movement isn’t going anywhere anytime soon – and for good reason! Self-care is clinically proven to reduce burnout, anxiety and depression, improve focus, happiness and more. Mothers and caregivers harness wellness practices that enrich the mind and rejuvenate the body. And they pay a pretty penny for it too.
America’s personal care industry is worth billions of dollars, but creating beneficial potential self-care routine there is no need to break the bank. In fact, taking care of yourself is much simpler than you might think.
Here are 7 ideas to help you refresh your self-care routine.
Be curious
Self-care is not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for a friend or family member may not work for you. Therefore, clarify what you want or need in order to pour into you it’s essential. Ask yourself the following questions before you begin for guidance:
- What more do I want to relax? What do I want less?
- What are my core values and how can I implement them into my routine?
- What activities enlighten me internally?
- What am I doing right now that is draining my energy or wasting my time?
Learn a new skill
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Learning a new skill not only challenges your brain in the best way, but it can also help you feel better! According to Psychology today, learning something new, even if it’s just for fun, keeps your brain engaged and healthy. More, self discovery and taking care of yourself go hand in hand. Not only will you broaden your mind, but you will also increase your sense of well-being by taking up a hobby that challenges and intrigues you. To get started, consider the following:
- Cooking a dish from a region you are not used to
- Gardening
- Sewing or knitting
- Learn a foreign language
- Practice a new sport
- Painting or drawing
- Photography
- Learn to play an instrument
Write yourself a letter
When was the last time you recognized the parts of yourself that you absolutely love, aside from your role of mother? In writing a letter of self-love is a simple but effective self-care activity that will fill your cup. You can list the features you like about yourself in bullet point form. You can choose to focus on a fond memory that shaped your life or that simply brought you joy. Or you can write to your inner child, congratulating yourself for the person you are today.
There is no right or wrong way to write the letter since it is only for you. You can be as extravagant or detailed as you want. You can brag, you can brag, you can be flexible – it’s up to you. Simply focus on the positive aspects of your being (big or small) and watch the words flow. But more importantly, let the letter gently remind you that you are worthy of love.
Try a new product
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Sometimes self-care requires products that help you relax. As a busy mom with tons of busy schedules, a subscription box offers ways to sample new personal care products every month. Companies like Black Girl Magic Box select health and wellness products from Black-owned businesses.
Do you need a little rest but can’t spare a day at the spa? Refresh your bath and body products with Bare Bar Soap Co.luxurious soaps, body oils and bath bombs to relax at home. After you relax, remember that sleep is an essential part of self-care. Invest in products like sleep masks, weighted blanketshigh-quality pajama sets and essential oil diffusers can take your rest to the next level.
Schedule “Me Time”
It can be difficult to spend time alone, but it’s vital for Mental Health. Periods of solitude can reduce stress and give us an opportunity to reconnect with ourselves. When our brains have time to disconnect from the stressors of life while we are isolated, we are able to return to our families and friends when we return.
For some, “me time” might mean sitting in the car for ten minutes after getting home from work. Or maybe it’s hiring a babysitter to watch your kids while you go out on a date. Maybe it’s locking your bedroom door and watching your favorite shows while your partner holds down the fort. However you decide to set aside time for yourself, remember to respect it. Add it to your calendar. Cancel plans with others if necessary. Your alone time is non-negotiable and deserves space in your life.
Practice gratitude
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Reflecting on the things we are grateful for is a guaranteed mood booster. Not only that, but it also provides an opportunity for introspection. There are hosts of gratitude journals that offer writing prompts and nuggets to think about, but a regular journal works just as well. If you’re new to journaling, don’t feel like you have to practice it daily. Writing down your thoughts once a week or once a month is just as effective.
Affirmations are another way to think about the good in your life (or the good that is on the way). They are generally short and easy to read or remember. Place them in places you frequent throughout the day – think the bathroom mirror, the car or the office – for a daily reminder of the beauty around you.
Be grounded
Grounding, or grounding, is a therapeutic technique that involves activities that put you in contact with the earth. Examples of stranding include walking barefoot on grass or sitting/lying on the ground. People who participate in grounding report an improvement in their mood and a reduction in anxiety and depression.
If skin-to-earth contact isn’t your thing, participating in outdoor activities is another self-care option. Attend a yoga class in the park. Go for a leisurely hike. Or just sit on a bench. Staying outside for even just a few minutes can improve your mental well-being.
Motherhood comes with tasks that constantly demand our attention. And even though we know how important it is to invest in ourselves, we don’t want to give up our self-care routine because we are overwhelmed by it. The goal is to sustainably integrate self-care activities into our daily lives. It may take some trial and error to figure out what works for your lifestyle, but it’s worth it. You worth.
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