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The Self-Care Secret Every Exhausted Mom Needs to Know

• Jodie the Mom

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 Show notes and resources mentioned in the episode: https://lifeunboxed.blog/self-care/

Self-care is a word that I love to hate. Mainly because the Instagram version of it is in conflict with reality. Is there a better way to self-care than what we see on Instagram? 

Self-care is a trendy buzzword now, and I am fully aware that it can seem inaccessible for work from home and homeschool moms. We are always busy. Always exhausted. Running on coffee and the most convenient snack we can pull out of the pantry.  

But that's why I like to talk about it. I want to change our social media ideas of self-care and make it very practical for work from home and homeschool moms. 

Self-care isn’t reserved only for those who have time, money, or a nanny. True mom self-care isn’t about luxury or escapism (ok maybe this one a little bit), but it is about restoration. Finding your equilibrium in the pockets of your day. 

Mom, let’s uncover the self-care secret so you can thrive. 

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Self-care is a word that I love to hate. Mainly because the Instagram version of it is in conflict with reality. Is there a better way to self-care than what we see on Instagram? 

Self-care is a trendy buzzword now, and I am fully aware that it can seem inaccessible for work from home and homeschool moms. We are always busy. Always exhausted. Running on coffee and the most convenient snack we can pull out of the pantry.  

But that's why I like to talk about it. I want to change our social media ideas of self-care and make it very practical for work from home and homeschool moms. 

Self-care isn’t reserved only for those who have time, money, or a nanny. True mom self-care isn’t about luxury or escapism (ok maybe this one a little bit), but it is about restoration. Finding your equilibrium in the pockets of your day.  

Mom, let’s uncover the self-care secret so you can thrive.   

Why Busy Moms Need Self-Care

Our greatest assets are our mental and physical health. We need to take care of both of them. Yes, exercise needs to be a part of self-care, even if you don’t like it. And you can create a workout routine at home, https://lifeunboxed.blog/work-out-routines-at-home-3-tips-to-stay-fit-working-from-home/ it doesn’t need to be expensive. 

As I was setting myself up to work out this morning, the persistent thought running through my head was how much I don’t want to do this. True story. It was so tempting to just not do it. But I know how easy it is to fall out of the habit of working out, and I don’t want to go there. So I put my big girl pants on and did what I needed to do.  

Sitting is the new smoking, https://lifeunboxed.blog/weve-been-told-sitting-is-the-new-smoking-but-its-worse/ and I sit a lot all day. It is essential for my physical self-care to workout. 

This is what I typically do. On Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday I pedal the bike under my desk for an hour. Yes, I close my exercise ring. Then I lift weights for 30 minutes. This is all built into our morning routine. 

I also try to walk at least 5,000 steps everyday. I know the goal should be 10,000 but I’m not there yet. So what I can practically do is aim for 5,000 steps. This usually looks like walking two miles on the treadmill (I do wear a weighted vest to give extra oomph). By the end of the day, my step count is usually over 7,000 steps.  

Taking care of your physical health will also have a direct impact on your mental health. You know, releasing all those endorphins and stuff. We hear about this every where, so I will skip the details here.  

We are Busy—Let’s Just Admit It

In recent years there has been a big push to slow down and remove busyness as a status symbol. While I do agree with this in principle, I have yet to make it a reality. 

Yes, there are days where a make an effort to not be busy, but it is a rare day. We are just busy. Between working from home, homeschooling kids, feeding them, writing, podcasting, blogging, and whole bunch of other things I do, I am just busy. 

I’ve decided to just admit that I am busy and work with it. I really can’t avoid it because I’ve tried. It isn’t a status symbol for me, it is just my reality, so I need to work with my reality instead of trying to avoid it. 

Mom, you are probably busy too. But if you are feeling too busy, then take a look at your to do list and the activities that you are doing. It is easy for homeschool moms to not have enough home in their schedule because of all the things that are available to homeschoolers.  

It is possible that you are busy of your own making, but it is also possible that you are busy because you just are busy. It is the season you are in…and that’s ok.  

The Secret to Self-Care: Small Pockets in Your Day

The Instagram version of self-care is all day luxury retreats, expensive massages, and lavish vacations. This gets really expensive. Now don’t get me wrong, I enjoy an occasional massage, but I can’t afford to make it a habit of self-care.  

So what is the practical solution for busy moms? 

We understand we are busy, and acknowledge that we need self-care. But how do we practically do it at home, without the expense, and make it a habit.  

Here’s the secret—small pockets in your day. Take five minutes of fifteen minutes to sit quietly, drink some coffee, read, or whatever you want to do. You can live in the margins of your day. Sometimes self-care will happen in your car as you are waiting for a child.  

If self-care is about restoration, then what helps to restore you? Work it into the margins of your day.  

Self-Care is More than Massages or Pedicures

I know when we think of self-care as all about the massages and pedicures, but did you know creativity can be the answer for self-care? 

Mom, if you want to control your stress, and improve your physical and mental health. Then learn to live creatively, even if you don't think you are. Living a creative life https://lifeunboxed.blog/creative-life/ for your mental self-care 

You don’t have to wait to win the lottery, so you can totally give yourself over to creativity. Even though that would be really nice. Creative living can happen right now. Right where you are at. It just takes a few ingredients—courage, permission, persistence, and curiosity.  

Taking a moment to disconnect lowers your stress levels, and this is probably the most important thing you can do for your mental self-care. Creativity also fuels your imagination, gets ideas flowing freely, and allows your brain to make connections. This will cause you to come up with better ideas, more creative solutions to problems, and you will be less stressed. 

The best part, it doesn't need to be a whole production and you don't need to be good at it. Be creative for the simple joy of it. You don't need to turn it into a business. 

5 Ways to Build a Routine of Self-Care

Mom, it is ok to take a break. You need to care for your mental and physical health. Start building self-care into your daily routines. 

If you're stuck on how to create these routines, then check out the Schedule vs Routine Course. https://payhip.com/b/xmP9D It will change your outlook on your entire day. 

  1. Stack self-care with your daily habits

Attach your self-care habit to something you already do every day.

 2. Schedule white space into your week

If you love your to do lists https://www.amazon.com/Checklist-Planning-Notebook-Jodie-Mom/dp/B0F6LVZK46 and I definitely do, then you are going to need to avoid to do list overwhelm, https://lifeunboxed.blog/to-do-list and schedule space into your day.

 3. Set weekly non-negotiables

Pick one or two things that you will do no matter what.

  • Read every week.
  • Podcast and a walk (or an audio book)
  • Workout three times a week
  • Add it to your calendar or to do list

 4. Outsource something

Yes, you are allowed to outsource things. Whether it is a homeschool subject you don't want to teach or hiring your kids https://lifeunboxed.blog/hiring-your-kids/ in your business.

 5. Make creativity a habit

Creative expression is self-care. Schedule time in your week to write, paint, knit, music, whatever feeds your soul.

Conclusion: Practical Self-Care for Exhausted Moms

Tiny steps will make a huge impact. Mom, real self-care isn't about abandoning your responsibilities. It is about finding those pockets in your day for restoration, for enjoyment, and to reduce stress. 

How will you add self-care to your day?