Self Care for Moms with Toddlers: 15 Realistic Ways to Care for You

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I know mommies.

I know exactly what it feels like to not have any time for yourselves most days.

I know what it feels like when your name gets called every 5 minutes and by the middle of the day you just want to run and hide under the bed.

But I promise you, it gets better,

It is exhausting to be the default parent because our spouses are away at work providing for us financially and making sure that we are taken care of. Nothing wrong with being the default parent, but you know what’s wrong? Not being able to have any time for ourselves and then people assuming that we are okay.

I am grateful to have a spouse that doesn’t “demand” anything of me. In fact, a lot of time he comes home and cooks for us because he knows the tremendous work i have to do with 3 small kids, plus homeschooling and everything in between.
but what about those days where I’m overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do at home? Or in those days where my kiddos decide “hey! Let’s drive mommy crazy today!” ? Those are really hard days.

As a SAHM that struggles with anxiety, when my husband comes home from work, I need to take a break.

15 minutes to an hour is what usually does it for me.

Part of this healing journey to be more myself and more present, self care is something I have started to practice.

It is hard to take care of yourself especially with toddlers at home but once you and your partner come to an agreement on how you can take breaks, it becomes easier.

My 1 hour of self care looks like this:

When everyone is sleeping, even my husband, I make myself hot chocolate or red raspberry leaf tea, get off my phone and do some coloring on my procreate app or just write some poetry.

Doing this everyday has improved my mood.

But not every stay-at-home-mom can do this or even has the time.

So I say: 15 minutes is a great start.

When you can, get in the shower and meditate or even sing.

Water has a some powerful benefits and just being near water can help us improve our mood.

According to marine biologist, Wallace “J.” Nichols in his book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do, just being near water can lower stress levels and anxiety and can help you achieve an increase of well-being, make you happier and can even lower your heart and breathing rate.

If that doesn’t scream self-care, then I don’t know what does.

Take a bubble bath

Now that you know how good water is for us, take a nice warm bubble bath and just relax! Let your spouse hang out with the kids while you get some well-need break in your system.

Meditate/pray

Whether you are religious or not, meditation and praying can be good for the soul.

Read your favorite book or blog

As a mom of 3 small children under the age of 6, I don’t have time to read a 300-page book the way I used to before having them. I found myself reading blogs that interest me. From self care to reading Biblical stories, there’s a blog for everyone out there.

Take a nap

Do I even need to say anything about this 😂

Do a one-woman karaoke

This might be fun if you really want it to be. Go on YouTube and find instrumentals to your favorite songs and just have fun!

Get some sunlight and fresh air

I’m pretty sure anyone who is stuck at home with toddlers can benefit from taking a walk outside. Just seeing the same 4 walls day in and day out can really stress us out. Here is a great article I found with benefits of walking outside and getting some fresh air.

Drink a cup of tea

Depending on what kind of tea you’re drinking, there are great teas out there that can help you relax, improve sleep and reduce stress, just like Chamomile Tea. Grab it below!

Try a yoni (vaginal) steaming

If you’ve never heard of yoni steaming, then here it is! Yoni steaming is an ancient practice that is still used today to rgulate irregular periods, helps with decreasing pain during sex and helps relax and increase libido. I’ve been doing this for the past 2 years every other month and it has helped me tremendously. You mix organic herbs and put it in a boiling water and you let it cool down a little bit so that you’re able to sit on top of it (not directly on it!) for about 30 minutes. If you’re interested in reading more, check this out. You can also buy a yoni steaming kit below

Color

Coloring is a fun, therapeutic activity that doesn’t have to be just for kids! Grab your digital Mandala Coloring Book here.

Crochet

I’ve never had the pleasure of trying crochet but some people in my circle who does this have told me they find it to be very relaxing and therapeutic. Give it a try!

Write in a gratitude journal

Journals are becoming more and more popular with the self love wave that has been rising. I’ve myself have tried it and I’ve been loving it so far. If you want to try it here is one for FREE I’ve made just for you! Just click the picture below for instant download and enjoy!

self care for moms with toddlers

Write a love letter

Call it love letter, a poem or even a song, the point is for you to simply write about things or someone you love, even yourself. I, myself love to write poetry and have been since I was in the 8th grade and it’s one of those things that helps me relax, release stress and center myself in the NOW.

Try a brain dump

This is a term used to have someone write, sketch or draw anything about anything. There’s no write or wrong answer. You can write or draw about how you’re feeling, relationships, financial goals or your children. The point is for you to see on a piece of paper all your feelings laid out in front of you.

Do something you used to love doing as a child

My favorite thing to do when I was a kid was to go outside in the yard and play barefooted or play in the rain. It’s one of those childhood memories that I cherish so much and can’t wait to find a place where I can do this again. It brought me so much happiness. What did you love to do as a child?

Dance naked

Yes, you read that right. One of the steps to a healing and fulfilling journey is to be comfortable in the skin that you’re in. Doesn’t matter what anyone thinks about your body. When naked and dance. We only get this body. Cherish it, appreciate it and love it.


Mom, here’s the thing: if you and your partner can agree on how you will divide up your responsibilities (including taking breaks), then it becomes much easier… but communication is need. That’s what my husband and I did, we communicated.

Whether or not you might need 15 minutes to go on a walk or an hour to go out with friends or even something in between, whatever works best for your family, that’s what should happen!

Once you and your partner come to an agreement on how much time each of you needs to take for yourselves, it becomes easier. I promise.

So how do you make sure this happens? Like I said, communication. Tell them what works for you and what doesn’t work for you so they can understand where they fit into your life and what they need to do (or not do) in order for you to have some me time.

Self care is important, even for stay at home moms.

As a matter of fact; we deserve it.

What will you try for your self care day?

Let's be mommy friends!

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