You’re a mom, and you know it can be tough to carve out time for yourself. And as the years go by, it doesn’t get any easier—you may trade diapers and bottles for make-believe games, breaking up arguments between siblings, swim classes and t-ball. One thing’s for sure:
You should not be at the bottom of your own priority list. You, dear mama, deserve to be at the top. Because you’ll hear it over and over: You can’t fill from an empty cup.
That’s why starting a practice of self-care now is so important. It can set the foundation that keeps you rejuvenated and refreshed—and ready to tackle whatever thing momming throws your way that day. It’s never too late. Parenting little ones is tough and intense, and it’s only made more difficult by the challenges of being a working parent.
Self-care is the key to a good work-life balance—and a happy mom. Here’s how to bring more of it into your life:
Make a Day of It
Why not go big? Book a day’s worth of Helpr hours so that you can head to the spa for much-needed pampering, meet a friend for lunch and shopping, take a long hike to get reacquainted with nature, or drive to see that friend who you desperately need to catch up with.
You’ll feel excited to go, will reveal in how quiet it is in the car on the way (is no one asking you for snacks?), and then will spend much of the time looking at pictures of your little ones on your phone. (#momlife)
Best part? When you walk in the door, you have those little arms wrapped around you so tight. Suddenly, everything seems perfect.
Do Something Small
#Mamacare doesn’t have to be a big act—it can be showing yourself some love in smaller ways. This is a great time to book a sitter for the minimum three hours so you can do something that you need for you. Get a haircut, take yourself out for coffee, or just wander the aisles of Target alone. Some moms love a good lunch in their car. You do you.
It’s also a great way to get acquainted with a sitter and have them spend a shorter amount of time with your children, so you can feel comfortable booking them for longer next time.
Fit in a Workout
There’s a hot yoga or barre class that you love to go to—but you haven’t been in months (a year?). Or maybe you’re considering checking out a weekly running club. Maybe it’s a beautiful day for a bike ride. Use Helpr hours and head out for a workout. Physical activity is a bona fide stress buster that can make you feel confident and capable—like the supermom you are.
Make a Standing Date
Want to care for your relationship, too? Helpr hours can be used to book date nights with your partner. And you know that if you don’t plan for it, it probably won’t happen. So, make it a date the first Friday of the month, or get crazy and make Wednesday nights after the kiddos go to bed your time to grab dinner just the two of you—no boxed mac ‘n cheese in sight. Next date? Request your favorite Helpr and feel happy that the kids are in good hands.
Rest
Picture this: It’s the weekend, you’re feeling run-down and you desperately need some time to just sit down or even take a nap. But there’s a mountain of clean laundry that’s begging to be folded (at least it’s clean), the kids need help with their school project, and the floors haven’t been swept since… Book a sitter for the afternoon. They can play with the kiddos, help get those school worksheets complete, or supervise them as they run in the backyard. Your job? To do whatever will show yourself some love. Often that’s taking care of your basic needs, like taking a long shower, sitting down by yourself for a nourishing meal, or laying down. Napping is welcome, but not required. It might seem self-indulgent, but getting back to the basics may be exactly what you need.
