As a parent, there are small moments throughout the day which make you breathe a sigh of relief and give you a sense of rejuvenation. These pockets of time can look different to each individual, but there are many similarities that you may be able to relate to if you’re riding the parenthood train right now. Whether you get a peaceful moment drinking a delicious, fresh cup of coffee, or you’re enjoying a well-deserved bubble bath without an interruption, there are examples of little self-care moments that should never be taken for granted.
When it comes to making time for yourself as a busy parent it is easy to overlook the small moments that pass you by. That doesn’t mean that you should carve out a good amount of time for yourself to fully recharge your batteries, but you should also make the most of the small, special moments that give you a mental boost as an overworked parent. Consider the following little self-care moments that every parent should savour whenever they can!
A Quiet House First Thing in The Morning
That sweet sound of bliss when you are the first person to wake up in the house is unmatched. Even if you’re not a morning person, you will be able to appreciate a quiet, tidy home before the rush of the morning actually begins. Take a moment to appreciate this time and make sure you savour the peace whenever you’re lucky enough to experience it.
Your Morning Cup of Coffee
There is no better feeling than taking a sip of your cup of coffee in the morning and allowing it to hit you in the best way possible. A coffee should always be smooth, high quality and blended with skill. Investing in stellar italian coffee beans will make your morning coffee even more enjoyable. You’ll look forward to it first thing in the morning without fail, and the taste will leave you wanting more every single time. Getting to enjoy a coffee by yourself is something that doesn’t come around often, soak it all in and make the most of it.
An Uninterrupted Bath or Shower
Are you really a parent if a little one doesn’t knock on the bathroom door just as you’re about to get in the shower or take a relaxing bubble bath? Having a full shower or bath without being walked in on is a huge win that should never be underestimated, and it’s certainly a form of self-care!
Reading Your Book
Grabbing a short moment to read your book and catch up with one of your favourite pastimes brings about a warm and fuzzy feeling. Taking the time to escape to your chosen story gives you a short snippet of peace from being a parent.
Doing Your Favourite Form of Exercise
Although the idea of exercise doesn’t seem like a form of self-care from the outset, it will always come out on top as you’re taking care of yourself in a positive way. As soon as you go out of your way to look after your body and improve your physical wellbeing, you will feel on top of the world. Finding time to exercise as a busy parent isn’t always easy, but you will always feel better when you go out of your way to do it. The rewards are much bigger when you have to find the time to exercise as a parent, so try to prioritise this self-care moment as much as possible.
A Quiet Dinner Time
Whether your kids are on a playdate elsewhere, or they’re at an after school activity, there is something very peaceful about sitting down for a quiet dinner. Although you love your children with all of your heart, it’s a newfound sense of freedom when you’re able to enjoy your food without being asked for a million things during the space of five minutes. You can savour the flavours, enjoy adult conversation and slowly eat the delicious food that’s in front of you without having to rush.
Watching Your TV Shows
One of the best parts of parenthood is watching your children get tired after the end of a fulfilling day that is full of family fun. Putting them to bed and having some well-deserved time in the evening to watch your television shows is the ultimate form of self-care. It doesn’t matter whether you’re watching a movie, or embracing your guilty pleasure of reality TV, there is something freeing, rewarding and enjoyable about turning on the television after a busy day with the rest of the family.
A Full Skincare Regime
When you’re a busy parent, it is often very difficult to find time for a full skincare regime. Even when you know your skin needs it the most, you are often forced to splash your face with lukewarm water and then go about your day. Instead of sticking to the basic skincare routine you’ve got used to, there will be moments in your day when you can really indulge in a routine that feels super enjoyable in every way. Visit a dermatologist to find out which skincare products would be best suited to your skin type. This will help you to discover the best way to get the glow you deserve every single day.
Doing Chores Alone
What is a feeling of true self-care that shouldn’t actually class as self-care? Doing chores without any little ones getting in your way! There is truly no better feeling than being productive at home, and getting all of your laundry, vacuuming, food prep and tidying done without any children getting in your way. Doing chores alone should be mandatory for parents, as it can actually be quite enjoyable when you’re by yourself!
Peaceful Bedtimes
When your children go to sleep without kicking up a fuss, causing a drama or messing around, it can feel on par with a lottery win. A peaceful bedtime routine where everyone is happy, content and in their own bubble of joy is a priceless feeling that you’ll always want to bottle up. Although you can’t expect your kids to be perfectly behaved every time bedtime rolls around, you can treat it as a huge parenting win when everything goes smoothly and you get some extra evening time uninterrupted.
A Full Night’s Sleep
As a busy parent, you will know how precious a full night of sleep can be when you have so much going on in your life. Being able to lay your head down on the pillow for eight hours is something that doesn’t happen every single night, so appreciate the feeling when you’re lucky enough to experience it. Try going to bed slightly earlier so that you can squeeze an extra hour in when it’s needed the most!
Hopefully, some of the little moments mentioned above will resonate with you. If you have ever found yourself on the receiving end of any of these peaceful times at home, you’ll know how rewarding it can feel. Grabbing a spot of self care whenever you can will completely elevate the way you approach your everyday life. You will start to appreciate the little things in life and you’ll never take those special moments of quality alone time for granted ever again. This is a firm and relatable reminder that self-care is few and far between as a parent, so enjoy these moments as you navigate your way through the trenches of parenthood!
