5 Self-care Activities

What is alone time? Self-care? Quarantine was definitely a challenge with the tasks of parenting and working full-time on zoom calls non-stop. I was not a great parent. Screen time was through the roof and I was losing my mind with the bad behavior. Now that things have slowed down a bit, I'm realizing how important it is to take a few minutes each day and do something I enjoy. It's always easy to push your needs off and I will admit I often feel guilty if I want to nap while Cole is napping or sit and relax. I'm trying my best to get over that. I can't be a good mom if I don't take care of myself. I find if Cole is actually playing quietly for a decent period of time during the day, I can get a self-care activity in then. Before I was staying up late to have my alone time and not really feeling like I've done anything for myself. Here are some ideas of things I enjoy and I try to do them outside in the fresh air.

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. - Oprah

1. Read a book/or listen to a book
I have over a hundred books on my to read list through the Libby app. I pop my headphones in my phone and listen to my book while watching Cole play outside, while driving or while cleaning the house. Before bed, I will set the sleep timer for 30 minutes and in the morning, I usually have to rewind because it puts me right to sleep.

2. Drink a cup of tea
If I can sit and sip a cup of tea before it gets cold, I'm relaxed. If I listen to books based in England with English readers, it makes me want to drink more tea.


3. Listen to music
I listen to all different types of music. We blare the Trolls soundtrack when my husband is at work or listen to silly kids songs. In the car we listen to country if his highness will allow any music on that particular day. If I'm alone, I listen to loud bass-y music that I turn down at intersections. haha

4. Put on a face mask
I might scare the neighbors if I do that one outside. I like this face mask because it smells good, it's my favorite color and my face is very soft after. I'm into these foot peeling masks. It takes a few days (like 5) to see results but "tony moly!" I was impressed.



5. Try a new craft or just any time to craft in general
Every time I go in my craft room, I'm bombarded by someone about 3 feet tall that starts taking his toys in from across the hall and talking nonstop. I try to get him set up first and then do my own thing but I really enjoy doing crafts for him and with him. Thus this blog!

So get out there and do some self-care activities. I'm going to challenge myself to do ALL of these in ONE day! Think I can do it?