By taking good care of yourself, you can be the best version for your family and yourself. Here’s why and how busy parents to find some time for self-care.
Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have, but it’s also one of the most challenging. There’s always something on your to-do lists, from school projects and birthday parties to soccer practices and family vacations. Amidst all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But if you don’t make time for self-care, you won’t be able to give your best to your families.
Studies show that parents with high stress levels have less satisfaction in their parental role and less positive outlook. This means you’re more likely to get angry quickly, negatively view your children’s behavior, and be less engaged in parenting activities. So how can you reduce stress and take better care of yourself? Here are five simple self-care tips for busy parents.
Make Time for Yourself Every Day
It may sound impossible, but finding at least 30 minutes each day to do something that’s just for you is crucial. This does not have to be anything extreme since most parents don’t have the luxury of time and resources. A simple way to make time for yourself is to wake up 30 minutes earlier than everyone else in the house and use that time to do something you enjoy. If this seems too challenging, try doing something for yourself while the kids are napping or after they hit the sack.
Dedicate at least half an hour to enjoying some time to collect your thoughts, soothe your tired body with a hot bath, or just do nothing. It may not seem like much, but this small act can significantly affect your stress levels and overall well-being.
Catch Some Sleep Whenever You Can
You’re more likely to snap at your kids or partner when tired. You might not have control over how much sleep you get every night, but you can make an effort to go to bed and wake up at consistent times. We can also try to create a relaxing nighttime routine to help you wind down before bed.
As much as possible, sneak in some naps during the day. If your kids are young, take advantage of their naptime to catch some extra Zs. If they’re older, try to take a 20-minute power nap after lunch. Use your free time to actually rest and enjoy some shut-eye.
Prepare Healthy Meals
What you eat has a direct impact on your energy levels and mood. When tired, it’s easy to crave sugary and fatty foods, which might give you a quick burst of energy but ultimately make you feel sluggish. To avoid this, prepare healthy meals for the whole family and actually enjoy this with them. Remember that your partner and kids are not the only ones who could use a healthy diet.
When you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to take shortcuts like buying pre-cut vegetables or opting for quick and easy recipes. Invest in weekly meal planning to reduce your trips to the grocery store and make cooking less of a chore. Instead of fast food, opt for healthy meal deliveries when you really can’t fit in a home-cooked meal.
Invest in Your Skin and Hair
When you don’t feel good about yourself, it’s harder to face the day with a smile. That’s why taking care of your skin and hair makes sense, even when you don’t have time for a luxurious beauty routine. Remember that quality products and a skincare and haircare routine that meets your needs will make a difference in your appearance and how you feel about yourself.
Even if you can’t spend an hour in the shower every day, take a quick bath and apply some lotion before bed. Brush through your hair to avoid tangles and knots, and give yourself a quick scalp massage while you’re at it. As for your face, look for products that can help you target problem areas.
For instance, if puffy and dark under the eyes have always been your insecurities, choose products with ingredients that can hydrate, soothe, and brighten this area. Pixi Skintreats is an example of a reliable beauty product brand dedicated to simplifying busy moms’ beauty routines. Consider Pixi detoxifeye depuffing eye patches to target under-eye issues. You only need to let a pair of eye patches sit on your under-eyes for ten minutes as needed to pamper this area. This means even as you do other mom duties, you can still show your under eyes some love.
Just make sure you choose products from trusted brands known to be effective and safe, so you can avoid any skin or hair issues in the future. You should still find time for self-care even if you’re busy with work, your kids, and household chores. Make sure to take care of yourself, so you can be the best mom you can be.
Unplug From Electronics
Reports show that the average American spends 10 hours a day staring at screens. This number is even higher for busy moms constantly checking their phones, laptops, and tablets. If you’re constantly plugged in, it’s time to unplug and disconnect from the digital world.
Instead of browsing on social media, using your phone to check work emails after going home, and watching TV before bed, disconnect, relax, connect with your loved ones, or indulge in your hobbies. You’d be surprised by how much you can accomplish and how much better you’ll feel when you’re not tethered to your gadgets 24/7.
Take advantage of this time by talking to friends, catching up with family members, pursuing your interests, or spending actual quality time with your family. If you struggle mentally or emotionally, it could signify that you must detach from technology and clear your mind.
You may have many things on your plate, but being a busy parent does not necessarily mean you should forget about your health and wellness. By taking care of yourself, you can be a better parent and set a good example for your children about the importance of leading a balanced life. Try incorporating some simple self-care tips into your daily routine and see how they help you feel!
