Self-care for me. A lot of times people think self-care is a one that fits all situations. But based on personality types or just who you are can determine what works for you. Self-care has become glamorized. You’ll hear people talk about it in terms of getting your hair done, your nails done. Going for a massage. Stuff that requires money and lots of it, because it ain’t cheap. Plus maybe that stuff isn’t for you.
Self-care is about looking after yourself. Your health. It could mean the little things like drinking enough water. Going to the bathroom alone. (Motherhood am I right?!). It’s especially important when you become a mother because if you’re not at your best, your family isn’t either. They feed off of the energy you have. So those days you catch yourself yelling at them about the smallest thing. It’s probably because you need to do something to take care of yourself. The way you relax recharge and refuel yourself, is just that, YOURS.
Those fancy things are nice when you can get them once in a while. Maybe do it with a friend or a loved one. But oftentimes those are “treats” for yourself. What about your day to day self-care? What do you do to relax and recharge yourself?
Some ideas based on my preferences.
For reference, I am an Enneagram Type 9. An S on the DISC personality test (But I don’t know much about that one.) And I am most definitely introverted. So a big way I take care of myself is to BE BY MYSELF. And most of my go-to is for my mental health, my mental self-care.
I like to watch TV (my go to right now is Castle (Prime Video). For some reason I love cop shows.
Another one is a favorite book, a bath with a nice bath bomb.
I love reading my devotions without interruption. This can make or break my day. If I wait to the point where M gets clingy or cranky and I can’t just do my devotions. Then we are both miserable for the rest of the day.
A drive around by myself, listening to my music and singing out loud where no one can hear me!
And sometimes when I feel like there isn’t time in the day for a little self-care. Actually running errands alone (weird I know but I find it refuels me.)
But one thing I do every day, no matter what, is sit down at the end of the day curled up on the couch with a hot drink and a book, a show or movie by myself or with my husband or family is the best thing.
And the more fancy stuff like getting my nails done, especially pedicures with my mom are once in a while.
Physical self-Care
To take care of my physical self. Which is just as important. I don’t do nearly enough, but I’m working on it. You can read a little about my fitness journey HERE.
I like to walk around our neighborhood. As a family. It’s good for me and for my family.
I have a meal plan, which I’ll do a post on too. This helps take the stress of dinner prep and decision making out of my day, which is a huge mental self-care thing too. I plan healthy dinner options for everyone. A protein, a carbohydrate/starch, and lots of veggies in each and every meal.
And last but not least SLEEP. As a mama sometimes that one isn’t in the cards, but when it is, the next day I feel like a whole new person!
It doesn’t have to be drastic or difficult. Basically, it’s just making sure you have time for yourself. Putting yourself first for a few hours. It doesn’t have to be glamorous or expensive. You don’t even have to leave the house. And the best self-care tip I can give you, from a mama who is always making sure my little guy is drinking water, but often forgets to herself. DRINK YOUR WATER!
Love Crystal
