Mothers are superheroes. They wear many hats (or should we say cloaks). From early sleep deprivation with newborns to often chaotic toddler years, the years when school is out and sports exercises and games take place, and everything in between – mothers do it all. Without pausing, we often prioritize the needs of others over our own, and whether we like it or not, this often means putting our own needs last. We think our own doctor's appointments can wait another month or we're quick to cancel the hair appointment that's been in the calendar for months because something else has come up.
So today and every day, let's take a moment to honor all mothers – we see you. After all, we were founded by a mother. Juggling work, life, and the desire to find a way to exercise. We understand how hard it is to take time for yourself.
Here's your reminder that it's okay to take time for yourself. Refilling your own cup (without literally reaching for the third cup of coffee) is one of the most important things you can do to take care of yourself. And when you take care of yourself, you can show up better for the kids who are lucky enough to call you mom.
Gentle reminder: taking time for yourself is not selfish; it's essential. We mothers know how hard it can be to find a moment of peace throughout the day, and we're aware that everyone's schedule is vastly different. Only you will know your schedule well enough to recognize where some self-care activities fit into your life and at times when you feel relaxed enough to enjoy them!
For some moms, that may look like every day, while others may be in a life phase where "me time" only happens once a week. No matter how much time you take for yourself, don't put too much pressure on yourself – start small. Just start with one thing and schedule it on your least busy day this week. See how it makes you feel, and decide when you want to do some self-care next. The more you make it a habit to take time for yourself, the more you'll recognize the benefits that come with it, and the easier it will be to make it a priority in your busy life.
Here are some of our favorite ways to take time for yourself, fill your own cup, and celebrate yourself.
11 ways to celebrate YOU – every single day
#1 Find time for movement (even if it's just 10 minutes)
We all know how important exercise is for physical health, but it also has a huge impact on mental well-being. Remember when was the last time you pressed "play" on a workout or went for a walk? How did you feel afterward? You probably felt much better than before, proving how much exercise affects our overall mood and stress levels. So commit to moving for just 10 minutes a day. Your mind and body will thank you!
Tip #1: Try to incorporate your workout into your child's tummy/playtime. That way, you can lay down on the floor and play with them when necessary, and nap time can also be your rest time.
Tip #2: Go outside. While I love a walk around the
neighborhood, sometimes your child needs a change of scenery. So take them for
a walk around the block, to a nearby park, or even just your backyard to get
some fresh air and sunlight.
Regarding sports: Would you like to participate in a fitness program that was specifically developed for busy mothers? Consider joining the FitOn Like a Mom Challenge. This challenge was designed to help you stay fit even on your busiest days, giving you the self-care you need to manage your endless to-do list, the energy you need to keep up with your children, and to refill your cup without reaching for another cup of coffee. Train with the FitOn moms and let your children participate in a Family Flow.
#3 Schedule 20 minutes of quiet time.
Doesn't that sound luxurious? Even though quiet times are hard to come by, consider how you can set them up. Can you take 20 minutes for yourself after your kids go to bed to meditate and then read a book while sipping tea? Or maybe you can find 20 minutes during naptime (if your children are still sleeping) to put your feet up and relax with a heating pad, your favorite snack, and an inspiring podcast.
This "quiet time" doesn't have to be anything fancy, but if you schedule this time daily, you'll have something to look forward to when you're in the midst of the day's chaos.
#4 Prioritize sleep
We talk a lot about sleep - it's one of the pillars of well-being. If we don't sleep, nothing works as well as it should, and as mothers, we often learn to function on low power. From the stages of motherhood where you think you'll never sleep again to the years when the kids sleep but we stay up much later than we should just to catch up...the truth is, we don't always get the sleep we need.
Whether it's today or a day when you have time this week, think about how you can give sleep a little more priority. If you have young children who take a nap, can you take a 20-minute nap yourself, even if it's only on the weekends? Can you go to bed 30 minutes earlier?
The more you sleep, the better you'll feel. So don't overlook something as simple as sleep as one of the most effective forms of self-care.
#5 Pamper yourself
As mothers, we constantly give things away to others, but when was the last time you treated yourself to something? Give yourself something, whether it's a new pair of workout leggings, a new beauty product you've been eyeing for a while, a new potted plant for your desk, or even a new book. Check out our Mother's Day gift guide for some serious inspiration!
#6 Enjoy your favorite meal
No, you don't have to cook it unless cooking brings you joy, of course. But if you'd rather sit back and order takeout, go for it. Eat your favorite meal at a restaurant of your choice and watch your favorite movie or TV show.
#7 Plan a new morning routine
You've probably heard about the power of a morning routine, and if mornings aren't your thing - WE GET IT! Mornings are tough, especially for busy mothers who not only have to prepare themselves but also their children for the day ahead.
Think today about how much better your everyday life could
be if you took some time for yourself every morning. Remember to wake up an
hour earlier every morning before the rest of the house is awake. What would
you do? Your workout? Drink a cup of coffee in peace while it's still hot?
Gratitude journaling? Make a nutritious breakfast and meditate?
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