It seems like this school year has been going on for a long time (maybe forever….). These last few weeks of school have been long. Play practices, tests, homework, field trips, and end of the year activities with tired and cranky kids, it’s enough to make a mom feel overwhelmed and ready for a break. With the start of summer, our routine will slow down. We will have time to focus on fun activities for our kids. Play games, go to movies, visit parks, take a vacation. But after an extended school year, we also need to take time for self-care for mom.
3 Ways to Add Self-Care to Your Day
Use Margin Time
We have 10 and 15 minutes of margin time throughout the day. We might be waiting in a doctor’s office or for our child after practice. Utilize the margin time in your day for self-care and revitalization.
The next time you wait for 15 minutes, do something you enjoy. Read a book, enjoy the sunset outside, call a friend and chat, or listen to your favorite music.
Designate Your Own Quiet Time
To establish a self-care routine, choose a set time every day for your self-care. Your designated self-care time might be early in the morning before your kids are up or late in the evening after they go to bed. Naptime is also a great time for moms to have a break.
Review your daily schedule and choose a time that will help you relax and rejuvenate. Maybe that means getting up a few minutes earlier or creating a 15-minute quiet time for everyone mid-morning. It doesn’t matter when you set the time, but that you find the optimal time to provide you the most benefit.
Plan Ahead
Recognize that sometimes things are more stressful during the day, like mid-morning or afternoons when the kids seem more active, and you need more energy. Plan self-care before these high-energy times to feel rested and ready to handle the extra activities.
Many times, I don’t think it’s the kids’ behaving badly that frustrates us, but they are loud and rowdy and more active than we are. They always want to be doing something. Plan your quiet self-care time before these busy times so you don’t feel deprived.
Summer Self-Care Ideas
Our schedules can be more relaxed during the summer, and the days are longer. It just feels like we have more time for the activities we enjoy. Here are a few ideas for self-care to enjoy during the summer:
- Enjoy a sunrise or sunset sipping your favorite coffee or tea (hot or iced – your favorite)
- Read a fun book outside (preferably in the shade, in a hammock)
- Take a walk in the cool of the evening to let the day unwind
- Spend time on your favorite hobby (sewing, bird watching, scrapbooking). When we have kids, we spend time on their favorite hobbies and activities but don’t forget to work on your favorite hobbies, too.
- Create a new summer recipe to share with your family (if you enjoy cooking)
- Adult coloring is a way to be creative. It will help you relax and is a fun activity you can do with your kids, too. Get started with this inspirational coloring book.
- Have a Girlfriend’s night and enjoy a movie under the stars (or go to the local drive-in and watch your favorite chick flick).
This summer take the time to rest. Summer will be over quickly, and it will be back to school and homework and all the many activities before you know it. Take time and breathe slowly this summer.
Talk to me in the comments:
What’s your favorite self-care activity during the summer?
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Summer Self-Care Ideas
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Margin time! I never knew that’s what it’s called! There’s only so much time in our day, but there’s always so much to do! I’ve really started to hone in on utilizing my margin time in a more productive way, and it has helped so much!
I’m glad that you’ve found how it’s helping more. It’s amazing how much we let time slip away without even realizing it.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope to see you again soon.
Crystal, these are fantastic summer self care ideas for moms. I’m a seasoned napper myself. My girls are grown now, but I still like having my coffee outside on a warm summer morning.
Thank you so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friend’s this month dear friend.
Coffee outside is such a pleasant thing to enjoy. I particullary love sitting on the front porch watching storms brewing.
Thank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope to see you again soon.