Being a mom with a career can feel like you’re juggling multiple full-time jobs at any given time. Now that I have this blog on top of all that, I often feel like I’m stretched way too thin which can seriously impact my mood and productivity. It’s important that we remember the importance of self-care for moms and how it can affect us.
I have had to learn the importance of self-care and understand that when you are a happier person, you are a better mother and partner!
This is how I chose to reset my brain and spend a little time by myself this past weekend! I hope you can take inspiration from what I did and find a moment to take care of yourself too <3
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Book Shopping
There is a New/Used bookstore in my town that I have not had the chance to check out yet, so that was my first stop!
I’ve been really into reading lately (check out my book reviews) and had some titles in my Pinterest: TBR List and wanted to see if I could snatch them up.
The girl at the bookstore was so sweet and said I could take a few pictures. I’m not used to taking pictures in public yet so it was a little awkward lol.
They had a good variety, and I was happy to see some new titles I was looking to get my hands on.
What I Got
That being said, I wanted to keep it cheap so this is what I ended up getting.
I also traded some of the older books I had around my house for a bit of a discount which was cool!
I’ve heard good things about both books and I also got to free up some holds on Libby for other books! IYKYK 20 holds is not enough!
Current Reads
In total, I have just a few books on my Current Reads List. I like having something always on hand to read in my free time. It also keeps me from doomscrolling on socials all day.
I like to keep everything organized in my Ultimate Reading Journal. It allows me to create book wish lists, write out my thoughts and plan book reviews, and so much more! Check it out if you’re looking for a valuable companion for your reading.
Honorable mentions: The Road by Cormac McCarthy has gotten a ton of recommendations so really looking forward to that one!
Hobby Lobby Trip
After the bookstore, I knew I wanted to check out Hobby Lobby because they were having a yarn sale. If you are a crocheter or knitter, you know it’s like Christmas every time HL has a sale on yarn!
I got 4 skeins of yarn for less than $10. Totally worth it.
Fall/Winter Vibes in Hobby Lobby
Who doesn’t love looking around Hobby Lobby this time of year? As soon as they put out the Christmas decorations you have to stop in for some window shopping.
The vibes were simply immaculate. *chef’s kiss*
Current Crochet WIP
My wonderful sweet friend is expecting so I have plans to make her an heirloom baby blanket for her new bundle of joy! This is the pattern I am planning to use:
Is it not stunning!
I would absolutely recommend this shop to any intermediate level and up crocheters who are looking for a beautiful blanket pattern for a good price!
Other Ways I Engage in Self Care
Getting out and walking around doing a little personal shopping just makes me so happy and gives me something to look forward to. And it doesn’t have to be expensive!
A few other things I also like to do is:
- Watching an episode of a show or some youtube
- Going to the Gym/Going for a Walk/Getting Outside (health/fitness blogs coming soon)
- Skin Care (of course)
- Meditation (new to me but I do enjoy it)
- Enjoying a meal or treat by yourself/solo date
- Writing
Tips and Advice
Making time for my own hobbies is part of what keeps me sane as a parent and it’s honestly so important for your mental health.
I like to use the Self-Care Planner, Mood Tracker, Goal Planner and other pages from my Ultimate Life Planner to help me in my self-care journey. Check it out if you think it might be helpful!
My Advice to New Moms
Here is what I would offer to young moms or new moms that are struggling with finding time for their self-care.
- Finding pockets of time in your day where you can read a chapter of a book or crochet a few rows on that WIP you’re working on can be so beneficial.
When the baby is napping, after they go to bed for the night, when they are at daycare, etc. I’ll even sit next to my daughter at mealtimes with a book or a WIP.
- Implement a tracker or chart to keep a visual record of your progress over time in your hobbies. (reading journal, craft journal, workout tracker, etc)
For me, I enjoy seeing progress with the things I do. Visible, trackable ways to view that progress meshes well with my brain and gives me a sense of accomplishment and pushes me to keep moving toward my goals.
- Maintaining your identity by connecting with the things you enjoy counts as self-care! This should be a top priority.
You can easily lose yourself in your role as mom/wife/girlfriend etc but you don’t have to; you can have a balance of both.
So, tell me:
What do you like to do as a form of self care?
Are you reading anything good right now?
For my fiber artists, what are you working on?
Let’s discuss!
Until next time <3
