Five Ways I Take Care of ME

Yeah, pretty much how I be feelin' when I don't take time for myself. 

It's a little after 11pm, and the house is mostly quiet. 

I sooo look forward to this time every night.  If I've learned anything in motherhood, it's that mama has gotta take time for herself--or she'll become an enraged, resentful psycho. 

Having some kid-free time at night and in the morning is one of the ways I have learned to take care of myself.  In order to really enjoy this time though, I have to tell my guilt to SHUT UP. 

Just because I'm a stay-at-home-mom, doesn't mean that I don't need down time.
All moms, I repeat: ALL MOMS, you need time for yourself.  You have to take care of yourself.  If you don't, you'll end up like Cranky the dino over there.  And that's not good.  Your family will be happier if you're happy. 


Some of the ways I like to take care of myself are pretty simple.  Some cost a little money, but most are FREE.  :) 


1.
I write.  I journal on my laptop.  I usually write in it everyday.  I gripe in it.  I stress in it...I get things out in it....I lay it all out there.  Writing helps me to connect the dots, to see from a different perspective even.  Writing is my biggest outlet.  Sometimes, I get busy and don't take the time to write.  When this happens, I start slipping...getting snappy, feeling blue, feeling like something is missing--because it is. 

2.
I really really like to plan on paper.  I suppose this is kind of nerdy...but it's SOOO good for me.... seriously.  I don't know what mom it wouldn't be good for. 
I LOVE to plan, I like to know what's coming next!  When I plan my days out, I feel like I have a little control.  I know who and what needs to be where, when. I know what I've overlooked, I know what we're eating the next night for dinner and if I need to go to the store, I realize that my water bill is due...I pay my phone bill on time.....  Planning is good.  I used to just use a notebook to plan in, but in recent years, I've become a big fan of the Day Designer Planner.  You can check it out  here through this affiliate link.  If you choose to purchase it through amazon, thank you :)  I'll get a very small percentage. 

3.
I take bubble baths.  Except when I really need some wind down time, I do it the old fashioned way and don't take my phone or tablet. I just lay in the tub and soak...and usually pray.  To take a break and relax, facebook and social media aren't needed.  Just a little something I've learned along the way.  :)

4.

Getting my nails done once a month.  This is a new thing for me.  I used to think it was a waste of money, and really--it is.  But getting my nails done makes me feel pretty and girly and I look forward to it.  I like thinking up cute new ways to have them done and getting compliments on how they look...makes me feel good about myself.  I get a powder dip which doesn't hurt your real nails....in fact, mine are much stronger since I started doing it about three months ago.  It's fairly inexpensive where I live, starting at $30.   

5.
I buy myself stuff almost every time I go to a store.  Seriously.  Don't do without mama.  Just don't do it.  It's not better for your budget...it's not serving your family to do without.  Until a few months ago, I hadn't bought myself any decent cookware since getting married.  I have hand-me-down dishes that are probably twenty years old.
I spent the better part of eleven years without buying myself new clothes until the old ones were falling apart and all weird fitting. I didn't buy myself things that I truly NEEDED.  WHY?  Because I thought I could make it without a little longer. Because when it came down to me buying for myself, I would feel guilty.  That's not good.  Buy yourself stuff.  You deserve it.  It could be something as simple as a lip balm or a hair care product... some new socks!  A coconut crusted tilapia filet from the grocery store for tomorrow's lunch(one of my favs and regular buys just for me!)
Don't get so busy taking care of your family that you become a martyr and never take care of your own wants and needs.  Remember, you don't want to turn into Cranky.

These simple little things can truly make or break a mama.  Moms are not just moms.  We are also human beings, ya know?!  Be good to yourself.  It's not selfish, it's necessary.  :)