Self care isn't easy, especially when you're a mom. Between juggling the demands of your kids, your home, and your career, taking time out for yourself just doesn't seem realistic. But you have to do it, right? Well, yes. But that doesn't mean you have to fit gargantuan feats of radical self care into your everyday life.
Self Care in Five Minutes
Sure, if you can fit a massage or a yoga class or a mani pedi into your life, do it! Like, seriously, do it. For the rest of us, however, it's more about getting the most bang for your buck. These self care tips are designed to take no more than five minutes, but you'll feel their impacts throughout your day.
- Take Care of Your Gut: Take care of your gut and it will take care of you. Add a greens powder to your day to balance out the microbiota in your belly. Your digestion will be more regular, which is a great way to take care of yourself when you're always on the go.
- Keep a One Sentence Journal: Yes, it'd be nice to fill a page with writing every day. If you're one of the millions of us who just don't have time for that, though, a sentence or two is more than enough. Take sixty seconds to reflect on your day, then write a sentence about what you're thankful for.
- Say Hi: If you don't have time to catch up with friends over coffee, that doesn't mean you're going it alone. Use an app like Marco Polo to send video messages back and forth with the people you love the most. You'll stay connected, but in a way that works with your schedule.
- Embrace the Stoplight: You're bound to run into red lights while you're taxiing your family around. Use them as a chance to take a few deep breaths. It's a seamless way to build the benefits of deep breathing (less stress, more calm, happier cardiovascular system) into your day.
- Build a Bedtime Routine: Low on sleep? Set aside five minutes before bed for a routine. Could be washing your face, petting the dog, listening to relaxing music, or doing a few stretches - whatever helps you feel relaxed and ready to rest.
- See the Sun: Take five minutes to stand in the sun. Your body will love the Vitamin D you'll get, and the warmth and bright light will feel amazing. While you're at it, drink a cup of water, you little flower you.
- Sing a Song: Music just doesn't sound good, it alters the chemicals in our brains in a very positive way. Take five minutes to rock out to your favorite track. If you're up for it, sing along - it's energizing, fun, and a great tool to relieve tension. Get the kids in on the action for an awesome way to get everyone in a positive frame of mind.