Moms are the captain of the ship making things run smoothly all year long. During the holidays, the seas can get a bit rough because of all the social obligations and expectations. It is not easy to be in charge and keep things merry and bright.
Moms need to take care of themselves as well. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care is actually the least selfish thing you can do, because by looking after yourself, you are actually caring for others. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help busy moms actually enjoy the holidays.
Set Healthy Boundaries
This holiday self-care tip is all about setting yourself up for success. It is OK to say no to activities or people who do not fill you up. Extended families can compromise to find a solution that works for everyone. You can question traditions and make changes that work for your family. This doesn’t make you Scrooge, just a practical Mrs. Cratchit, who is a highly underrated character.
Donât Over-Schedule the Social Calendar
Moms understand kids only get a small number of Christmases before adulthood, and it is so tempting to want to pack it all in. There’s the school programs, parties, pictures with Santa, sleigh rides, and so much more. As fun as it all is, over-committing to social events will drain even the most energetic mom. Be intentional with your calendar.
More from CafeMom: 10 Holiday Volunteering Opportunities This Christmas
Schedule Rest Time
While we are on the topic of schedules, make sure to carve out some “me” time. Take a bubble bath, go on a walk, watch your favorite show. As hard as it might be, resist the urge to push this to the side. It is just as important as buying presents. This models good behavior for your kids, showing them it’s OK to prioritize their needs and take care of themselves.
Have a Morning Routine
How you start your day matters; it sets the tone for what’s to come. If the first thing you do when you wake up is immediately start taking care of others, you will burn out. Do something in the morning that grounds you, such as a 10-minute yoga video, a walk around the block, a quick journaling session, or an energizing meditation. Consistently starting your by day focusing on your well-being is a powerful habit to build.
Exercise
The sage Elle Woods, played by Reese Witherspoon, taught us the importance of exercise in the 2001 film Legally Blonde when defending her client who was accused of murder. “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t,â she mused.
The same concept can be applied to moms in a less crime-filled manner. Happy moms donât snap at their kids or lose their cool. Regular exercise will help you feel your best both mentally and physically, so when your kids make a mess, the annoyance will just roll off your back.
Get Enough Sleep
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults should get seven or more hours of sleep each night. If you don’t, you increase your risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Beyond the health risks, over-tired parents are just plain cranky and irritable. Get enough sleep so you have energy to decorate your tree and go Christmas shopping. It’s not the the season to be yawning, after all.
Buy Yourself a Present
Speaking of shopping, while you are crossing everyone else off on your list, it is OK for you to pick up a little something special for yourself. Maybe you want to grab a new book, sweater, or sweet treat. This little serotonin boost will brighten your day.
Eat Some Veggies
At the end of the year, it is normal to indulge in rich foods and sweet treats. No one wants to take that away from a hardworking mom â but just make sure to also eat your fruits and vegetables. Food is both fuel and fun, so try to maintain a balance of both.
Make Lists
This holiday self-care tip is Santa approved. If you are overwhelmed by all you need to do, follow St. Nick’s example. Break things down into small, easy-to-achieve tasks. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing something off a list, and the feeling of accomplishment will fuel your next activity.
Opt for Easy Meals
Moms know that the family is still going to need dinner during the cheerful chaos of the holiday season. Make it easy on yourself by busting out the slow cooker, pressure cooker, and air fryer. You can even meal prep or eat leftovers to keep things easy. This isn’t the time to prove your culinary talents; save that for the big holiday celebration. The day-to-day meals can be simple.
