Self-Care

Before becoming a mother, I did not think much of self-care. If I wanted my hair or nails done I just got them done. If I saw a new outfit I wanted to buy, I would buy it. A little shopping spree at Sephora or Ulta had me purchasing more products than I needed simply because I could. When we found out we were expecting shortly after we moved, I stopped putting in job applications as it was important to both my husband and me that I stay home with our son. 
I was so excited to have the opportunity to stay home that I quickly started focusing on ways to cut back on certain spending and learn how to do things at home. To this day I still maintain that mindset and have learned many new ways to enjoy self-care even when I was in the thick of postpartum. 
A daily routine of self-care that I have and will always follow is a quick get-ready routine. In some phases of motherhood, the best I could do was throw my hair up in a ponytail and slap on some mascara and concealer. Even though it felt simple and minimal it still allowed me to feel put together. Whether I do a full face of make-up or a light brushing of mascara I always ensure I give myself a few minutes to get ready each morning. The little refreshment on my face allows me to feel good and start the day on my best foot.
A nonnegotiable for me from the beginning has always been a shower each day. Whether it be a quick rinse off or an everything shower, I always make sure I have that time to rinse the day off and allow myself a few minutes to unwind. It sounds simple enough to give yourself a few minutes each day to shower. The truth is we have all had the days where we are just burnt out and don't have the energy for it. I've been there and had those feelings, but I have never regretted giving myself a few minutes at the end of a long day. 
The best form of self-care I can give to myself is the time and motivation to exercise. I know there are and will be phases in life where exercise sounds daunting. However, with all the benefits both physical and mental that come from exercise it turns unfair to yourself to not enjoy the benefits. One of the beauties of exercise is there are so many ways you can do it! Have a baby? Put them and everything you need in the stroller to go for a walk and enjoy the weather. Have a toddler who has a lot of energy? Find a track or open field and play chase or take them on a walk exploring nature. The weather is bad and can't get out of the house at certain times of the year? Invest in some home equipment to exercise. The truth is just a few weights allow you to do full-body workouts at home. Even if you don't know where to start there are so many free resources online that tell you exactly what to do! Exercising allows me to be a better version of myself so I can be the best mom I can be. Giving myself a few 30-minute sessions 3-5 times a week has provided so many positives. 
As we are creeping out of the toddler phase in life I do have more freedom in the evenings for some self-care. Being in my late 20s I have had to start learning and stepping up my skincare game. From learning to purchasing products to applying them in the evenings has allowed a new routine of self-care. As a mom, I am quick not to spend money on myself as I often feel guilty about it. When I want to shop for something new, I look for sales or at stores like TJ Maxx. Thanks to TJ Maxx I have developed a skincare routine for under $30 with products that will last several months. Not only do I get to enjoy the benefits of these products but I don't have to feel like I wasted a ton of money in the process. 
As a mother, it is easy to want to put everyone else's needs in front of your own needs. I get it, I do and it's something that I will continue to do. However, I have learned that I can also take care of my own needs without needing to feel guilty about a little self-care each day. We have all heard the saying you can't pour from an empty cup, which is true. Self-care doesn't have to look the way you did it a few years ago or at all like the things I mentioned. It is so important to allow yourself care, without feeling guilty. As mothers, we have to ensure we are taking care of ourselves to be the best version of ourselves we can be for ourselves and our families.
If you have read this far, thank you! I hope you find the time for you this week! We all enjoy little moments of self-care, whether it be getting a coffee, going for a walk, or reading a book in the tub. However you decide to do it, I hope you find the time for the care you need. .