Self Care for Moms

.Happy Valentine’s Day! ♥ Today, I’m participating in a link up with Erika and Shay to talk about self care for moms. This topic is part of a monthly series called “How We Do…”. I am excited to talk about how I take time for myself as a busy mom.  I can’t wait to read how other moms make this happen.

It is essential for moms to take time for themselves! I’m sharing several things I do to recharge and refresh, so I can be a less stressed out mom and wife!

Workout

Working out is my number one way to relieve stress! Even when the kids were babies, I tried to get to the gym most days. My kids all got comfortable going to the gym day care (since they were 6 months old). So we all really looked forward to our daily trip. As I’ve mentioned before, my husband travels a lot, so when the kids were babies especially, this time at the gym was the key to my sanity!

Now it is a lot easier to heading to the gym with just my 5 year old in tow. Many days I meet a workout buddy at the gym,  which is an added bonus to get in some adult conversation and make the time go faster!

When the weather is nice we head out for a walk! We’ve been taking walks with our kids since they were babies. It’s such a good stress relief to get outside and get fresh air!

Wake Up Early

This habit began more due to my own sleep pattern than because I was intentionally trying to get up before everyone. But now, I absolutely love my quiet time. Some days I am up an hour before everyone and some times it is only 20 minutes. I take the time I can get!

First things first, I always turn on my oil diffuser and grab a cup of coffee. I I try to do some blog work and watch the news. Also, lately, I have been spending 10-15 minutes doing yoga. Several years ago, I loved going to yoga classes but I got out of the habit of going. I am loving this new routine and my goal is to a little yoga every single day now.

Spend Time with Friends

One of my favorite ways to recharge is to spend time with girlfriends! This is so necessary to me. I love grabbing a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with some of my favorite girlfriends and getting a chance to catch up. This kind of time seriously is a must!  It’s easy to neglect our friendships when family life takes priority. However, friendships are so necessary for mental health and overall happiness.

Pursue Hobbies

We are all so intentional with  making sure our kids pursue their interests and passions, that we sometimes neglect our own pursuits! It has only been the last few years that I have really realize this importance of having my own thing. When you are in the thick of babyhood, there is little time and energy to carve out time for personal hobbies. As my kids have gotten older, it has been easier to spend a little time on things that I enjoy.

Decorating our home has been something I’ve been able to put a little time into the last few years.  For many years, our house was filled to the brim with baby gear so I didn’t really focus on making it look pretty. Since we’ve moved on from the baby gear, there is opportunity to make an effort on our home decor.

I totally get that home decor decisions can be stressful. So decorating would not be seen as a stress relieving hobby for some people.  But, it is something that is an enjoyable activity for me.

Two-Tiered Wooden Stand

If you have been following me for anytime you know I have a bit of an obsession with Rae Dunn pottery pieces. Finding these items is a hobby for me! I love the thrill of the hunt and hitting Marshalls and TJ Maxx when I have time. I do not take this search too seriously and therefore, it is an enjoyable activity!  

Gumball Machine (on sale!)

I love decorating for the holidays and making our spaces cozy and cheerful.

 A few of my most popular decorating posts:

Farmhouse Kitchen Favorites

Fall Home Tour

Christmas Home Tour

Besides, home decor I try to carve out time for other creative activities. Sometimes, I get on a baking kick and find enjoyment from making treats.

Favorite Muffin Recipe (Pumpkin Chocolate Chip)

Other times, it’s chilling out on the couch after the kids go to bed and reading (or watching Real Housewives, if I’m being honest!).

It is so important for moms (and everyone in general!) to find a passion or a hobby that is perfect for you. Whether that be photography, baking, marathon running, etc! Whatever brings you joy.

Pampering

I love to get a little pampering like a manicure or pedicure! If I had to choose between a new outfit or a pedicure, often the pedicure would win! It is so nice to step out of the house and get to relax in a spa chair for an uninterrupted hour of indulgence.

Sometimes a nice bath and a cup of tea is a perfect way to get some pampering in without leaving the house. Lately, I’ve been loving picking out a yummy smelling bath bomb and taking a bath after the kids go to bed.

This sugar scrub I picked up this week from Whole Foods is AMAZING! I am seriously addicted. I love little treats like this.

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For me, it’s all about balance and some days I make time for recharging and other days I am running all day. I’d love to hear about things you do to take care of yourself…share your self care for moms ideas below!