As moms, we spend the vast majority of our time thinking of others. Thinking of our kids. Our spouses. Our jobs, volunteer activities, friends, and family. It’s hard to not feel lost sometimes, and it’s so important to take time for yourself to keep it all in perspective. I’ve found that when I do take some time to invest in myself…well, I feel more like myself. So how do you invest in yourself?
Take time for yourself.
This can take so many forms. For me, a lot of the time it’s writing… hence, the blog. Read a book. Get a pedicure. Pick a craft you love, a sport you love. Pick something that’s yours and yours alone… and take the time to do it. When you do things you love, you learn more about yourself and grow from it, even if it’s something as simple as going to the nail salon.
Watch what you eat.
I know, I know. I like junk food too. But you know what? It’s not helping you. You know what does? Feeding your body what it needs. It needs fruits, veggies, protein, and the occasional treat. I don’t know about you, but when I eat crap, I feel like crap. When I eat well, I feel well. Simple as that.
Work out.
This is something I struggle with, but if I don’t make a point to make time for it, I just don’t feel as good as when I do. The thing is, you only get one body. You have to live in it your whole life, so you need to take care of it. The great thing about this is that you can tie this to your “me time.” Find something you love to do – it can be a class at the gym, a run outside, a workout video… anything. Just get out and get active. Try something new. I recently tried out a class at CycleScene in Ashburn and loved it – it was a great workout and a welcoming atmosphere… and I’m someone that has hated spin class in the past (as in, I’ve left before). If you’re local, I definitely recommend them!
Invest in clothes that fit you NOW.
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard people say, “oh, well I’ll buy clothes once I lose x number of pounds.” On one hand, I get it. Why would you want to invest in clothes you’re not going to wear for very long? But the thing about that is… it’s a bunch of crap. The more important question is why on earth do you want to wear clothes you don’t feel good in? That doesn’t help motivate you. It doesn’t help your self-esteem. It doesn’t help you want to lose weight – it only makes you feel frumpy. So yes, buy clothes that fit you, regardless of the number on the label. You can always sell them or donate them as you get to your goals. You can tailor them if you love them. There is no reason to put off feeling great about yourself and what you’re wearing just because your body isn’t exactly how you want it.
Take care of your appearance.
You only get one face. My skincare is something I NEVER skimp on – and that doesn’t even mean using expensive stuff. My face wash is only $12 and lasts 6 months! Take the time to find the products that work for you. Nowadays, I find myself going to more natural products wherever possible, because that’s just what’s better for my skin. I do the same with my hair – quality products that do what I need them to do. Some of my favorites? For my hair, I love the solid shampoos and conditioners from Lush. For my skin, I’ve started making my own body butter, but I’m in love with some of the natural products from a local find – Ladyburg in Fredericksburg, VA. Their whipped sugar scrub is amazing and makes my skin so soft, and I’ve been using their soap bars for the last few weeks and love the one I have – white tea and ginger. (If you’re local, DEFINITELY go see them – if not, they ship!) The products you use don’t have to be expensive – just take the time to find the ones that work for you!
Now, does any of this take away from time with my family? Sure. But it makes me a better person, a better wife, and a better mom. Isn’t that more important?
17 Responses
I’m pretty good on all of these except skin care. I really need to get on that ASAP!
Yes! Let me know if you want a recommendation!
Totally agree that we need to take care of ourselves! And yes so true that when I eat like crap, I feel like crap! Always trying to remind myself of this when I struggle to eat healthy!
Yes! Except it’s so hard because cookies and ice cream = delicious.
Love this! What face wash do you use? I’ve heard that the Purity face wash from Philosophy is really good! I’m thinking of trying it next time I need face wash. Right now, I’m using the Glam Glow face wash. It last a long time as well but I’m getting tired of the scent. Thank you so much for sharing this! <3
I actually used Purity for a long time before switching to what I use now, which is Cerave. It’s super gentle and lasts forever, and a much better price point than the Philosophy one!
I couldn’t agree with these more!! I’m expecting my first in November, and even though I swore I wouldn’t, I’ve let unhealthy food sneak back into my diet and I’ve been more tempted to skip workouts. It’s really fun to indulge in treats “because I can,” but it’s really taken a toll on my body image. I’m back to healthy eating with no treats this week, and I already feel so much better.
Yep, I remember doing that too! I was mostly good throughout my pregnancy, but if I wanted a cookie… I had it. You definitely do feel better when you’re eating better!
I really love this post! I am shaking my head yes when reading all of it, but for a while I was so bad at most of it 🙁 Thanks for the reminder to take care of me! I am pretty good at having “me” time at least on a weekly basis if not daily. I finally broke down and bought new clothes a few months ago and it does make such a difference in how you feel. I am working on what I am eating and trying to fit in exercise. Now I need to take care of my skin!
Clothes that fit right make a HUGE difference! No one wants to feel frumpy! What are you using on your skin now?
Im bad for not buying clothes that fit me now. I only have a few things that fit me now. Still losing baby weight. :-/
You’ll feel so much better if you pick up just a few things – and they don’t have to be expensive either! Look for things that will work as you shrink, like dresses and skirts that are okay to be a little bigger. You’ll feel better and be more motivated!
those were great tips. I do not skip on facial products either (I had skin cancer, yikes!) So even though its all gone, I’m still iffy about what I put on. I am bad at most of it though.. I love some time to myself, where I work on my calligraphy, and I’m trying to be more conscious of how much I exercise. Let’s see if anything can change..
You can do it! And go you for beating cancer!!!
Great post! Often when we hear people say investing in yourself they refer to education and career, but often forget about the more important things like health and eating right.
YES! You only get one body, so you need to take care of it!