Self Care is the Best Care For Moms

I recently meant a photographer and within 15 minutes of meeting me, he said I can tell that you are really into self care, the way that you carry yourself. He hit the nail on the head. I told him I have to consistently pour into myself if I am going to pour into other people. One of the hardest part of being a mom is the constant need from our family. We have to be able to give our love, time and attention to the ones that need us the most. It can be draining doing that overtime, along with being there for our spouses/partners, friends, job and other things that require our attention. I have a habit of doing these five things for self care that have made a difference in my life and have made me feel like I can give more of myself to those around me.

Exercise is self care

I use to think that I could not exercise because I had no time and I would be exhausted afterwards. But when I finally gave it a try it changed my life and to my surprise I became addicted. I joined Burn Boot Camp in July of 2019 and I have not stopped going since. So much so, that my transformation story is on the wall at the Smyrna location. It did not happen all at once. Before I was a member at Planet Fitness, but I found that I really did not know what I was doing and I was not seeing or feeling any results. Burn got me familiarized with nutrition, proper form and a community of supportive people. This self care has been my most rewarding 45 minutes of the day. I am not saying that you have to join a gym, but devote some time to getting your body moving and taking care of it. It will be physically tough sometimes, but the reward is how you feel afterwards.

Feed your soul with positive energy

Self care involves taking care of your mental health as well. There are times when I can get out of my head. I am overthinking everything and that is when I have to take a step back. To help with that, I listen to podcast and radio that either inspire me or teach me. The ones I get inspired from the most are; May I Elaborate with J.B. Smoove, Super Soul Sunday with Oprah, The Bible, Today Show 3rd Hour and morning radio. I find that I can take my mind off of whatever is in my head and hear other stories of overcoming and bettering yourself. Or even stories of being creative and embracing yourself. That helps me bring out my creative side better and have more positive thoughts and energy.

Self Care with Prayer, Meditation and Affirmations

Before the pandemic I prayed regularly but I rarely would meditate or say affirmations. Once the pandemic hit, it made me realize that I needed to release some stress, but could not leave the house to do it. Along with the positive thoughts, I needed to find another way to self care for my mental health. My prayer is less passive and more intentional and focused. I began to meditate for a few minutes at a time to ease my worries. It became a habit and I put more energy into it. I have found that meditating and saying affirmations have put my mind at ease. Before I did not put the right energy into it, because I was caught up in family life. Now I can focus on the Lord, my goals and be more in the present. I also follow a few profiles on social media that stay on the theme of prayer and affirmations.

At Home Beauty Self Care

Before the pandemic I was a fan of doing my own beauty routines for “Self Care Sundays”. I mostly did my own hair, nails and I have not gotten my eyebrows professionally done since my wedding (which was almost 7 years ago). I feel that doing those things give me an appreciation for physical self. During the pandemic I learned how to do my own braids with extensions, pedicures and manicures. This was a game changer, I enjoy it. Of course whhen things opened up I indulged in a few necessary maintenance like waxing and professional hair and nails. But every now and then I still do them at home and it makes me feel good about myself. I know that I will not trust anyone with my brows though, I still want to have them when I’m old.

Friend time is self care

Hanging out with your close friends can be very fulfilling and fill up your cup of self care. Having some girl time where I can just chat and be myself and even a little gossip helps me be my best self. Them pouring into me, helps with me being able to pour into others. To really have this you have to be in a relaxing environment, not at a social event or at a restaurant with constant interruptions. Ideal is just hanging out at your house or theirs. This can also be done with family members that are not causing you any stress.

Whatever forms of self care you choose, make sure that it is one that improves your quality of life. Nowadays I believe you have to make yourself a priority in order to not let anxiety, stress and burn out happen. Taking up hobbies and learning new skills can be self care skills that can eventually lead you to financial care. Even taking some time out in nature, without your kids, can be relaxing to the mind. Check out these local parks for ideas of places to go, but always remember to be thankful for what you do have. Use your close resources for child care and make some me time for you bomb mom.