Mommy Makeover: 5 Self-Care Habits to Transform Your Life
Self-care is vital for all of us, especially busy moms. Yet, we often prioritize everyone else's needs over our own, convincing ourselves we don't have time for personal care. I get it – showering without interruptions feels like a victory! But I'm not talking about just squeezing in basic self-care. Over the past two years, I've made self-care a priority, and I've learned to get creative with my time. These tips might surprise you – some only take a few minutes!
Use my Mom Life Habit Tracker to monitor your progress on building positive habits and breaking those pesky ones until they become second nature. Consistency is key, and with this tracker, you'll be able to track your successes and setbacks until you've nailed down a routine that works for you!
Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish or a luxury; it's essential. No more excuses – let's make self-care a necessity! Below are 5 of the most important self-care habits.
1. Meditation
Meditation is a superpower that'll make you wonder how you ever lived without it! In just 5 minutes a day, you can boost your memory, emotional well-being, sleep quality, focus, and even reduce anxiety and regulate your mood (bye-bye, stress and irritability! ). And don't worry, you don't need to be a yoga guru or sit for hours – just a few minutes of mindfulness can make a world of difference!
Enjoy a mindful moment with your morning coffee (before the kids wake up and chaos ensues), before bed (when the house is finally quiet and you can breathe, or even in your car after work (because we all know the daily commute can be a real zen-killer).
And the best part? Apps like Calm, Balance, and guided meditations on YouTube and music streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify make it easy and accessible. Start small, start smart, and unlock the benefits of meditation – your mind and body will thank you (and so will your family, because a calm and centered mom is the best kind of superhero!)
2. Move your Body
Moving your body is a powerful self-care act, benefiting both physical and mental well-being. From low-impact Yoga and Barre to high-energy cardio, there's a routine for everyone. Even 30 minutes of walking a day or 15 minutes of online videos/apps will make a difference! No gym or hour-long commitment necessary.
I use my workout time to release stress and prioritize myself - it's invaluable! Yes, even at home, my yoga practice is sometimes interrupted by my curious son's energetic bursts and endless questions! But I still make it a priority. And if you prefer a studio setting, supporting a small business while nurturing your well-being is a double win! Find what works for you and make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. I highly recommend Yoga with Adriene! She has a yoga video for anything.
Maybe you mix it up as well! Do a mix of yoga, cardio, walking, or running. Whatever fits into your busy schedule. No excuses, mama - let's get moving and celebrate our mental and physical wellness!
3. Be Mindful of What You Eat
Nourish your body with mindful eating habits. While I'm still learning about healthy diets, I recognize the impact of food on our well-being. A balanced diet can lead to a longer life, reduced disease risks, and a stronger immune system. Our gut health, or microbiome, plays a crucial role in our overall wellness, as Giulia Enders, author of ‘Gut: The Inside Story of Our Body’s Most Underrated Organ’ wisely says, “The gut is a garden, requiring care and nourishment to thrive.”
Avoid foods that harm gut health: refined sugars, gluten, dairy, artificial sweeteners, red meat, fried foods, and alcohol. These can also exacerbate anxiety and depression. I'm working on making healthier choices and will share my journey with you as time continues! Prioritize your well-being and nourish your body with wholesome foods.
4. Sleep tight, mama!
Sweet dreams, mama! Getting at least 8 hours of sleep can be a game changer for your mental and physical health. We know it's tough with little ones but aim for maximum sleep possible until you can (even if it means bribing the kids with extra screen time so you can sneak in a nap).
Adequate sleep improves mood, reduces anxiety and depression, stress, and sickness, while also lowering health risks (hello, reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes!).
Night owls, don't worry - we've got tips for you! Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day (even on weekends), exercising daily (get those endorphins flowing!), avoiding late caffeine and alcohol (bye-bye, 3 PM coffee and late night wine), limiting pre-bed screen time (try to keep it to 30 minutes before bedtime), and relaxing with a book, journal, or bath (because who doesn't love a good soak?). Prioritize sleep for a healthier, happier you - and maybe even a more patient, less frazzled mom. Sweet dreams, indeed!
5. Practice Self Love
Practice self-love, mama! Eliminate negative self-talk and stop beating yourself up over tiny mistakes (because let's face it, we're all just winging it here ). Treat yourself with kindness, patience, and love - like you would a close friend (or your favorite coffee mug ). Remember, you're doing your best, and that's enough! Take breaks, prioritize yourself, and love yourself unconditionally (even on the days when your "break" is hiding in the closet with a bag of chocolate chips ). You deserve respect - especially from yourself! Embrace your awesomeness and be kind to your amazing self!
And to help you remember all this awesomeness, download these Affirmation Cards from my shop and keep them with you each day as a reminder of the bad-ass woman and mother that you are!