Self-care is a very buzzy term. You hear it everywhere – from the other moms at the playground to your social media feeds, the concept is ever-present. It seems like a good idea, but if you are busy and more focused on everyone else’s needs, what time is left for you? There is time. All you need to do is create a shift in priorities to ensure you care for one of the most important people: You!

Tips for a Healthier, Happier You

Plug in for a While

Everyone says you need to unplug to find peace. (More on that below.) While there certainly is something to that, it is also nice to sit back and use technology to your advantage every once in a while. Your ever-present smartphone and array of devices can provide a much-needed respite in this busy world. They are a way to check out for a little while. 

When you need to take your mind off life and responsibilities, try one of these tech-related activities.

• Play Minesweeper on your laptop or smartphone. It will challenge and relax you at the same time.
• Watch an episode of your favorite show. Toggle off the option to auto-play the next episode so you are not tempted to binge the entire series.
• Sit down with your furry friend at your feet and play a true crime or entertaining podcast. Do nothing while you sit and let the passive entertainment entertain you.
• Create a dream board on Pinterest. Avoid doom scrolling or checking out everyone else’s posts. Instead, focus on a future home remodel, a new paint color for your bedroom, or what the perfect vacation might look like.

Play with Your Children

You might wonder about this one, especially if you are a stay-at-home or work-from-home mom. But, if you are a parent, you are pulled in many directions and work parallel to your children’s play. You might be in the same room as them, but are you truly engaged? As you ponder that and come up with an answer that might surprise you, set aside time to give your children your full attention.

Please do not set a timer unless you have a looming work deadline you need to get back to, or dinner is in the oven. Avoid anything that will attract your attention, such as a wayward sock or unattended mail. Focus on your child and enjoy their personality. Try to do this every day. You do not need to be their constant play companion, but you should show them how important they are by giving them your undivided attention for a little while.

Establish a Get Ready Routine

You have to get ready for the day and for bed, regardless of whether or not you call it a self-care routine, and you are already doing it anyway. But, if you are rushing through the steps of self-care, is it really self-care? Maybe a little bit, not entirely. Reframe the way you get ready by changing how you care for yourself.

Start the day by setting your alarm to wake up before everyone else in the house, even if it is only for about 15 minutes. This gives you uninterrupted time to start your day without the call of “Mom,” “Mom,” “Mom!” You may only brush your teeth and hair and have enough time to put on a clean shirt, but it is your time to relax and reset before the day begins. 

At the end of the day, after the kids have gone to bed, give yourself time once again. Talk with your older kids or partner and share that you will be quietly getting ready for bed. Put on a calming playlist, a foreign language learning app, or an audiobook to help you wind down for the evening. Wash your face, follow your skincare routine, or add a few new steps. Massage your face and neck while you apply a luxurious moisturizer. By taking care of yourself, you are setting yourself up for success so you can be your best self.

Unplug

Unplugging might seem simple, but if you feel phantom buzzes even when your smartphone is not in your pocket, that is a sign that you need to do something about it. You do not have to completely unplug or turn off every device in your home. No, all you need to do is be mindful of how you interact with technology for a little while.

Start by silencing all unnecessary notifications. This is a good thing to do, anyway. Toggle off every game or social media notification. Include group chats that are not emergent. Keep notifications on for your family and immediate friends who rely on you, along with emergency alerts. Now, you can relax and do anything else besides checking your phone.

Make Exercise a Priority

If exercise seems like a dirty word to you, it is time to reframe that notion. Physical fitness is necessary to keep you healthy both now and as you age gracefully. Exercising is not about achieving what some might perceive to be the perfect body, unless you want to, of course. Moving your body is about being healthy inside and out, and it is good for your mental health, too.

Finding time to exercise is often the biggest roadblock to starting. Look at your daily calendar and determine what will work for you, not what you hope will accommodate your schedule. Next, you have to begin. After that, you need to keep going. Once you find a time that works, put it in your calendar and treat exercise like an appointment. Inform everyone in your family that this is something you do now, and it is a priority.

From there, look for ways to exercise that will be fun and beneficial. If you live near some trails, take the whole family out and make a day of it. You can go with a friend in the morning before breakfast or after dinner while the kids bike ahead of you. Try to make it work instead of finding excuses for why it does not fit in your life. You will feel better for it.

Find balance through small acts of self-care you can incorporate into your life each day. By focusing on yourself, you will feel better for everyone around you. Play a game, watch a show, spend time with your children, and move your body. You will be amazed at what self-care can do for you.