Take Time to Pamper Yourself

Moms are some of the hardest-working people out there, but many of us don’t take time to focus on doing things to nurture and treat ourselves well. Taking time to care for yourself is not just a luxury, it’s essential. As they say in airplane safety, always put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others! Whether you have 15 minutes or a whole day, taking care of yourself means you’ll be better able to continue caring for your family.

15 minutes of pampering

Get a cool, refreshing drink, sit down and put your feet up.

Go for a walk around the block, and remember to pause and smell the flowers.
Make a list of things you feel grateful for.
Sit quietly and meditate. Even short meditation sessions can help you relax and bring a renewed sense of mindfulness and appreciation to your day.

One hour of pampering

Chat on the phone with an old, dear friend.
Go to a cafe and treat yourself to a well-crafted latte and slice of cake. Resist the urge to wolf it down out of habit!
Go to the gym and work out.

Take a nap.
Have a bath with those special bath bubbles you’ve been saving.

Half a day of pampering

Go on a shopping trip without any specific agenda or pressure to buy something.

Work on a favourite hobby or project that’s been stuck at the back of your closet.
Head to the spa for a massage, facial, steam bath or pedicure.
Meet up with friends for a unhurried brunch or go for Afternoon Victorian Tea at the Fairmont.

A full day of pampering

Take a class in something that you’ve always wanted to learn about.
Lounge around the house doing nothing and enjoy the quiet.
Plan a girls’ day out with some friends and meet for a movie, a meal and shopping.

Go for a long hike and reflect on your goals.

Choosing something to pamper and nurture yourself is something that is very individual, and what one person finds restful and recharging will be unappealing to another. An extrovert may crave time spent socializing with friends while an introvert will probably prefer to recharge by being alone. No matter how you prefer to pamper yourself, there’s something you can do for yourself in any amount of time you have available!

Michelle Carchrae is a freelance writer and homeschooling mom to two girls. With a serious love for Vancouver and an equally serious need to get out of the house with two young kids, Michelle searches out the best kid and parent friendly places to go. Michelle also writes about parenting at her blog, The Parent Vortex.