Updated: Top 5 Self-Care Favorites

Can we talk for a minute about self-care? I couldn’t have survived the last 2.5 years of being a mommy if I didn’t take time out of my days and weeks to give mama a little self-lovin’. They say that you can’t fill up someone else’s glass if your own is running on empty, and it is so true. Everyone needs self care, but even more so moms, who are constantly giving of themselves to their families, need to take time to recharge and fill up their own glasses. I’m sharing my Top 5 Favorite Ways to Self-Care with you today! Relax and enjoy! 

ETA: I’ve taken many of your suggestions and grown a lot since this last post, so check out the updates and additions I’ve made to this post.

1. Massage

Self care doesn’t always have to cost $$, but I personally thrive on that hour when I am forced to put my phone down and release the tension I constantly carry in my back, neck and shoulders. I’ve found a wonderful woman at Mario Tricocci Old Orchard if anyone is looking for a GOOD (and I mean GOOD) massage therapist. Happy to share her info!

2. Iced coffee or Diet Coke

I know myself, and I need little treats to get me through the day. Although, technically, neither of these things are caring for my body in a healthy sense of the idea, they are special for me, and I thoroughly enjoy having them. Even if I’m doing work or spending time with the kids, a little Diet Coke goes a long way. As I always say, “May your glass of Diet Coke always be full!”

ETA: I am actually 5 months Diet Coke sober since this post! It’s really incredible. Now that I know I can control myself, I definitely splurge for a DC or a Latte every now and then, but I’m mostly on water. It’s good for me, and I actually feel better because of it!

3. Read a good book

I’ve always loved reading easy-to-read books that just draw you in — a good beach read. Even if I only get 15 minutes at a time to pick up a good book, I still have a moment to escape from reality and be drawn into a different world. It’s a great “timeout” for me. Check out this post for my ongoing list of recommended books. 

ETA: I have read TONS of books in the last several months. I mean TONS! Still head to this post for all of my recommendations! Let’s start a book club. Add that to your list of self care!

4. Netflix and Chill

Or Hulu. Whatever floats your boat. I like to pick a good TV series and watch an episode or two, here and there, when I want my mind to completely zone out. I love a good show that I can get into, similar to a good book. I’ve loved Parenthood, Friday Night Lights, The Path, The Bold Type and Grey’s Anatomy, to name a few. ETA: I’ve recently started watching Veronica Mars, and I’m pretty obsessed!

5. Take a drive

It’s not always possible, but I absolutely LOVE going for a drive, BY MYSELF (this is key), with the windows down (even in the winter), and listening to country music — Rascal Flatts, Zac Brown Band, Kenny Chesney…I love them all! Even if I’m only driving down the street to grocery shop or get gas, it’s still a few minutes to just be alone with my thoughts and sing along to the music.

There you have it! These are my favorite ways to self-care, and they don’t all have to cost an arm and a leg! The list could go on, but I find that if I pick just a few things that are manageable and that I enjoy doing, I am more likely to do them — and that’s what matters here!! What are your favorite ways to self care? 

Now it’s time to add to this list:

• Take a nap! 
• Take a bath
• Getting a manicure — to save money, do your nails yourself! You’re better than you think. 😉
• Face mask
• Do your makeup! I love this one, and I’ve started doing this almost every day. I just feel like a person inside and out. I’m much more productive this way.
• GIRLS’ NIGHT OUT! I cannot stress this enough. Laughing with good girlfriends tops my chart. GNO’s have saved me these past few months!
• Order dinner so you don’t have to cook.
• Hire a cleaning lady
• 5 minute meditation
• PRAY — I am trying to be more consistent here, and I find it really helps. I do a lot of deep breathing when I pray, and it really seems to calm me down.
• Listening to fun podcasts, like The Werk Wives! 
• Go to THERAPY!!

Guys, do what makes you feel happy and loved. Love yourself! That MUST come first before you can love or take care of anyone else. Take a walk, admire your flowers for a few minutes…ALONE — the possibilities for self-care are endless, and they most definitely do not have to be big things or large acts. 

I hope these ideas start to propel you on your way to taking better care of yourself. Sending hugs and cheers wherever you are!

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