As the year comes to an end, we parents often find ourselves spread thin and exhausted. The holidays are a time of family and cheer, but that doesn’t mean all that celebrating hasn’t taken a toll on us. Then, the new year approaches, and we find ourselves wiped out at the prospect of starting another year where we’re barely surviving. But what if next year could be different? We always prioritize our kids first, but what if next year we decide to make ourselves a priority as well?!
I know that in the first year of my son’s life, I was extremely reluctant to do anything that didn’t involve dedicating myself 100% to him. But I’ve spoken to lots of other moms, and they all agree that making time for yourself improves not only your overall well-being but also your relationship with your family. So, this coming year, let’s explore the ways busy moms can put themselves at the top of their list and make their resolutions a priority!
Make Time to Exercise
When talking to my other mom friends, almost every single one mentioned that they have to get in some kind of movement every day to keep their mental health in check. This can look different for everyone! Ashlee, a lifelong friend and mom of 4, takes a walk by herself daily. She says getting out in nature, clearing her mind, and getting a little exercise do wonders for her body and mind. Working mom Jenna hits the gym every morning before the kids start their day. Not only does she feel great about herself physically, but the daily dedication does wonders for her mental health. I found that yoga does it for me. It’s super easy to do a quick session at home (or even on the go!), and there are hundreds of free classes to choose from online. My favorite is YogawithAdriene. She has videos from beginner to expert level and even offers 30-day plans to follow for free! All you need is a yoga mat, and you can easily find an affordable option on Amazon! Whenever I finish a session, I’m more grounded, more level-headed, and feel like I can tackle whatever comes my way that day.
Find a Hobby
After spending the first year of my son’s life solely dedicated to his care and neglecting myself entirely, I felt like I’d lost my identity. I knew I had to do something to reclaim myself. I started by asking myself, “What are some things I loved to do before I had a kid?” At the top of my list was reading. I realized that while I still read in my spare time, it didn’t have to be a solitary activity! I stumbled upon Bookclubs.com and found a group in my area that met once a month. I took a chance, read the book, and put myself out there by going to a meeting; I ended up loving it! I got to discuss books with great people and even made some new friends along the way. If you want to join a book club but there isn’t one in your area, Bookclubs.com makes it super easy to create your own book club as well!
Finding the right hobby is an individual choice for everyone. My friend Ivy is a working mom of a small toddler and loves to express herself creatively in her free time through painting, drawing, and sculpting. She’s able to do this from the comfort of her home, so she can easily fit her hobby into her busy schedule. There are also options to enroll in a night or weekend class to learn a new art—from photography to painting to mixed media sculpting; the possibilities are endless! For a less formal setting, take yourself on a date to one of those cute pottery painting cafes and see what you can create! I personally ordered a great watercolor set that included everything I needed to sit down and try my hand at painting! I’m no Picasso, but it ended up being a super relaxing activity and is now one of my go-to ways to carve out a little time for myself.
Self Care is a MUST!
Self-care doesn’t have to involve a pricey spa day or weekend getaway. When I asked other moms how they make time for themselves, the most common answer was simple: a long shower or a relaxing bath! If you really want to indulge, treat yourself to a bath bomb or a shower steamer; Target has great options for both! I find adding a shower steamer to my nightly routine transforms the mundane act of getting ready for bed into something special.
Perhaps the most important aspect of self-care is sleep. We’ve all heard that sleep is important, but getting an adequate amount of sleep every night lowers your risk for chronic health problems, lowers your risk of heart attack, and helps balance your hormones. I know that I’m not the same person when I don’t get enough sleep. I’m irritable, anxious, and emotional. To make sure I get enough sleep every night, I listen to my body. I get into bed at a reasonable time nightly, and in the past year, I have switched from watching TV until I was tired to reading a good book instead. I’ve found that these simple changes have made a huge difference in my overall quality of sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, you can try creating your own bedtime routine: take that extra long shower, make yourself an herbal tea, put on some fuzzy socks, and curl up with a cozy book or activity, like a word search or sudoku!
Another way to prioritize yourself is by nourishing yourself with the foods you enjoy. While it can feel daunting to prepare a meal for yourself amid the endless snacks and meals you provide for your kids, a Vitamix can make it easier! From soups to smoothies and even homemade ice cream, you can whip up something delicious for yourself in as little as 10 minutes! While you’re at it, why not splurge on an Ember coffee mug? So that no matter how busy your day gets, you can always enjoy your morning beverage hot!
Make Yourself a Gift Registry
If any of these ideas appeal to you, why not make yourself a gift registry to share with friends and family this holiday season? Add items for a new hobby you’d like to start in the coming year, or build yourself the ultimate self-care kit! Make yourself a priority in the coming year; you deserve it! And be sure to let your friends and family know they can find your registry, no matter where you’ve registered, at RegistryFinder.com!
