5 self-care tips for busy mamas  

Do you ever hear people say “you can’t pour from an empty glass”? Essentially this means to take care of yourself so that you can care for others. As a busy mama, you tend to forget about you and your needs, whether it’s physical or mental. Take the time each day to set aside ways to care for YOU. 

Here are my favourite 5 self-care tips for busy mamas:

Move your body 

I’m not saying you have to necessarily set aside an hour for exercise, but any kind of movement is good, as long as you are mindful and consistent. Go for a walk, go up and down your stairs a few times, fold laundry standing up while moving your legs or waist, have a dance party around the living room with your baby. Simple tasks throughout your day can turn into a physical activity. Just be mindful. 

Pamper yourself 

Something special you hardly ever do, can become a nice way to treat yourself. Taking more time with your skin care routine, soaking your feet in a foot bath, go get your hair done, plan a spa day, or book a massage. If it feels like a treat, you will definitely thank yourself. 

Fuel yourself 

Eat right, drink right. Keep meals light and drink lots of water. I know right, what’s the fun in that? Sounds so restricting. It makes a difference in how you feel when your body gets what it needs instead of eating any junk you can find. Or the alternative, starving all day. Some days you might have a hard time getting a full meal, so commit to small snacks. Slice up an apple with some peanut butter to dip, make a smoothie with added oats, cut up a cucumber and plate up some whole wheat crackers and cheese. Have water around you throughout the day so you can keep up your hydration and energy. 

Read a book

When nap time comes around for the little one, I like to either catch up on a show with my coffee or do some writing. Thats therapeutic for me. But it’s nice to just shut off the tv, put your phone down and pick up a book. I love to read my book at bedtime when everyone has been tucked in and I can finally relax and get lost in a book. I feel like it helps me to let go of all the stress from the day. 

Unwind at the end of the day

Prepare a routine at the end of your day to unwind. Make it “me time” and don’t be afraid to set boundaries with the rest of your household. Here’s an example: Get those kids to bed, and make yourself a nice camomile tea, put your jammies on, read a book or relax with some Netflix. Maybe this is the time you want to take that bubble bath, and throw in some Epsom salt to relax your muscles. 

Having a routine helps signal your brain that rest is coming, just like your baby! Routines are important so that we know what to expect. With a nice routine to unwind at the end of your day, you just might get a better nights sleep, which we can all admit we need more of.