School is out. That is all I have to say. That alone is a reason for mamas to make sure to take time out for themselves. No one likes a woman who loses her marbles by noon because the kids are driving her wackadoodle crazy. No one.
Insert mom summer self-care.
I am not talking about a trip to the pool with all four of your kids in tow, or a visit to the ice cream shop with the entire clan plus the neighbor’s kids. I am talking about activities that are about YOU. Special to YOU. Relaxing for YOU.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the above ARE fun and special and relaxing activities for many. For others, not so much. I am excited that my 4 and 6 year olds are having a ‘no’ summer with me this year (we said NO to all formal activities, and are simply chill-axing and going where ever our hearts take us), but I also know that having solo time is necessary so I can mom them with all my heart. Why? Because mommin, the way I want to and desire to, can be quite a mental and physical workout. I am sure you can agree *this is when you raise your iced coffee and give me an AMEN!*
The key is having expectations, and realistic planning, when it comes to giving yourself the time you need to recharge. Escaping for a 3-day beach vacation or chartering a flight to NYC for the evening is not what I’d call realistic self-care – *if it is for you, let’s be friends.* I am talking simple. Inexpensive. Easily repeatable.
Let’s say you have 2 hours to spare. That’s not long, but yet it can definitely be enjoyable time. Ask your husband to watch the kids, grab a babysitter, or hand them to relatives, and try one of these ideas…
- Treat yourself to a solo coffee at your favorite coffee shop, and actually sit at the coffee shop and catch up on something you enjoy (ie. reading, doodling, blogging, journaling, adult coloring, crafting, bucket list making, vacation planning, the list goes on).
- Lunch at your favorite eatery.
- A pedi or mani with your phone in your purse the entire time (unplug & actually enjoy it!).
- Sit in the backyard with a book, and actually read the book.
- Lay out and catch some rays.
- Go on a solo walk.
- Hit your favorite stores and browse the sales, indulge in a few purchases, or just walk mindlessly *hello, Target*.
- Go to the gym/workout.
- Register yourself for a class you have been wanting to take (cooking, art, etc – So many choices at local rec centers, culinary centers, and studios.).
- Catch up with a friend (she has 2 hours too, so enjoy it together without any of your kiddos in tow).
- Pick a part of the house and purge. (Yes, for some this is relaxing self-care *raising my hand ever so slightly*)
- Batch cook (again, see above).
- Hang out with your parents/grandparents (again, without the kids).
- Get a massage, facial, or your hair trimmed/styled.
- Just sit and be. Or take a nap. That’s right. We all need quiet and rest. What a better way to truly achieve both.
