Before we dive into this topic, I want to take a moment and recognize that it can be difficult for busy moms to find time for themselves. I have 2 little boys (6 and 2) at home, so I see you, momma.
Between snacks, nap times, play time, running the oldest to and from school, appointments, and all the things in between at home, finding time to squeeze in one more thing feels daunting. I haven't even listed the stuff needed to be done for work. And Lord knows, the schedules will just get more complicated as the kids get older and into more activities. Maybe you're already there with your kids and/or grandkids, and if you are, we see you, too!
I know you've heard it before, but I'm going to scream it from the rooftops if it means it helps 1 mom find sanity and herself again. It is SO important that we take care of ourselves, both physically and emotionally.
That's where self-care comes into the picture. Self-care is definitely a larger umbrella that encompasses all the activities that help individuals maintain their physical, mental and emotional well-being. These activities can include things like regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and seeking medical or mental health care when needed. It's often necessary for survival and to maintain overall health.
Self-pampering, on the other hand, is a subset of self-care. It's focused on indulging in activities that bring pleasure and relaxation, such as taking a bubble bath, getting a massage, or reading a book. These activities are not necessarily essential for survival, but they can help individuals feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
Self-care is often a consistent habit that is integrated into one's daily routine, while self-pampering may be occasional or infrequent. The ultimate goal of self-care is to improve overall well-being, while the ultimate goal of self-pampering is to feel relaxed and pampered.
Here at Simply Stated, we make the self-pampering products for the busy mom, but we focus heavily on self-care. You can take a hot bath every day with our bath bombs and temporarily feel great. But until you do the work, and sometimes it's the hard work, the hot bath is only going to get you so far.
So how do we incorporate both into our daily lives, since both are important? How do we make self-pampering acts be a routine, rather than an infrequent one-time a year weekend away?
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Incorporate self-care activities into your morning routine: One way to prioritize self-care as a busy working mom is to incorporate self-care activities into your morning routine. This could include things like meditation, yoga, or journaling. By doing these activities first thing in the morning, you can start your day feeling refreshed and energized. Not a morning person? Set a time in the afternoon or evening after the kids are in bed. What's important is finding a time that will make it easy for you and your daily schedule.
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Schedule "me time" into your calendar: Another way to prioritize self-care is to schedule "me time" into your calendar. This could be anything from a yoga or HIIT class, a massage, or even just 15 minutes of quiet time to read a book. By scheduling these activities in advance, you are more likely to make time for them, instead of letting them fall by the wayside. I love thinking of this time as an appointment. You wouldn't just skip on an coffee date with a friend or a doctor's appointment? Don't skip on your "me time." Easier said than done, I know!
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Make self-care a family affair: Busy working moms can also prioritize self-care by making it a family affair. For example, you can plan a family walk after dinner, or a family workout sesh on the weekends, or even a family game night or movie night. This way you can spend quality time with your family and also take care of yourself.
Lastly, I would do you a disservice to not mention our I'm Worth It Subscription Box. Inside this box, you'll find not only the self-pampering products we handcraft, but useful lifestyle products, and inspirational content to make self-care and self-pampering less daunting and easier to implement into your daily routine. All delivered to your doorstep each month!
It's important to remember that self-care is a personal process, and what works for one person may not work for another. Therefore, it's important to find activities that you enjoy, and that make you feel good, and that fit well with your lifestyle and schedule.
xo
Chrissy
