Self-care means a lot of different things. In the past, self-care has meant just face masks and pampering and spending money. But that message has evolved — at least for us. It can also mean doing things that make people feel more fulfilled as a person or more well-rested or true to themselves, aka things that are free. It's hard for women and parents, especially, to take time for themselves even in small ways or to ask for help, but doing so is imperative to staying on top of one's mental health.
We have a few self-care activities for parents to try out on their self-care journey, from a traditional face mask to finally making the time to finish a streaming show to being present with the kids without any phones. Take a look and try one, even if it's just for a few minutes. Any amount of time counts when it comes to self-care.
Do a Face Mask
Face masks are usually one of the first things that come to mind when talking about self-care, but that's because they work. They can be part of a longer relaxing skin care routine, in a bubble bath or after a steamy shower, or standalone, with the self-care part being soft, cleansed skin. There are many kinds to choose from.
Eat That Snack From a Bakery You Love
Sweet treats are the cherry on top of any day, pun intended. There's a lot of body image pressure for moms especially, and sometimes self-care is just eating the dang cupcake. Stop by a bakery to pick up a favorite baked item, such as a cupcake or a brownie, or the ice cream shop for a scoop of ice cream and savor every last bite.
Take the Day Off From Work
Being burnt out is the antithesis of self-care. The best way to remedy that is to take a break. It's not only easy but necessary. Not everyone has this option, but if you do, this is us giving you the OK to pick a day to take off in the next few weeks or to take a personal day tomorrow to rest, recharge, and reset. The work will be better for it, especially if you know you can take a break soon.
Ask Someone To Watch the Kids for a Few Hours
Some parents' work is with the kids at home, so taking the day off isn't an option. Even if a parent does work outside the home it's OK to want a break too. If possible, asking for help is a wonderful way to practice self-care. For some, it doesn't feel natural because we want to handle it all, but one of the best things we can do is take time for ourselves, and having help with the kids is key to making that happen.
Plan a Date Night
Connecting with a significant other or partner is a great way to recharge. It gives parents an opportunity to feel their love language, which is a shot of serotonin in itself. Plus, strengthening a relationship is just fun. Date nights can be a way to put the stress of life aside and simply enjoy the other person's company.
Have a Bath Bomb Bath
Baths are an effective way to mentally engage in self-care — providing time to meditate, breath, just sit, or lie down for a few minutes — as well as physical self-care. A nice steamy bath can help muscles relax, and with a good body wash or bath bomb, skin will feel amazing afterward as well.
Commit To Doing a Full Nighttime Skin Care Routine
If you can't tell, we're a fan of skin care as a form of self-care. There's something relaxing and satisfying about doing a routine that actually produces results while also involving time alone. It allows us a few moments to focus on one task at a time, something that might not happen during busy mornings or nights.
Get a Manicure or a Pedicure
A good manicure and pedicure can feel like a huge reset. They also just make you feel put together and like you're dressing up an everyday look, even if you're wearing sweatpants. Aside from time to sit for a bit, painting nails (at home or in a salon) can be a creative and stress-releasing outlet, from picking colors to the soothing nature of painting nails.
Catch Up on the Show You Haven't Been Able To Get To
Here's a scenario that parents know all too well: streaming a really engrossing TV show or movie and not being able to binge or get through the whole thing because of a busy schedule or the kids not going to bed on time or literally anything. Self-care can mean taking the time to finish a show you really like.
Have Drinks With a Friend
When you have a family or even just a partner, they take priority, so it makes sense that sometimes friend time can get put on the back burner. If friends keep you engaged and leave you feeling better about yourself, make your self-care act about reconnecting with them, even if it's just for a happy hour or walk.
Read a Book
Reading is something that people really had time for during quarantine — unless they didn't because every minute was consumed with making sure the kids were preoccupied. Things may be a little more relaxed now, so it's a good time to get back into the habit. Before bed or on an early morning, grab a book that's been sitting there and read a few pages.
Journal or Set Goals
Journaling is a tool that can be helpful in therapy to clear or gather thoughts, set goals, or manifest dreams. That's why we think it can also just be a go-to self-care move, whether it's for a few minutes or an hour. Another reason it works: It can happen any time and anywhere. Just have a notebook and pen or pencil handy for when inspiration strikes.
Buy a Cup of Coffee From Your Favorite Shop
Making coffee at home is easy and affordable, even if it takes warming in the microwave a few times to actually remember to finish drinking it. Yet the act of getting a coffee shop coffee feels like a treat. It's done for you — what a concept!
Sit in the Coffee Shop and Drink It There
OK, so you order coffee from a shop, but can you take the self-care up a notch? Take your time. Really. You can, and should, enjoy drinking it there. Ideally you're alone and can journal, scroll social media or online shop, read a book, or get some work done away from the distractions at home. It's an effective way for moms to feel like they're still their own people who can sit and work in a coffee shop like before they had children.
Bake Something Yummy or Grab Ice Cream
Baking or cooking is stressful for some people, but for others, it's therapeutic. It's a way to focus on one task at a time and feel proud of the end result — and a tasty one at that. Textures and smells and tastes are involved, which are all elements used in anxiety-reducing mechanisms, and that's where the self-care part comes in.
Put On Makeup
Makeup is a creative outlet for lots of people, but life, working from home, or living the stay-at-home mom life can make putting on makeup less of a priority. If going makeup-free gives you joy, skip it, but if it brings you joy and makes you feel beautiful, then pick a day or a morning or, heck, a random night to put on makeup, whether it's a new look or an old one that works for you.
Skip the Makeup
An act of self-care could also mean not putting on makeup. Instead, feel comfortable in your own skin and own it. With all the skin care we're suggesting, this one should be a little easier. How amazing is it to save an extra 15 minutes or so in the morning because applying makeup didn't occupy that time?
Get Dressed Up Even With Nowhere To Go
In the same vein of putting makeup on, we think getting dressed up, even with nowhere to go, can be a self-care boost. Having to do it every day kinda stinks, but picking a day or night to just wear a new outfit that's been sitting in the closet or putting on something that hasn't been worn in a while can make you feel like a whole new person.
Plan a Few 'Screen-Free' Hours
This writer loves her screen time. And it weirdly helps her escape. But sometimes being in the moment with yourself or family or kids can feel amazing. You're fully present, and it'll likely help strengthen the bonds between said family and kids. Nothing feels more fulfilling and refreshing than that.
Contact That Person You've Been Wanting To Call
Speaking of human connections as a form of self-care, we recommend leaning into that and taking time to connect with someone you've been wanting to for a while but just put on the back burner. Even if it's a text to say hi or a quick call or FaceTime, the person will appreciate it and your relationship will benefit in the long run.
