SAHM Not for the faint of heart 5 EASY self care tips for moms.

If you follow my blog then you'll know that I have recently transitioned to a Stay at Home Mom or SAHM. It's tough.  There are schedule to be followed, things to do and then at some point I have to shower , attempt to look like a human and find time to blog and write.  phew.

Before I know it it's bath time and of to bed they go.  At this point I'm overly tired and the writing is put on hold along with the stack of books  I want to read.  The days are long and the nights are short. Its kinda like a long summer.

I"m emotionally and mentally drained and it seems like everywhere I turn there is a kid crying or whining about something.  And I only have two kids. It's cute.. totally cute.

So what is a mom to do to avoid going clinically insane?  Running out of the house screaming is not an option (trust me., I almost did that this morning).  Here are some tips that may help you remain calm, collected and "normal".

1) Brush your hair- Ha-Ha I know, a given right? WRONG! There isn't really any time.  The other day I went shopping with my sister, mother and of course baby Jacob. My hair wasn't in it's usual top knot state. My hair was actually in a "fancier" hair do. Half up Half down! Oh yeah, you know, me, just living the life. Anyway, one of those sales people that sell hair products and facial scrub from the Dead Sea approached me and asked me what I used to style my hair. I was bothered because clearly, she could see that my hair wasn't styled and I looked CRAZY.  So I said, "I don't use products in my hair. I'm lucky if I could run a brush through it!  So yeah, moral of the story try to find time to brush your hair.

2) Drink some coffee- Pretend that you're enjoying a nice cup of coffee at your favorite coffee shop while your kids are napping.  It  seriously works.  Take a few minutes to yourself and don't think of any list or priorities or laundry, dinner, swim lessons.  Just sit down for like 10 minutes with your favorite magazine or book or heck, even your cell phone (although I don't recommend that because the whole purpose of this exercise is for you to unplug) and sip your coffee slowly taking the time to really enjoy it.  If you're not a coffee drinker then,..we're not friends. JK! we are! Enjoy some tea or your beverage of choice (avoid hard liquor until after the kids are in bed for the evening)

3) Take a well deserved Cat Nap- It can be challenging to take a much needed nap, but hey, your baby is down for one, why not treat yourself to a nap too. You've earned it.  You've been running after baby boy (or girl) all day.  Again, the laundry and all the other stuff can wait.  I always say every day that I'm going to take a nap when Jacob goes to sleep and I never do.  I'm always too busy.  Just 20 minutes of resting your feet or eyes can really boost your energy levels. You'll wake up rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of your day.

4)  Exercise- I know what you're going to say?  Really? Mayra? But I tried it and I'm telling you my mood and energy have really gone up.  Even if it's for 20-30 minutes. You don't have to go hard and take up some crazy exercise routine.  I 've been using my DVDs  or Jacob, Frankie and I go for walks.  IF the purpose is to get away from the kids (.. you can't get away even if your tried) then maybe wait until they're napping to workout OR if you're able to leave the with someone you trust like Dad or Grandma, then why not enroll in some kind of exercise class.  Do anything that makes you happy and most importantly something that you're going to commit to. (always consult a physician or healthcare provider before starting any type of exercise , especially if you're pregnant.)

5) Mani/Pedi/Facial/- Again, you can do this at home. I'm sure you have tons of nail polish just hanging out in your drawers waiting to be worn.  Take some time for yourself and get back to being you.  Not into manicures or pedicure, Try a facial.  You don't have to spend tons of money buying the expensive facial products at Sephora or Ulta. Simply go to Target or whatever drug store you love and buy some masks.  They're not expensive and they work great.  I treat myself to a facial from time to time and I feel great afterwards. 


The trick is to spend some time on yourself.  You spend a lot of time focusing on the kids and husband and other family members that sometimes you forget YOURSELF.   You're important too.  If you don't take care of yourself, who will? 

What are some of your mommy self care tips?  This isn't just open to moms, everyone needs self-care time.  Share yours with me.
<3
Mayra