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Motherhood is no walk in the park. Being a mom can be exhausting and challenging. You are responsible for the lives of the little humans in your life, which can leave you feeling tired and depleted. Always putting ahead the needs of others and constantly shouldering responsibility can make you feel like you don’t have a life of your own. When you don’t give yourself the love and pampering you deserve, you also run the risk of having a mental breakdown almost every other day.
So, moms, it’s time to put your needs first every once in a while so that you can ace motherhood with ease and feel happy about yourself. If you’re not sure how, we bring you 10 small ways moms can put themselves first. Scroll down.
1. Take That Long Shower
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Taking a shower becomes less frequent when you’re a mom — especially if you have small kids who aren’t independent yet. And even when you do get to take one, you have to be in and out of the shower in 10 minutes and would constantly have someone banging on the door or waiting outside for you. While it might seem sweet at first, not having any time to yourself can make your day even more stressful. Showering is basic self-care that all moms deserve, so make sure you carve out 20 minutes every day to take a not-so-quick shower. And once in a while, don’t hesitate to take a long- relaxing bubble bath with scented candles, wine, and a good book.
2. Binge-watch A Show
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Binge-watching a show might seem like a luxury when you’ve got kids to be fed, bathed, and put to bed. And let’s be honest, you might not be able to do it every day. But on days when you feel like you need a break from the routine, don’t be afraid to get to the dirty dishes in your sink a little later or put your kids to bed early just so you could catch up on your favorite show for a while.
3. Pamper Yourself Once A Month
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Self-care means different things to different people. It could be reading your favorite book, going for a picnic with your girlfriends, having a relaxing bath, watching your favorite movie while sipping on hot chocolate with your face mask on, and so much more. Make sure you indulge in some sort of self-care and go all out. Do what makes you feel pampered at least once a month.
4. Have A Routine Of Your Own
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Whether it is brewing that hot cuppa in the morning before the kids wake up or having a workout routine of your own, it’s important to have a routine that doesn’t involve your kids. Having that few minutes to yourself will help you tackle the challenges more efficiently and feel confident in dealing with your day-to-day responsibilities.
5. Remind Yourself That You Deserve Alone Time
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It’s common to feel guilty for wanting some time alone away from your kids. But remember, it doesn’t make you a bad mom. You’re only human. So, if that means going on a shopping spree without your kids or enjoying an occasional spa day, go for it.
6. Have Kid-Free Date Nights
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It might be fun to have movie nights and game nights with the whole family, but it’s also important to have that exclusive one-on-one time with your partner. And for moms who are single and ready to date, make sure you take that time for yourself by hiring a babysitter or finding someone to take care of your kids while you’re out.
7. Start A Hobby
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It’s essential to do things that make you happy. Whether you’re working or a stay-at-home mom, doing something that you’re passionate about can bring joy to your life. Be it painting, baking, or knitting, push yourself to find a hobby that you would love. Most importantly, don’t wait to start a hobby until you have free time on your hands, because we all know that day will never come. Make a conscious effort to take some time out of your day just for yourself.
8. Ask For Help
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Whether you need your partner to be more involved in the household chores and parenting responsibilities or need someone to babysit so that you could have some time for yourself, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Remember, open communication is key to a healthy marriage and family.
9. Carve Out Some Time To Exercise
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Exercise doesn’t have to take a backseat now that you’re a mom. Working out is not just a form of self-care, but it also helps your mind and body to stay healthy. So squeeze in some time for workout into your daily routine. You could carve out 20 minutes in the morning before your kids wake up or find a gym with a sitter.
10. Buy That Outfit Or Jewelry
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When you’re a mom, you always tend to put your kids’ needs ahead of you. So, even when you wish to buy that slightly expensive dress or jewelry, you never go ahead with it. While it’s smart to be money-conscious when you have a family to take care of, it’s okay to splurge on yourself once in a while.
Your world will not come to a halt if you put your needs ahead of your kids every once in a while. It’s essential to take care of your physical and mental health and pamper yourself so that you feel confident to carry out your mom duties more efficiently.
What are some of the ways you put yourself first? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below. Also, if you enjoyed reading our article, don’t forget to share it with fellow moms to remind them that self-love and pampering are important, and moms deserve it.
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