Self-Care for Moms
Let’s be honest, sometimes squeezing in self-care as a mom is hard – nearly impossible. There are rarely moments that I’m not working, tired, tending to the kids, or when there isn’t something on my to-do list that needs to be crossed out. And sadly, I often times struggle with prioritizing myself. But mamas – sometimes we just need a BREAK! And there’s nothing wrong with that. Time to focus on ourselves, our wants, and our passions. Sometimes we need to pour back into ourselves and not feel guilty about it!
The past few months I have been more intentional about my needs. My capacity to go-go-go is fleeting and these days a little rest and relaxation is necessary. And guess what ladies, we don’t need to necessarily spend hundreds of dollars at a spa for it to constitute as a self-care day. Self-care comes in many forms. Whether it is a long uninterrupted bubble bath, sleeping in on the weekend, or sometimes it’s just getting dolled up, stepping out and enjoying time with girlfriends! We have to be more mindful in determining what self-care looks like for us!
After being a hermit for so long in my “new-mommy bubble”, I honestly forgot how much I enjoy girl time! Being around strong beautiful women who can laugh with you, uplift you, and turn up with you is amazing!
Last month I had the pleasure of attending a bachelorette brunch in D.C. and let me tell you it truly fed my soul. Having a solid group of girlfriends is so necessary and I have been blessed to have strong women all around me. If you are in the DMV area, I highly encourage to check out The Lyle.
I also got to celebrate my best friend’s second baby at a beautiful garden themed baby shower! And let me say, the food and the décor did not disappoint. Being able to be there for my bestie as she reaches another milestone in life will always be a priority of mine. We hold it down for each other in so many ways – and that will never change.
And I absolutely could not forget to mention my mommy surprising me with tickets to a concert at the MGM National Harbor. Again, we got dolled up and enjoyed a girls night with music, drinks, and dancing!
So, what does self-care look like for you? Is it reading, painting, traveling, or a spa day? Is it alone time, time with your girlfriends, is it a solo-date or retail therapy? I also found my version of self-care has evolved a bit. I’m not going to be partying all night at the club with you anymore (lol), but a fancy brunch date or a bestie date, or even just a bath night at home is perfect and peaceful enough for me.
Mama’s, it’s okay to be selfish with our time sometimes. Remember, we can’t pour from an empty cup. So if you need to take a moment to replenish yourself, don’t feel bad about it. This summer, plan some YOU time. Whatever that may look like for you. For me, lately, it’s been my girls. Tapping into their wisdom, prayer, laughs, and fellowship. Get friends that hold you down! That support you on your journey, that pray with you and for you, and that make you a priority in their lives as well. Taking a break from the day-to-day routines of mom life and just being “Jennifer” for once was refreshing and just the self-care I needed.
