Last week, after an exhausting day, I crawled into bed and laid right down onto of my son’s pee stain, cuddled up and went to bed. In peace. That’s when you know you’re a mom.
That morning was one of those mornings. I was at my wits end with the boys and it took everything I had in me to get them and myself out the door in one piece. And right as I was minutes away from missing my first meeting, Beckam decided to have a blowout all over my bed. So at that moment I was too tired to whip my sheets off and get them into the wash. And then when I got home from a long day I was too tired to take my sheets off and change the bed. So I crawled into my pee and pooped stained sheets and went to bed. The only thing he’s eating is my breast milk so I figured it’s me anyways, right?
So as I’m writing this I totally get it. I get it. We have the yelling, the screaming, the no-nights sleep, the tension in our shoulders, the deep breaths, the never ending to-do’s and grocery list. We manage all the freaking chaos. But after that deep breath, sometimes the best thing for us is to let it all go. Let it go, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.
One of my best friends is teaching her teenage daughter about self care using her famous statement, “Take your moments.” That has stuck with me ever since she told me her story about telling her daughter the other day to taker her moments, even if it’s five minutes.
Take the time to take care of yourself.
And trust me, I know, no one has the time. That’s also my new favorite line. I don’t even remember the last time I got my nails done, had a massage, facial or went to the mall to buy one thing. Actually, I’ve never had a facial in my life, who am I kidding.
So today I wanted to share with you five tips that I’ve started to do since becoming a mom to “take my moments” to not let myself physically and emotionally go.
1. Shop Smart
Not sure why, but ever since becoming a mom, my anxiety has shot through the roof. I don’t remember the last time I went to a mall…actually I do remember, and I almost had a heart attack. I was just in this huge hurry and I had nothing to be in a hurry for. I think it’s because when you get alone time you are all of the sudden a mad woman trying to get as much done as you can before the kids need you back.
So I can’t do the malls anymore. I shop smart. I actually have started buying products from my favorite Instagram accounts. When I come across a good account while scrolling for hours on end during my middle of the night feedings, I save it. When I need something new, I go back and buy it, and it all gets delivered right to my door. No stress.
2. Do the Hair
I’m deathly afraid of getting mom hair. You know, getting stuck with the same hair for 40+ years? I blame my aunt who was formerly a hair dresser and she has always made me feel bad for not giving money to hair professionals who are trying to make a living for making people feel good. Sometimes I used to cut my own hair and that did not go over well.
The only money pampering thing I feel that I have not given up is the hair. I still get my hair colored and it feels SO good, every time. It may not be every six weeks like it used to, might now be more like three or five months, but I get it done…eventually. Because of the timing, instead of all blonde that I once was I’ve gone for the more ombre effect. That way the roots can grow and grow and it doesn’t look too awful. Gives me a little more grace on time. And let’s be honest, it looks way better.
Best part though, my hair girl comes to my home. Now more hair professionals have to do that for us mommas! There needs to be more mobile hair studios out there.
3. Shave your Legs
Sometimes I just simply have a mom’s night out with myself in the bath. This is my me-time and I’ve trained my hubby that it’s better than me going out, so he knows to give me that time. Twenty minutes in the bath, all a mom needs. And during that time, I shave my legs. When I shave my legs I feel a little sexier.
4. Squat on the Phone
I did this before I even had babies! I’m awful at going to the gym and I love to eat. I also love to drink my wine and craft brews. Can’t, won’t give it up. So…I try to multitask as much as I can. Whenever I’m on the phone, I’m lunging and squatting. I was a server for over 10 years and anytime I was waiting for a table, no joke, I was walking around the restaurant squatting my pants off. And even now when I get Beckam in my hands and I’m just playing and making him laugh, I try to squat around the house and even throw him up in the air. Those babies are WAY better than some weights. Stop counting, just start squatting. And you’ll feel those buns get a little tighter.
5. Drink the Wine
Like I said, I can’t, won’t give up the wine. And I am a firm believer wine may make you a healthier and happier person. Sometimes all you can do is throw your hands in the air after a long day of doing all the things. Nothing soothes the soul like a big glass of red wine. No guilt. Dink that boxed wine, momma’s! You deserve it.
{Photo Credit: Paisley & Sparrow}
