Survival vs. Self Care

Self care… this phrase is almost comical to me. What does it even mean? [I think it means when someone cares for themself…] Self care for a mom of toddlers is called survival on most days, iykyk. You’ve cared for yourself if you’re able to wash your face before you pass out on the couch. 

The concept is so broad and has been glorified through social media through lockdown because people have more time. [I’m feeling personally attacked.] It sometimes makes me feel like I’m further behind the eight ball because I quickly apply all my morning creams and serums at one time in my palm instead of in layers over 10 minutes. I either have kids in the bathroom watching me or they’re banging on the door to get in… let’s be real – I’ve got 1.5 min to brush my teeth and splash water on my face. [Let ’em in – start ’em young!]

It’s all about options

What I’ve focused on is picking one thing. It’s the same as offering my 3-year-old options. All negotiations end in him having three choices. [Doesn’t he normally end up getting all three?] So why not take the same approach? I’ll give myself a list of easy options and just pick one per week. It can be skin care, working out, eating well, or just alone time. If I accomplish one thing per week I’ve won. I’ve done one more thing for myself than I would have normally. [YGG!]

It hasn’t been anything time consuming for me either. I’ve been going for simple options…

• Make a cup of coffee. Simple. Put it in a nice mug or cup and feel like you’re on your balcony sipping while watching the waves come in. It’s all about imagination mama. 
• Put on some under eye cooling patches while I’ve got my coffee and the kids’ breakfast routine underway
• Do a face mask once a week – nothing that stays on more for than 10 min or I will probably end up falling asleep in it
• Use an olive and coconut oil hair mask for 10 min before my weekly wash. It’s hard to get lazy with this since my ingredients are in the kitchen. 
• Set up a moms group wine chat. This is self care. It’s time to decompress and complain without feeling judged… and I get to drink while doing it! [I have a dog…I’m a mom…where was my invite to this wine chat?]

In the end – it’s the small things – not letting the grandeur of what self care means scare you. If it means going to bed 5 min earlier tonight then you’ve cared for yourself already. Cheers to that!

[I’m proud of you for accomplishing one thing per week. I think that’s a good goal – but I have some tips & tricks for ya to get that summertime glow!]