10 Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

Hey moms, when was the last time you practiced self-care? Self-care is defined as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. We know what you are thinking…who has time for that?!

This seriously couldn’t have come at a better time, though. Moms who have been home with your kids, struggling with the new norm of digital learning, we see you!  We’re right there with you and we know how much a little self-care is needed right now.  It has been 6 months… yes, you read that right…6 MONTHS since most of our kids have been in school.  We love family time and love our children dearly, but our normal crazy busy lives have become even more crazy busy with zero me-time.

Like most mothers, we are always putting others first. You’re consumed with responsibilities like work and feel guilty for wanting to do something nice for yourself.  However, doing a little something to help preserve your health is only going to make you a better mom, wife, and friend to those that you love. We’re sharing some simple self-care tips that we promise will go a long way to helping you have more energy, patience, and love to spread.

1. Start moving – It’s hard being stuck at home and feeling like you can’t workout regularly, but even just a brisk walk, some lunges and crunches, or even joining in your kid’s PE Zoom class will do the trick!

2. Go to sleep – Of course we know that sleep is important, but forcing yourself to go to bed a little earlier, even a few nights a week, will do wonders for your energy levels.

3. Get dressed – There have been many days we realized it’s past lunchtime and we’re still wearing what we slept in, but even if it is 3:00 in the afternoon getting “ready” for the day can help put a little pep in your step. It’s amazing what cute earrings and a little mascara can do to help you feel human again.

4. Say NO – This is a hard one for us, but we are getting better about it. We’re the queens of volunteering and are big-time people pleasers. However, sometimes saying “no” to others helps us have more time to spend on ourselves and our families. Plus it makes us less stressed and we all know that is needed!

5. Phone a friend – We’ve been missing our girlfriends something fierce during the past 6 months. Sure we’ve gotten our families together a little here and there, but it’s been really hard to spend one-on-one time with friends. After a quick text session or a phone call to vent and commiserate together we feel refreshed and reminded that we have people in our corners cheering for us.

6. Get outside – The weather this time of year is pretty amazing no matter where you live so take advantage of it! Being outdoors and soaking up the amazing views, brisk air, and warm sun should immediately put a smile on your face. Whether it is gardening, taking a stroll or just sitting on your porch to work, get outside!

7. Do something you love – Remember that hobby you used to love? Maybe it’s crafting, baking, cooking, tennis, or even taking a workout class. Doing something just for you that you love will help make you feel refreshed and so accomplished.

8. Light a candle – Not only does it make your home smell good, but there is something very soothing about having a candle lit. Some calming scents have even been thought to lower anxiety levels.

9. Organize and declutter – Do you have a junk drawer that is overflowing or does your desk need sprucing up? Clutter can make us feel anxious and having an organized space can actually make you feel more relaxed so start small and pick one area to organize.

10. Swap junk food for healthy snacks – We all know how important it is to eat our fruits and veggies, but sometimes it’s hard to get all of the nutrients our bodies need. Make a conscious effort to swap junk food for healthy snacks that are going to fuel your body and make you feel better in the long run.

We’ve got two healthy (and easy) recipes that are great ways to boost your immune system which is especially important heading into cold and flu season this year!

Orange Vanilla Smoothie

1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup frozen peaches or mangos
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup ice
Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Enjoy!

We can’t forget about the kids!  This recipe is for homemade orange juice gummies. It is simple to make, has only two ingredients, no added sugar, and made with gelatin which is good for your gut health.

Orange Juice Gummies

1 cup orange juice
2 T non-flavored gelatin
Pour 1/2 cup of juice into saucepan.
Heat until almost boiling.
Sprinkle gelatin over remaining juice.
Pour heated juice into gelatin mix and whisk together until mixed.
Pour into silicone molds and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Keep chilled until ready to eat!

Written by: The Magnolia Mamas – check out their Instagram profile!