For most people, self-care is an important aspect of overall well-being and balance. For working moms who regularly deal with a lot of stress and anxiety, it’s a necessity.
Regular self-care supports our emotional and physical well-being, improving our resilience and ability to handle daily life stress. But although we could really use more of it, the irony is that working moms never have the time.
Between rushing to work, then rushing to drop off or pick up the kids, then rushing through the evening routine, it can feel almost impossible to have any dedicated time for self-care. One way we can get around that is by including small self-care moments into our daily routines.
Self-care is crucial
Engaging in self-care means intentionally doing things aimed at improving your personal health and well-being. It can be anything that promotes one or more of the dimensions of well-being – a walk in nature, reading a book, a relaxing spa day, or meeting up with friends.
The idea of what self-care means is highly variable depending on the person and their circumstances, but one thing remains true for all of us – without it, we’re on the fast track to mental and emotional exhaustion, unchecked stress, and eventual burnout. Regular self-care helps us by:
- Supporting our emotional and mental well-being
- Improving our physical health and wellness
- Improving our resilience and tolerance to stress
- Improving our quality of life and overall happiness
For the working mom, self-care is particularly important to help us manage daily stress and emotional fatigue. We are pulled in many different directions throughout the day, which makes it all the more important to practice self-care for our mental and emotional health.
Between the demands of work and childcare, I don’t have the time for long self-care routines. That’s why I’m a big fan of taking micro-wellness self-care moments when I can. Think of it as an upgrade to your daily routine, or a way to add a little happiness into the things you do every day.
Here are 10 self-care items that are easy enough to squeeze into your busy day and won’t break the bank (because kids are expensive!)
10 daily self-care items under $50
Shower steamers
Some would argue that taking a shower isn’t self-care, and I’m inclined to agree with that. But if that’s the only moment in my day when I can get some uninterrupted time, you can bet I’m going to make the most of it! Shower steamers with soothing scents like lavender and mint can turn the basic essential act of showering into a relaxing self-care moment.
Satin pajamas
If there’s one thing I look forward to at the end of the day, it’s going to sleep. Satin pajamas add a little luxury and comfort to that. Can putting on pajamas count as self-care? Yes, if they make you feel good and help you sleep comfortably. Satin pajamas are super smooth on the skin, light, and comfortable, which makes getting into bed feel that much better. They also don’t bunch up in awkward places even when I roll around at night.
A journal
The benefits of journaling for supporting emotional well-being are well-known. For working moms, journaling is a simple and not very time-consuming activity we can easily incorporate into our day either at work or at home. You can use it to process difficult emotions, reflect on positive experiences, or make gratitude lists to help lift your mood. Expressing our emotions in a private and safe space can help us manage stress and anxiety and improve our emotional well-being.
A light therapy box
In a similar way to natural sunlight, light therapy can help lift your spirits and boost your mood. It has the most benefits on your mood when used in the morning before sunrise, particularly during the winter and for people with seasonal depression. Light therapy boxes are relatively portable, inexpensive, and easy to use. You can turn it on and sip your morning coffee, get a head start on the day’s work at your computer, or start planning your to-do list for the week. The only caveat is that most of the research shows significant effects when used before sunrise – meaning you would have to wake early to get the most benefit.
Mindfulness cards
Who doesn’t love a good inspirational quote? A deck of mindfulness cards typically has a different inspiring quote on each card to add a little positivity to your day. You can carry a few with you when you need a stress check, or leave them in your car or at your office for a quick self-care moment. Personally, I love mindfulness cards and use them often. They remind me to stay grateful and grounded when my stress levels are high and I’m feeling overwhelmed.
Sheet masks
The stress of working and family obligations takes a toll on everything, including our skin. Working moms might may not have the time or the desire to go through 7-step skincare rituals after a long day, but we still want to take care of ourselves. Sheet masks are a quick, non-messy alternative to traditional wash-off face masks and help to replace much-needed moisture into the skin. I know I won’t get the same youthful glow I had 10 years ago, but that won’t stop me from trying!
Scented pillow spray
Do you ever have trouble drifting off to sleep? I know I do sometimes. Difficulty sleeping is actually a common problem among stressed-out, anxious, and overworked working moms. Scented pillow sprays can help to encourage relaxation and a sense of calm, which is just what we need when we have trouble shutting our brains off.
Blue light glasses
Do you lie in bed looking at your phone late at night way longer than you should? It might be interrupting the quality of your sleep. Prolonged exposure to blue light from digital devices may affect our ability to fall asleep at night by messing with our circadian rhythms. Blue light glasses can be useful when worn in the evenings to block some of that light and help us sleep better.
Back massager
If you have tight back muscles from chasing your kids around, try a portable back massager. Sure, it’s not a 60-minute deep tissue massage, but an at-home back massager is a handy self-care item to have when you’re sitting and could use a little body work. Simply plug it in, place it on a supportive chair, and lean back onto it to target your lower or middle back muscles. Some massagers also come with a heated option and may even have specialized attachments for use in your car on your way to or from work.
Insulated water bottle
You don’t need a huge water bottle to drink more water, but it actually does help. Carrying a water bottle that you only have to fill up once or twice during the day and keeps your water cool makes it much easier to stay hydrated. Insulated water bottles have also become somewhat of a trendy office accessory, with popular brands like Stanley and Hydro Flask appearing on office desks (and even schools!) everywhere.
Self-care is an essential part of improving our sense of well-being and managing daily stress, but finding time for it can be difficult for working moms. Incorporating small self-care moments into your daily routine can help improve your overall well-being without disrupting your daily life.
