Being a mom is one of the most rewarding but hardest jobs out there. Like any caregiver job, long days and sleepless nights are common for mothers. Because of this, mothers often forget to take care of themselves. We’ve all heard the mom jokes about mom buns, living in yoga pants, and stressing over carpools covered in breast milk. But self-care is no laughing matter. For a mom to be her best self, she also needs to take care of herself. If you are a busy mom looking for easy ways of relaxing, read on.
Day Spas
Self-care really can start at the spa. What could be more of an escape from hectic mom life than a day trip to the Spa? From the minute you slip into those slippers, start receiving some of the signature treatments and spa services, and head into the sauna, you can put your mom’s worries behind you if only for a few hours. For moms who’ve never spent a day at a spa resort, you’re missing out, but that can stop now.
The spa experience can include everything from massage therapists and professional hairstylists to hot tubs and spa treatments that will make you feel like royalty. Facials, full body waxing, manicures and pedicures, skincare, and more, spas offer a reward for your hard work taking care of toddlers and children in any age group. The best part is that you’ll walk out without that mom bun. Armed with a remedy for wrinkles, a new haircut, and renewed energy, you’ll be in the mood to tip your child care provider and sign right back up for more body treatments.
Support Groups and Networks
One of the worst things a mother can do is isolate herself. This can be a problem for new or stay-home moms. To prevent this from happening, make an effort to surround yourself with other moms going through the same things as you. Groups like Truly Mama can offer not only friendship but coping and parenting tools for those days that get not only sticky but hard. A huge part of self-care for moms is about creating a squad of other moms who understand you and the hard work that cares for children entails.
If you have a school-aged child, use that as an opportunity to connect with other mothers. From arranging carpools to volunteering with another mom as classroom mothers, you’ll quickly find you have a lot in common with other mothers in your child’s class. While conversations may start about the right age for a kid to get homework, they will quickly turn more personal and, before you know it, you’ll have a true friend to confide in.
Moms’ Nights Out
Whether you’re caring for a child with special needs, such as autism or a physical disability, and need a break or just sick of the same old routine, a girls night or weekend out can be the perfect self-care solution for any frazzled mom. Cheaper than ongoing therapy, making arrangements for your kids to be cared for then taking that weekend trip out of town is a great way to care for yourself. While some moms worry that leaving their kids is selfish, research shows that mothers who engage in regular forms of self-care are not only more patient but happier too. The reality is that kids of all ages can sense their mothers’ stress. Help alleviate that by scheduling time for a mommy time out.
Parenting is hard. No one said motherhood would be easy. So when you find yourself wishing you could take a nap with your child but instead looking at piles of laundry, keep in mind that you need a break too. Self-care is an intentional choice. Scheduling time for yourself, making arrangements for childcare, laughing and even complaining with other moms, and joining mom groups in real life or even online will all go a long way in making parenting easier and even fun again. If you still aren’t sure, ask yourself how you would parent yourself. The answer may provide insight, regardless of the type of special need that your children have.
