Some days are a lot harder than others. Some nights Lucia doesn’t sleep.. such as the past two nights. This morning I actually found myself frustrated that she wouldn’t go to sleep, which is silly because she’s 2 months old and is awake for a reason.
So I thought to myself, why am I feeling like this? What is going on in my head? It’s the beginning of the week, Justin is gone back to work, LG only wanted me yesterday, and we didn’t sleep. All of these, alone, don’t seem like a big deal, but piled on top of each other are a bit much. Exhausted, tired, as frankly I just need a minute to myself. As a new mom, it’s hard to justify taking that moment when you’re home alone all day.
But the importance of it is crucial to being a good parent. Had I just woken Justin up in the middle of the night for a diaper change or to give her a bottle, I may have been different this morning. Most of the time I’m good about caring for myself, I optimize nap time quite well and utilize my evenings while Justin is home.
My favorite ways to keep myself sane are pretty simple. They vary for each person, but here are some ideas.
Take a shower, shave your legs, brush your hair. These are some pretty common ones I think we take for granted more often than not. I truly enjoy showering, especially postpartum, so just getting 15 minutes of quiet to myself can be beneficial. Especially without someone attached to you.
Do your hair and makeup. Another common one I see first time moms push aside. Bare faces and messy buns are convenient and practical, but taking that extra time to make yourself feel put together can be a game changer (this is probably why I had such a shitty evening/night yesterday). Mascara makes everything better, right?
Read. Whether it’s 1 chapter in a book, a magazine, or my blog *wink wink*, taking those few moments not having to think about changing a diaper or the next feeding is a nice refresher after a long day, or in the middle of the day.
Give yourself an at-home mani/pedi. Thank God for quick-dry top coats! I don’t feel myself without my nails done, I just feel incomplete. In the hospital before having Lucia I was just thinking about painting my nails the whole time. When I got home, I couldn’t even think of having the time to do so… until I saw someone use one of those quick dry clear coats. Boom. Genius. Now I paint my nails every week. But I still need a pedicure, I’m not touching those.
However, self care isn’t always about doing things to yourself. I truly enjoy cleaning, or I guess I truly enjoy having a clean house. When my house is messy it makes me feel messy, so when I’m needing a little pick me up I clean.
Organization is also another part of life that makes me happy. I love organized towels, shelves, cabinets.. you name it. I know I’m weird, but I love the symmetry of it all.
So whatever it is that makes you happy, make time for it every day, even if it’s 5 minutes. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
littlelifewithl.com 
Making time for self care is so important. Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
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I totally agree! I’m a stay home mom, my son is 11 months old and it’s a lot of work! Sometimes I really need 1 hour just for myself…to release stress I do some workout and then I take a shower/bath! After that I’m completely another person 🙂
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Self-care is vital to overall well being and good health. It’s tricky to keep consistent but I’m working on it.
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You are speaking the truth! My little man is about to be one and I’m still trying to grasp the concept of ME time. It’s much needed!
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Great ideas! Self care is such a hard concept for new mommas, I know I could have used all the help I could get!
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Agreed 100%. I really try to put some kind of face on in the morning before work so that we i feel a little more confident at work. Even if it means I have to wake up 10 minutes earlier =P. Thanks for a great reminder!
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This morning I actually woke up an hour and a half before baby and it was glorious! I made an omelet, took a shower AND got ready, plus I had my coffee hot! It’s the little things
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This is so important, especially after a newborn. Super insightful article!
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Having a newborn baby makes life busy but Mums still need to remember to look after themselves. Fill your own cup so you are taken care of and can help your kiddos. Rose @ Our House of Love
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I wish I had this like 2 years ago. I didn’t do my hair or anything for myself for the first year of my daughters life. This is great. And no you aren’t weird, I love cleaning and organizing. It makes me happy inside. Lol
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I never knew how much I enjoyed taking a shower until we got home with the baby. Now even when I do take a shower I always have the weird feeling that I can hear my baby crying even when she is perfectly fine. Lol
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I just bought that book and can’t wait to start it.I was always good about self care. It was having the time to myself was the pain. I always had my daughter with me.
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I just recently bought some new clothes and started focusing on dressing well each day- was planning to write a post on this too, great job! 🙂
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Sometimes self care for me is just sitting in bed or on the couch not watching or doing anything but just relaxing alone and clearing my mind.
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I agree that this is so important. I used to do yoga for 15-30 minutes a day. It was great me time. I struggle now since I’m pregnant with my second, but I need to remember to get more me time still.
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I really enjoyed this post! Being a mum of a newborn I’m tying to ensure I get the healthy balance. Thank you for sharing hun. X
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