Do you have those friends who can finish two novels in one week, do cardio before work, and can’t stop preaching about how important it is to take time for yourself? Yeah, I do too. But most of them don’t have any kids.
You know that self-care should be a priority in your life. But between grocery shopping, drop-offs, homework, after-class activities, and house chores, you barely have a minute to yourself.
Your to-do list is probably a mile long as it is, but dismissing your own needs can have a damaging effect on your health.
That’s why it’s important to take time for yourself so you can recharge your batteries and be the best you can be, both physically and mentally.
Even if you’re short on time, here are a few self-care ideas for moms you can do in 10 minutes or less.
1. Go Outside
Carving out some time to yourself outdoors can work wonders on your overall health. Even a quick 10-minute walk around the neighborhood will get your blood pumping and help you feel refreshed.
2. Write it Out
It’s easy to lose yourself in the chaos of everyday family life. But even if you can’t soak in the tub for a full hour, you can still practice self-care in short intervals. Here are my favorites:
- Take 5 minutes before bedtime and write down whatever comes to mind.
- Write down funny things your kids have said during the day.
- If you’re at work, write 1 or 2 sentences about how you’re feeling.
- Take 5 minutes to write down your worries, ideas, plans, thoughts, and emotions so you can declutter your mind. This will help you visualize your troubles so you can create an action plan.
3. Make Sure to Stretch Your Body
Taking a break to decompress from whatever you’re doing can really make your day-to-day life easier. Even 5 to 10 minutes of stretching can help alleviate tension, increase blood flow to the muscles, and calm your mind.
- This 5-minute back pain stretch is easy to follow and can help you release back stiffness.
- Free your mind with this quick 10-minute yoga session that’s great for newbies.
- A licensed Physical Therapist teaches you 5 moves to relieve neck pain in this quick video.
4. Make a Mug Cake
Baking may sound like more work, but I promise this one’s super easy to make. Just mix a few pantry staples in a bowl, pour the batter into a cup, and pop it in the microwave for 1 minute. Yes, it’s as easy as it sounds. Here’s one of my favorite recipes.
5. Do a Guided Meditation
If burnout and exhaustion are taking a toll on your physical and mental health, try a quick guided meditation to clear your mind. If you’ve never meditated before, it might take some time to learn to block your thoughts and ideas. But once you get the hang of it, you will feel better instantly.
- This fantastic mindfulness session only takes 5 minutes, and it can be done in the car, during lunch, or before bed. If you’re sensitive to gentle and comforting voices, this one’s for you.
- This 10-minute guided meditation video by The Honest Guys will teach you how to be more present and let go of your thoughts.
- Jason Stephenson’s 10-minute guided meditation video will help you release tension and pinned-up negative energy in just minutes.
In Conclusion:
Being a mom is one of the best jobs in the world. But it can also be the most taxing. Take time for yourself and remember… you are important, too! Start practicing self-care when you can, and if you can’t do everything at once, that’s okay too. Remember, an unhappy mom can’t raise a happy kid.
