Inside: Self-care does not need much time or money, but it is a non-negotiable for your well-being. Here are ten simple self-care ideas you can embrace at home.
Are you struggling to find time for self-care? Many parents, myself included, feel guilty about taking time to do something for themselves.
But remember, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. You will never find time for self-care. You need to MAKE TIME for self-care.
Self-care is not only for parents but for everyone.
As a stay-at-home mom, I’ve struggled with the guilt of taking a midday nap while my husband was at work. I’ve also felt the weight of needing alone time during the week.
But now, I’ve found a balance. I rarely need a nap, but when I do, I take one when my toddler does. I also carve out at least three hours on the weekend for some ‘me’ time. These experiences have taught me the importance of self-care.
By making time for self-care, I’ve experienced a profound shift. Self-care is not just about me but also about my family.
It has helped me be more grateful for my time with my family and have more energy for my toddler. It’s a game-changer, and it can be for you, too.
Why is self-care important?
Self-care has been proven to support those dealing with anxiety and depression. Practicing self-care can reduce burnout and build resilience, which is crucial for adapting and coping with stress and other challenges. Self-care is important cause it can help you live longer. This is clear in the research. (source)
Benefits of self-care
- Better mental health
Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfillment promotes better mental health, providing an opportunity to relax and recharge.
- Increased productivity
When prioritizing your well-being, you have more energy to tackle daily tasks. Self-care allows you to recharge, leading to increased productivity and improved concentration.
- Better relationships
Making time for self-care, you prioritize caring for yourself, which helps prevent burnout, and you can show up for others.
10 simple self-care ideas you can embrace at home
- Take a nap
Taking a nap once in a while can help you recharge. If you work full-time and are out of the house, you can do a quick ten-minute power nap when you get home. If you work from home, you can take a quick power nap during lunch. Or make time on the weekend to take at least a thirty-minute nap when needed.
As a stay-at-home mom to a toddler, I try to do five-minute resets while she naps and drinks my second cup of coffee. I do not think about taking a nap while my toddler naps.
But occasionally, I do take a nap or a ten-fifteen-minute power nap. You will feel so much better when you rest—taking a nap and getting rest is an excellent form of self-care.
- Drink a cup of hot tea
You can drink plenty of teas depending on your preference and time of day. For example, I enjoy a cup of sleepy-time tea while reading a book before bed.
During the day, you can enjoy a cup of peppermint tea or green tea.
Peppermint tea has plenty of benefits, including fresher breath, relief from tension headaches, and better digestion. Green tea may help with weight management and boost metabolism.
One of my favorite simple self-care ideas is enjoying a warm cup of tea.
- Spend alone time
It is essential to make time to spend alone doing what you want. If you have a family, I know how difficult it can be to make time for yourself.
Schedule alone time for more than one hour at least once a week. This should be a non-negotiable form of self-care. Take a nap, watch a movie, walk outdoors, or grab one of your favorite drinks.
- A relaxing hobby
Finding a relaxing hobby at least once a week is an excellent form of self-care.
These hobbies can include gardening, journaling, or yoga.
Gardening can help reduce stress and improve mood.
Journaling can be a relaxing hobby and a great way to reflect on all areas of life. It has also been shown to help with stress relief.
Yoga combines breathing exercises and physical postures to promote relaxation and mental clarity. These relaxing hobbies do not take much time and money.
- Everything shower
An everything shower is perfect for the weekends. There are plenty of things that can be done with it.
Wash your hair and add a hair treatment or hair mask. Shaving, using a body scrub, and using a spongeables pedi-scrub.
After an entire shower, apply lotion or body moisturizer.
Try these amazing affordable shower routine products.
Tree Huts Vitamin C Shea Sugar Exfoliating and Hydrating Body Scrub
Spongeables Pedi-Scrub Foot Buffer, Citron Eucalyptus, Contains Shea Butter and Tea Tree Oil
- Get some sunlight
Simply going outside and getting some vitamin D will instantly improve your mood. Take a few minutes to sit on the front porch, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the scenery. Getting some sunlight will also increase your energy.
- Prioritize wellness
It is non-negotiable to do something every day for your wellness. Ensure you drink enough water, walk, and eat a balanced diet.
Take the time to maintain long-term relationships with family and friends.
Wellness is essential and helps improve your mental, physical, and social health.
- Practice yoga
Practicing yoga can benefit the heart, brain, and bones. The power of yoga for self-care creates an easy and sustainable habit and strengthens our emotional resilience to prevent stress and burnout.
You only need a yoga mat, find videos on Netflix or YouTube, and practice yoga at home. Yoga is something I am looking forward to this year.
- Declutter and organize
Ensuring a clean, tidy, and clutter-free home is essential for mental health. A clutter-free and organized home has plenty of benefits, including better sleep, reduced stress, and boosted creativity.
When you feel bored, instead of scrolling on your phone, put some music on and do a small decluttering session. If you have time, organize that space.
15 Simple Decluttering Tips for Beginners to Keep a Tidy Home
10 Simple Steps to Declutter When Feeling Overwhelmed
- Get enough sleep
Getting at least eight hours of sleep is essential to tackle each day and is a form of self-care. Even though you may think getting five or six hours of sleep and you are fine, the lack of sleep will eventually catch up to you.
Create a nighttime routine to prepare you to fall asleep, stay asleep, and get eight hours of sleep.
Final thoughts
I hope these simple self-care ideas motivate you to practice self-care more often. Self-care can look different for everyone since we all live different lifestyles.
But these ideas take little time and money and can be done at home.
Whether you work full-time, part-time, or are a stay-at-home mom, making time for self-care should be done daily, and it is non-negotiable.
Comment below and let me know what you do for self-care and how often.