5 simple self care tips

Let’s face it whether you are 21 or 41 I am sure that self care is something that always takes a back seat in your life.  And whether you work a 9-5 job, a stay at home mom (which I was for almost 10 years) or self-employed I think they all come with a unique set of challenges.

Maintaining work-life balance and prioritizing your well-being is a struggle at least for me. I am an enneagram 2, which I didn’t even know until I went on Chubby Cheeks Business Blueprint Retreat in Las Vegas in May 2023. Gosh I can not believe it has almost been a year. Anyway, the retreat was amazing and you can read more about it here, but within the first day of being there one of the woman looked at me and said “you are such and enneagram 2.” Then they all chimed in saying that is what I defenitly was, so I took the test online there as did a few others and we had a long discussion about it what numbers we were. A small few of us were 2’s and referred to us as the 2s the rest of the trip. If you are not familar with enneagrams a 2 is the helper, the people pleaser and caretaker which helped me a bit in understanding why I put myself last and others first.

So when it comes to self care I always have an excuse, but for the most part it is because I feel that mom guilt. That there are so many other things I should be doing then say going to yoga, working out, getting a facial, meditation, taking a hot bath, reading a book, seeing friends, participating in an activity or hobby I love or just having time to sit and breath.

It took me a long time to realize that I am a better mom, a better photographer and person if I take the time to give myself a little self care. It took me a long time to realize that it isn’t selfish to take the time we need for ourselves. That if we as woman, as mothers are not at our best physically and mentally then we can be the best for the people we love. Giving yourself a little self care benefits you both personal and professional. Now I am not preaching to you or saying that I have this down to a science. I go through seasons of being truly great at taking care of myself and then there are times that I am not and the times I am not are due to being overwhelmed in life which is actually when I could use self care the most. So it is my goal this year to be routined about self care even if it is as simple as stretching for 10 minutes and taking deep breaths.

True self-care is different each day and can be something different for everyone.  There are different types of self care. Physical, Mental, Emotional, Spiritual and Social. You can choose what is right for you day to day and week to week. Some people like to focus on one area of self care while others like to get in a little of each a day. Here are some tips and suggestions to simple self care.

1) Schedule time for self-care

Some ideas for when to fit in that self care…

– Getting up 20 minutes earlier than your family to read and drink coffee

– Set aside a 10 – 30 minute period each day for something that makes your feel better and it doesn’t have to be the same time each day. I like to look at my schedule for the week and decide what will work each day. I know things come up unexpected so I just adjust accordingly. This way I already have set in my head that I will have a little me time and accomplish it. I put it on my calendar as something I need to do.

– Even putting on cooling eye patches under your eyes in the morning while your packing lunches can be a little bit of self care. I have incorporated this into my morning routine and I have to say those cooling eye patches in the morning makes me feel refreshed, awake and ready for the day.

– Twice a week at night I put on a mask and let it sit on my face for 20 minutes while getting the kids ready for bed or just sitting with a cup of tea. It is simple and I can run around and complete other things.

2) Set boundaries

– Your time needs to be your time. Don’t head to the gym and be checking emails between sets while your work out. Use this time to breath and clear your mind.

– Learn to say no. Another thing I struggle with. Don’t ignore your me time because you took to much on and feel overwhelmed and think that is the one thing that you can cancel for the day. I am speaking from experience because doing this leads to doing this all the time and before you know it you are burnt out.

– Say yes to things that align with your priorities and bring you joy and align with your self care

3) Find activities that bring joy and relaxation

– Take some time to find what brings you joy or what relaxes you. Not what others tell you to do but what you really want to do.

– It can be something simple or something that takes a larger chunk of time. Let your choices be something that you look forward to. Let what you choose give you a break from life and leaves you feeling refreshed and relaxed or as if you accomplished something for yourself.

4) Simple Ideas for Self Care

– Reading a chapter of a book you have been waiting to pick up

– Listening to the pod cast or audio book with no distractions

– Sit down and journal for 10 minutes with a cup of coffee or tea

– Throw on those eye patches and face mask on for 20 minutes and kick your feet up

– Call a friend to catch up and schedule that time to see them. Just talking to someone that is important in your life and knowing you have plans to see them in the future can make your day.

– Go for a walk outside

– Head to the gym or a yoga class

– Get a mani or pedi

– Stretch and take some deep breaths

– Wander around a book store with a coffee

– Listen to music and dance it out (I like to do this with my little one)

– Focus on positivity

– Drink your water – yes this is so simple and seems like common sense but some of us struggle with this. Drinking that water is self care.

– Get your sleep. Making getting adaquet amount of sleep as part of your self care routine can be crucial.

– Meet a friend for a cup of coffee

– Get your body moving even if it is for 10 minutes. I actually keep a yoga mat and 5 pound weights in my room and family room in case I just need to fit in a quick stretch or little arm workout.

– Take a bath with a bath bomb or some epson salt

– Declutter your space/home

– Do a craft or activity you love

– Bake or try a new recipe just because not because you have to

– Play a sport you love with people you love or something solo

5) Seek support and accountability

– Have a friend that will push encourage you to meet them at the gym or go for a walk with you

– Support of your me time from friends and family is so important and seek out advice as how they manage their self care

– Find a friend to hold you accountable for your goals and getting in your self care time.

I hope that all of this helps you feel not so alone in the self care battle but also gives you some guidance and inspiration. If you are like me I am a paper and pen girl so if it helps print out forms like below or just pencil things in on your planner. You can plan a day ahead, week ahead or month ahead and don’t forget life happens and it is ok to pivot (insert clip Ross from saying Pivot Pivot here) and adjust according to things that arise.

In conclusion we need a little self care in our lives. I would love to hear your tips and suggestions for self care. Comment here or head over to my instagram on todays post and let me know your thoughts.