Let’s be frank. Mom needs a break sometimes. Actually, mom is a freaking goddess who needs a break all the times. In today’s post we’re going to talk about mom burnout (it’s real) and 5 AWESOME self-care ideas for exhausted moms who need a break from parenting those adorable, albeit rather tyrannical small humans.
Mom Needs a [Serious] Break
Sup, mom. Feeling tired? Worn down? Sick of all the laundry and the screaming and playing detective to all those missing socks?
The never-ending task of juggling parenting and life can get downright exhausting!
You’ve kept these tiny humans alive day after day, and the payback is oh-so minimal. Between the crying and the whining and the eating and the pooping and the extracurriculars and the homework and the never-ending having to act like you care every minute of every day, you’re burned out.
Amiright?
Motherhood Burnout
Friends, motherhood burnout is REAL. Like really, totally real.
Don’t believe me? Follow me as I illustrate this point with a fun, hypothetical anecdote:
Jane goes to a stressful job day after day where her boss follows her around everywhere, screams at her constantly, and occasionally throws up on her. She doesn’t get mad, she just takes it all with grace. Jane works totally pro bono because she’s decided that her boss is an emotional mess and needs to be a functioning human being. She’s also pretty sure he’s broke, and she can’t quite remember why she was so excited to get this job in the first place. Jane is on call 24/7, and each day is completely unpredictable, totally exhausting, and abnormally stinky.
Jane needs a break. I mean, in all honesty, Jane needs to run the hell away from this toxic environment, but I think we can all agree child abandonment is generally frowned upon.
Moms need a break.
YOU need a break.
Time for some awesome self-care ideas to help you unwind!
Why Does Mom Need Self-Care?
Motherhood isn’t easy. Being emotionally and physically available at all times to take care of dependent small humans is no easy task. Many mothers feel a sense of identity loss when they have children. You become “mom,” and all other roles seem to take a back seat.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home-mom, a mom who works from home, a mom working part-time out of the house, or you’re juggling full-time employment with parenting, all moms need a break at some point.
I’ve been in many of these situations, going from staying at home when my babies were new, to working 2 days a week out of the house, to full-time employment both in and out of the house. In every situation, I got burned out. At the end of every week, I was desperate for a little “me time” where I could do something completely for myself and not come out of the bathroom to find human children, fur children, and a dozen responsibilities at my beck and call.
And while there are many different types of self-care, sometimes you need to think outside the box. Scroll below to check out five self-care ideas for exhausted moms that are anything but ordinary.
5 Self-Care Ideas for Exhausted Moms
Okay. We’ve determined that you need, nay, DESERVE a break. It’s time to take some time to yourself to regroup, de-stress, and wind down from life’s craziness.
So today, I’ve taken the liberty of coming up with 5 totally amazing ways to help you take a break. They’re not your traditional “read a book” suggestions. Oh no. That’s not how we roll over here at Bring Wit On.
At BWO we put the “fun” in “functional” and these self-care ideas are exciting ways for you to take a break AND try something new and adventurous.
Let’s get to those self-care ideas, shall we? Oh, and just in case you were wondering, why yes, most of these are puns, thankyouverymuch.
1. Take a “Steamy” Bath
Baths are an excellent way to relax after a long week of picking up toys, chauffeuring children to activities, meeting deadlines, and you know, just trying to survive life, one cup of coffee at a time.
A bath is a perfect form of self-care. I mean, who can say no to literally laying down in hot water?
So go ahead and fill up your tub with bubble bath or drop in a bath bomb. Light a candle or two. Pour a glass of your favorite beverage. Maybe it’s wine. Perhaps it’s Coke. Maybe it’s PASSIONfruit LaCroix (#PunsForLife), and dive in (Well, actually, don’t dive. That’s like, ridiculously unsafe. We’re aiming for relaxation here, not a complete loss of consciousness. Maybe slowly sit? Slide in? Lower yourself? You know, gently ease your way into that tub of warm goodness).
But before you do, you’re gonna need something extra special to make this bath even better. This isn’t your typical bath, oh no. Normal baths are for…uh…normal people. Today, we’re turning this bath into a “STEAMY” bath.
What is a Steamy Bath?
A steamy bath is like regular bath, but with the addition of an attractive, fictional companion.
You see, prior to filling the tub, I’m gonna need you to head to your local library (or download an app on your phone or tablet device for eBook downloads), head to the romance section, and check out the book with the hunkiest guy and/or most scantily clad gal on the cover.
Any romance novel will do, but we’re going for the stereotypical book here. Flowing hair and dresses. Amazing pectorals. We’re aiming for lots of fluff with very little substance. Bonus points if the cover features Fabio.
So back to the bath. It’s filled to the rim with warm, bubbly goodness. You’ve slowly lowered your body into the water to avoid head injury, and it’s time to crack open that novel. This is your mom break. Enjoy every minute of it. There’s no one to judge you while you’re in the tub. Open that glorious book and enjoy your steamy bath.
Get it? Steamy?
It’s just you and Stephan’s bulging…ahem biceps.
2. Write Out Your Angst
Growing up, I kept a not-so consistent journal. It was mostly filled with the latest crush of the week (OMG, Steve and Aaron are sooooo cute!). It was also packed with the angsty angst of a pre-teen who was REALLY into expressing her frustration at dealing with humans around her.
Take it from young Priscilla, writing out your rage is a great way to practice self-care. In fact, writing in a journal, even if it’s sporadic, is great for your mental health.
So follow in my awkward, zit-covered footsteps, and overshare, journal-style! Mother-in-law bugging you? Journal it out! Toddler refusing to eat nothing but chicken nuggets for the 5th day in a row? Write in ALL CAPS TO EXPRESS YOUR DISPLEASURE.
Whether you use a pretty, dedicated journal, or you snag whatever random paper you find lying in the junk drawer, the goal here is simply to take some time to write what’s on your mind.
You may not figure out how to feed your picky toddler when you’re done, but at least your mind will be rid of that rage and have extra space to daydream about Stephan’s rippling [cough, cough] hair in the wind.
3. Eat a Sneaky Snack
Next on our list of self-care ideas is something I practice daily. I personally feel it’s an activity that most moms should practice often.
I like to call this activity “Eating a Sneaky Snack.”
The premise is simple:
- Grab your favorite snack. I like to rotate through a collection of my favorites such as: Oreos with peanut butter, chips and guacamole, cookie dough for one, and [insert any leftover holiday candy here]. Be sneaky about this, especially if your children are like mine and can smell a snack from a mile away.
- Hide. You heard me. Go to your favorite room or closet and lock the door.
- Enjoy Your Sneaky Snack. Now that you have some peace and quiet, enjoy your sneaky snack. I also highly recommend turning on the Mission Impossible theme song [quietly] while you eat to give yourself some motivational theme music of sorts. Can’t play music? Humming through your mouthful of food is equally satisfying.
Are you suggesting we create our own theme music, Priscilla? Listen, if it worked for Kronk, it can work for you.
4. Go on a “Quick” Walk
This next suggestion is for all you active moms who enjoy de-stressing with some good ol’ exercise. I don’t blame you one bit. I find it much better to to punch dance out my rage than inflict it on innocent humans.
So if you’re looking for a way to do something active while escaping your hyperactive family, try going on a “quick” walk.
Like all my other self-care ideas, this’s isn’t your typical stroll down the road. Strap on your walking shoes ladies. It’s time to speed walk!
How to Go Speed Walking
You’ve never been speed walking, you say? No worries! Here’s the beginner’s guide to speed walking:
- Suit Up. Put on some sturdy walking/running shoes and exercise clothes. Now, I’m not saying you have to get all fancy here, but I highly recommend walking, but make it fashion!
- Go outside. Escape from your prison… I mean house.
- Walk super duper fast. You heard me. Super. Duper. Fast. Imagine that your children have just discovered you unwrapping a candy bar, and they begin chasing you down the road for said treat. Walk as fast as you can to get away from them. Oh no! The unruly, yet resourceful middle child just put on roller blades! Walk faster, lady!!! No running, though. The pressure of pushing humans out of your body makes it so you pee a little when you jog. Walking is your best bet.
Now, by all means, make this experience as authentic as possible. Speed walking is an admirable skill, and you can search the Internet for correct form and Olympic rules (yes, speed walking, called “racewalking,” is now an Olympic sport!).
If you’re a rebel and you don’t have time for them fancy rules, all you have to do is walk quickly around your neighborhood.
Fair warning: You are going to look both ridiculous and awesome at the same time. Embrace it. Own it.
5. Have a Car Dance Party
This final bit of self-care is my favorite way to get away for a while and have a great time. Sorry, folks, no puns here. Our final mom break adventure is nice and straightforward: you’re going to have an epic car dance party.
Before we begin, make sure you have a sneaky snack handy (look at you, multitasker!) and a tank full of gas. Next, grab a CD or your favorite music streaming service, and turn on your all-time favorite upbeat music. Maybe its ska, maybe it’s emo, maybe it definitely has at least 5 songs from your favorite boy band and a handful from Nickelback. (Admission is the first step, my friends).
Now, just like with our quick walk, make sure the children are safe and distracted, get in the car, and hightail it out of there (safely while obeying all road signs, please).
Once you are 2 full blocks away from your house, blast your music, throw inhibition out the open window, and car dance it out.
I like to have my window down to serenade my fellow drivers and pedestrians, because I’ll never turn down an opportunity to make my fellow humans feel uncomfortable (and entertained!), but if you prefer a bit more privacy, go for it.
This is your break. Sing loud, cry if you must, and enjoy yourself.
Self-Care Ideas for Mom
So let’s recap here, moms. If you’re feeling burned out and you need a little time to yourself to regroup before you completely lose your sh*t, these 5 ideas for some exciting self-care are for you! Say goodbye to those boring self-care plans and make self-care fun again!
Need a break from the daily grind and ready to transform yourself from a hot mess into a hot yes? Check out more posts focused on self-care and being a kick-butt human over at Adulting 101. Then make sure to subscribe to our Pinterest page for joke-filled, down-to-earth tips on surviving life, one cup of coffee at a time.
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