Strange enough I managed to ask the people who are in my close circle what they do for self-care. To my surprise, they either did not know what self-care was or they do not practice self-care. If you also fall in this category, please do not feel bad as it is quite understandable how individuals may get caught up in their jobs and their daily life activities and forget how important it is to cater to one’s own needs, (mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally). Self-care routine as a stay-at-home mom is very important due to the fact that most of our time is spent indoors with our kids.
When I think of self-care, I think of it as the care a person gives themself on a regular. Some may consider showering, brushing your teeth, and regularly grooming your hair to be self-care, and I agree. However, you have to do those things daily, there is no exception. Therefore, I prefer to look at self-care as the extra time and effort you would take to pour into yourself. Something you do not have to do, but choose to do, because it makes you feel good.
Self-care for me was always practiced since my teenage years. After having my daughter, I had a reason to be deliberate with it because I began feeling very low about myself. I realized if I do not take care of my needs as well, but instead keep putting myself off for a later time or date, I can lose myself in the process of motherhood. When I say, lose myself in the process of motherhood I am really saying;
- To forget what it is I love doing for myself that makes me feel good.
- I might become angry at my child or the people around me. or,
- Develop a dislike for motherhood, and engage in activities to distract myself from it all.
I needed a solution, and these are my top five self-care routines, as a stay-at-home mother.
1. Take a very hot long shower, (about 45 to 60 minutes), without being disturbed.
2. Go for a drive alone. Park in a peaceful area, and eat a meal I enjoy eating; this one really satisfies my soul.
3. Journaling without being disturbed and writing how I feel on that day, and also including all that I am grateful for.
4. Stretch. My body knows when it needs to move, and I am very careful to pay attention to it. This I do with my daughters because they enjoy being apart.
5. Cooking. I love making and eating my own meals. I try to always be in a good mood when cooking, as that affects the way the food nourishes my body. There are days I do not feel to cook, so those days I avoid cooking.
I would like to encourage you to start incorporating self-care practices into your daily life. It can greatly enhance the quality of your life and the people around you. In one of my previous posts, I’ve talked about 5 reasons why I became a stay-at-home mom.
However, I also needed to realize the importance of showing up for myself. Please understand I am not just saying this because I can. I believe we, (male and female), should all take the time, to give ourselves, the care we need.
Danicker 🖤
