The holidays are just around the corner and the countdown is ON. As you rush to get everything checked off your to-do list, it can feel like both a physically and emotionally stressful time.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, remember that your own wellbeing should be somewhere on that list. You’re taking care of your family, friends, and coworkers – you should be taking care of yourself, too.
Self-gifting is a form of self appreciation.
If you’re looking for a sign that you should treat yourself – this is it.
You spent all year trying to be the best mom, the best colleague, and maybe even the best partner. You handled two full time jobs – work and kids – with a smile on your face (most of the time) and somehow managed to put smiles on everyone else’s faces too. You may not recognize it, but you’re a valuable pillar to those around you.
Giving yourself a gift – self-gifting – as a reward for your success and hard work is a powerful acknowledgment of your value and achievements.
Self-gifting is not the same as self-indulgence. Self-indulgence is associated with excess, impulsivity, and buying things to feel temporarily happy. On the other hand, self-gifting is a recognition of your achievements that fosters feelings of self-love and self-worth.
Buy self care items that you will actually be able to use.
When you decide to self-gift, it’s better to be practical in your purchases. Don’t buy expensive things that you’ll hardly ever use – you’ll just end up throwing it in a corner and feeling guilty for not using it.
Instead, get things that will do something to support your wellbeing. For working moms, it’s all about finding ways to incorporate micro wellness moments into daily life. Realistically, we don’t have the time (or the energy, if we’re being honest) to engage in long wellness routines, but small wellness acts can still make a big difference.
Shower steamers. Shower steamers are my absolute favorite bath item, just ahead of fancy soap and vanilla scented body wash. I love the little mood boost I get from breathing in the scent of a soothing lavender or refreshing mint steamer. The only caveat is that they tend to dissolve pretty quickly in the warm water.
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 just a little bit of affordable luxury to that. They are super smooth on the skin and comfortable for little heads to snuggle up to. I tend to move around quite a bit at night too, and the satin just glides over the sheets without getting bunched up in weird places.
A journal. The benefits of journaling for supporting emotional wellbeing are well known. For working moms, it’s a simple and fairly easy activity we can incorporate into our day at almost any time. I don’t always carry a physical journal with me, so I often use my phone to jot down my thoughts or make gratitude lists throughout the day. At night after the little is asleep, I can re-write those notes again in my physical journal and reflect more fully on them. Journaling doesn’t have to be limited to writing – if words don’t work for you, try making a voice recording or drawing a picture to express how you feel.
Cozy house slippers. Do your feet a favor and get some cozy slippers for home. At least your feet will be warm and happy while you’re picking toys up off the floor. When you’re all done with that, wrap yourself up in…
A cozy robe. This is almost a necessity on those nights when all you want to do is melt into the couch and do absolutely nothing while you scroll through reels.
A light therapy box. Light therapy has been shown to have positive effects on your mood and can also help with clinical disorders like seasonal affective disorder and depression. Light therapy boxes are relatively inexpensive and easy to use – you just plug it in and sit in front of it for the recommended time.
Mindfulness cards. Who doesn’t love a good inspirational quote? A deck of mindfulness cards features a different quote on each card to add a little positivity to your day. I personally love mindfulness cards. I often will pull out a different one each week and carry it with me as a reminder to stay grateful and grounded.
Sheet masks. The stress of working and family obligations can take a toll on our skin, and we may not have the time or the desire to go through 7-step skincare rituals after a long day. Sheet masks can put back much-needed moisture into the face and are a quick, non-messy alternative to masks you have to apply yourself. You just put it on your face and soak it in. My favorite part is that many of them don’t even require washing post-removal.
Scented pillow spray. Trouble drifting off to sleep? Difficulty sleeping is actually a common problem among working moms. A scented pillow spray can be a helpful tool 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. Blue light glasses help to minimize the impact of blue light from digital devices like computers, cell phones, and tablets. Blue light actually helps us be more alert, but prolonged exposure may affect our ability to fall asleep at night by messing with our circadian rhythms. Blue light glasses can be especially useful in the evenings to block some of that light and help us fall asleep a little easier.
Self-gifting isn’t just about frivolous spending, it’s about appreciating you. It’s a recognition of the value you hold to those around you and a reminder of your self-worth. When you appreciate yourself, you promote your own emotional wellbeing. So go ahead – do something nice for yourself for once.
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