Do you have a self-care routine? I’m still working on being consistent with mine, but when I do it it feels really good. As moms we get so caught up in nurturing other people that we often forget about ourselves but it’s important to replenish.
Right now I make it a habit to get out of the house (I work from home) and go to fitness classes I enjoy at least twice a week. I’m spoiled in that I have help but even if you don’t have a network, you should still take advantage of nap times and bedtimes to decompress. I personally love setting up at-home spa situations when I get the chance. But that’s just one of many things you can do to pamper yourself when you get the time. Share your tips on live streaming platforms such as Twitch and get the chance to interact with your audience in real-time. If you wish to have a bigger audience buy twitch viewers.
Soak in a Bath
Don’t underestimate the calming power of baths. Just soaking in the tub and being still while listening to the sounds of the water rushing can change your entire mood. If you really want to step your game up, add some bath bombs to the mix. You can get good quality bath bombs from the drugstore for under $10. For example, Love Beauty and Planet has a new line of bath bombs that come in various delightful scents (my favorite is Murumuru Butter & Rose; it’s amazing if you enjoy floral notes) and with ethically sourced ingredients (they’re also paraben free). It’s a luxurious skin nourishing experience (your skin will be hydrated after the bath). Plus, the most underrated quality of bath bombs is that watching them dissolve is actually relaxing. Go to Instagram and plug in the hashtag #BathBomb and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Adopt A Full Skincare Routine
Skincare is self-care. Plus, 10-20 years from now you’ll thank yourself for taking care of your skin. Wash, exfoliate, moisturize, repeat every day and make sure you update your routine depending on your skin’s changing needs whether that be related to age or the elements.
Skinsei is a good system to look into because you can take a quiz that asks you various detailed questions about your lifestyle (diet, exercise, climate, etc.) and get a regimen customized for how you live. It’s basically a personal assistant for your skin type. The products are also formulated with nourishing plant extracts, prebiotics and vitamins depending on your needs.
My skin is super dry so my regimen contains three different types of moisture boosts. One is a mask, one is a prebiotic serum and one is a traditional lotion. They all work well in tandem because they address different concerns. My skin is always dewy and supple after use and I can adjust moisture levels depending on my environment.
Savor Your Wash Day
I’m a lazy natural, so I love doing the least, but I must admit that I’m really starting to get into hair masks. I’ve been using a homemade mix of bentonite clay with argan oil as a prepoo but then I discovered Creme of Nature’s new line of clay and charcoal products. There’s a shampoo and conditioner infused with bentonite clay and aloe vera juice, as well as a mask infused with charcoal, rhassoul and bentonite clay, and apple cider vinegar. The goal is to detoxify and moisturize the hair and scalp and these products do just that. You need clean hair in order to moisturize properly so this range is good for cleansing and removing build up (which is a problem for me because I have low porosity hair) and replenishing moisture, and I found that it does what the packaging says it will do.
We all know it’s a plus when wash day yields good results. Maximize your wash day time by putting on a good movie or music you love, and go to work. Again, I know the lazy naturals with kids are looking at me like, “Girl you are bugging!” but I actually manage to get my wash day done in about three hours. I pre-poo for 30 minutes, wash, condition (basic conditioning) and then it takes me about two hours to twist my hair. My twists are usually small, so I could do it in less time if I wanted. The more you practice the faster you will get. Make sure the atmosphere is fun and you’ll look forward to it much more.
Keep Your Nails In Check
Perhaps your idea of me-time is going to the salon and getting a mani and pedi. That is highly recommended. Or, you can stay home, do it yourself and save some money. I’m a fan of nail art so sometimes I have moments where, after nail grooming, I just scroll Pinterest or the gram for cute designs that inspire me. I don’t necessarily go all out but I sometimes add polka dots or stripes, nail decals which are cute and simple, and even use funky glitter nail polish. Sally Hansen makes really good polishes that dry in 60 seconds or less and have staying power. You could also try polishes that give the gel effect, and Zoya’s Color Lock System is a really good preserving system for no chip goodness.
Workout Consistently
You gotta get those endorphins going, point blank. If you can’t make it to the gym then download an app like Sworkit, for example, where you can customize workouts based on ability, and the amount of time you have. Like I said, I’m a fan of the aerial arts so I go to actual classes but even I have moments where I can’t make it to class or don’t feel like going so I stay home and keep the party going with a 15 minute or 60 minute cardio session (depending on how I feel).
Go on a Girls Trip
If you can leave your kids with someone you trust just, make it a long weekend from Thursday through Sunday and kick it with your girls. You don’t have to be super elaborate if that’s not your thing. Just find somewhere that’s maybe a quick flight or drive away and make magic happen. Turn up or down as you wish. If you can’t make it a full on girls trip then go on an adventure for a full day. Make it a friend date to the movies, brunch, the park, or whatever your heart desires.