Mom Self Care.
You hear it over and over, but how often do you actually listen?
Self care is CRITICAL for moms and especially moms of kids with special needs. At first it may not seem so, but over the years you get worn out, and pretty soon you are out of shape, exhausted and not sure how to get yourself back. Trust me, I know, I’ve been there.
So I am making SURE that time is not an excuse. I know everybody can find at least 5 minutes in the day to do something nice for mom. If you have a bit more time, do a bit more. Just PLEASE make sure you do at least one thing a day to make sure you are on your priority list!
If you only have 5 minutes:
- Eat something healthy
- Pet your dog, cat or other furry friend
- Sit in the sun for 5 minutes
- Grounding
- Read posts on text mistake site
- Listen to your favorite song and sing at the top of your lungs
- Add 3 things to your gratitude list
- Rub some great-smelling lotion on your hands and arms.
- Ask a family member or good friend for a bear hug.
- Remind yourself of 3 things you did today that were positive or useful
- Sit under a weighted blanket with your eyes closed.
- Find a Meme that inspires you and repeat it 3 times.
- Say a prayer
- Look in the mirror and say 3 times, “You are a beautiful person and amazing mom!”
If you have 20 minutes:
- Read a favorite book. Bonus if it is a book about self-care.
- Go for a quick walk (and leave your phone at home!).
- Meditate
- Walk barefoot in the grass (this is very grounding!)
- Enjoy a long, hot cup of tea while sitting in a comfy chair
- Stretch all the major muscles in your body (thighs, calves, back, arms, shoulders)
- Color in your adult coloring books
- Write a list of all the things that make you an amazing mom
- Write positive affirmations on sticky notes and put them in places you’ll see them around the house.
- Have a good cry.
If you have 30-60 minutes
- Exercise until you sweat
- Engage in your favorite hobby
- Take a hot shower or bath with lots of wonderful-smelling bubbles
- Take a nap.
- Call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while
- Do free writing to get out all those annoying thoughts that keep repeating in your mind.
- Perform a random act of kindness.
- Deep condition your hair or do a face mask
- Go buy yourself some gorgeous flowers
- Go buy yourself something you’ve been really wanting
- Get a massage
- See a therapist
- Write a To Do list and prioritize everything so you know what needs to be done when
If you have a couple hours
- Get your nails done
- Garden
- Have some girl time with your favorite friends.
- Get creative and make something fun. (Check out my blog about Doodling for Calming)
- Watch a funny movie
- Visit a support group
- Go for a drive to somewhere beautiful
- Binge watch your favorite Netflix show
- Visit your favorite museum
- Go dancing
- Make an inspiring vision board
- Find a beautiful viewpoint and watch the sunset (or sunrise)
- Clean out your closets and let go of things you don’t use anymore
If you have a whole day (Oh my! Let me know how you accomplished that!)
- Have a spa day
- Visit your favorite botanical garden and enjoy a picnic lunch
- Get a hotel room and have an awesome sleep tonight!
- Do something adventurous like visiting a rock climbing gym or see a racy movie.
- Go on an adventure with your favorite person
Bonnie Landau is a licensed professional clinical counselor and educational consultant in Ventura County, California. Her goal is to help parents of neurodivergent individuals find strategies and solutions to help their children succeed in school and in life. Bonnie is also the author of Special Ed Mom Survival Guide: How to Prevail in the Special Education Process and Find Life-long Strategies for You and Your Child.
