Welcome to The Expressive Mom Show! I’m Miriam Rachel, your host, and I am thrilled to be here with you today. I am a Canadian mother, author, wife, freelance writer, astrologer, psychic medium, and tarot reader. My journey has taken me through various experiences and roles, from SEO consultant to social media manager.
But my passion for writing and connecting with others has always remained at the core of who I am. I am the jill of all trades. Today, I have a special solo episode focusing on an important topic: creating a self-care routine. In our busy lives, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care and make it a consistent part of our daily lives. So, let’s dive right in.
To begin with, let’s define self-care. Self-care refers to intentional actions to nurture physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It’s about prioritizing ourselves, creating balance, and ensuring we have the energy and resources to participate in our lives fully.
Self Care Explained
So, how can we start creating a self-care routine? First, it’s important to recognize that self-care looks different for everyone. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. Take some time to reflect on what activities and practices bring you joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This self-awareness will guide you in building a routine that resonates with you.
Next, it’s crucial to schedule self-care into your daily routine. Treat it as an important appointment with yourself, just like any other commitment. Set aside dedicated time each day, even if it’s just a few minutes, to engage in self-care activities. This consistent practice will ensure that self-care becomes a non-negotiable part of your life.
One aspect of self-care that is often overlooked is prioritizing relaxation. In our fast-paced society, neglecting our need for downtime is easy. Make sure to incorporate activities promoting relaxation, such as reading, bathing, practicing meditation, or simply spending time in nature. Remember, rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for our well-being.
Self-Care Is Nourishing Your Bodies
Another important element of self-care is nourishing our bodies with nutritious food and engaging in regular physical activity. Incorporate healthy eating habits into your routine, such as meal planning and mindful eating. Find physical activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your week. Remember, caring for our bodies is essential for our overall well-being.
Self-care also involves setting boundaries and saying no to things that drain your energy or don’t align with your values and priorities, which I discussed in last week’s episode. If you did not listen to it, I suggest you do. Learn to recognize when you need to step back, delegate tasks, or ask for help. Remember, saying no to others is saying yes to yourself and your well-being.
Additionally, self-care can involve nurturing your passions and hobbies. Make time for activities that bring you joy and allow you to express your creativity. Engage in hobbies, whether painting, playing an instrument, writing, or anything else that brings you a sense of fulfillment. These activities not only provide relaxation but also help you reconnect with yourself.
Find a Supportive Community
Finally, it’s important to surround yourself with a supportive community. Build relationships with people who uplift and inspire you, respect your boundaries, and encourage your self-care journey. Having a strong support system can make a significant difference in your overall well-being.
Before wrapping up, let’s look at an example of how a busy mom can create a self-care routine. And just note all of this may not be realistic to every busy mom out there, especially when dealing with very young children or kids with special needs. This is just an example, and you can take what resonates with you, and leave what doesn’t so here it goes:
Morning:
1. Wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual to have some quiet time for yourself. Use this time for meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling to set positive intentions for the day.
2. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or warm water with lemon to hydrate and energize your body.
3. Prioritize self-care activities that can be done during your morning routine, such as a quick skincare routine, gentle stretching, or listening to uplifting music while getting ready.
Daytime:
1. Take short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Even just a few minutes of deep breathing or stretching can help relieve stress and boost your energy.
2. Practice mindful eating by choosing nutritious meals and savoring each bite. Take a few moments to eat without distractions, focusing on nourishing your body and enjoying the flavors.
3. Incorporate movement into your day, such as going for a short walk during lunchtime or doing a quick workout video at home. Physical activity benefits your health, improves mood, and reduces stress.
Evening:
1. Set aside some dedicated time for relaxation in the evening. Consider activities like taking a warm bath with Epsom salts and essential oils, reading a book, or practicing gentle yoga or stretching.
2. Unwind before bed by creating a calming bedtime routine. This could include turning off electronic devices an hour before sleep, dimming the lights, and practicing a relaxing bedtime ritual like using a lavender-scented pillow spray or practicing gratitude journaling if that aligns with you. You do not need to do this if you are having a highly stressful time. I get it.
3. Make sleep a priority by ensuring a comfortable sleep environment and a consistent bedtime routine. If you can, aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep to support your overall well-being. Sometimes, it is realistic to get six hours, and if you can get six good-quality hours of sleep, you will do okay, too. However, if you get less than that, consider finding time to take a quick catnap during the day, which can help. And again take what resonates, and leave what doesn’t. This is only an example of what a daily self-care routine can involve.
As we wrap up today’s episode, I encourage you to reflect on your own self-care routine and how it can be strengthened or expanded. Remember, self-care is an ongoing journey that may require adjustments along the way. Prioritize your well-being, and make self-care a daily practice. Next week, I will discuss why it is important to embrace solitude, especially if you are a very busy mom. Until then, ciao for now.
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