Moms are often seen as the pillars of strength in families, but we often forget to take care of ourselves. Even though also taking care of yourself is an important part of being a parent, many of us struggle to find the time or resources to take care of our own needs.
Common obstacles that prevent moms from taking care of themselves include:
- lack of time
- financial constraints
- lack of support from family members and friends
- feeling guilty for putting yourself first
- lack of energy to do more
And with limited resources available, many moms are left feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities and unable to prioritise their own wellbeing. By understanding these common obstacles, we can work towards that ever-elusive goal of balance.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
– unknown
Benefits of a self-care weekend
Taking care of yourself as a busy mom can often seem like a luxury, but it’s actually essential for your well-being and the well-being of your family. By planning a self-care weekend, you can carve out some much-needed time for yourself to recharge, relax, and rejuvenate.
And self care is not a one-time event, but a regular practice that will benefit you and your family in the long run.
Improved physical and mental health
Parenting can be stressful, and self-care can help you manage your stress levels and prevent burnout. This can lead to improved mental health, including reduced anxiety and depression, as well as better sleep and overall health.
Rediscover your passions
When you’re busy with work, friends, family and other commitments, it can be easy to lose sigh of what brings you joy. A self-care weekend can give you the time and space to explore new hobbies or revisit old ones and remind us of the importance of making time for the things we love and enjoy.
Enhance relationships
When you are stressed and tired, it can be challenging to be present and engaged in your relationships. By taking time to care for yourselve, you can recharge your batteries and show up as your best selves for your loved ones.
Boost energy levels
Activities like exercise, meditation and enough sleep can help make you feel more energised and better equipped to handle the demands of parenting and family life.
Increased happiness
Taking time to yourself can lead to greater happiness and overall satisfaction with your life. When you take better care of yourself you are able to enjoy the time spent with your children and experience the joys of parenting.
Be a role model
So much of what you do is pick up by your children. So by prioritising yourself you are setting a good example for your children by teaching them the importance of taking care of themselves and making time to do the things you love.
Elevated self confidence
Taking yourself on a self care weekend can also help you feel better about yourself. It is an opportunity for you to celebrate all that you do in life and appreciate your successes more than ever before.
Planning Your Self-Care Weekend
A self-care weekend is a designated period of time that you set aside to focus solely on taking care of yourself. This can involve a range of activities, from pampering yourself with a spa day to disconnecting from technology and spending time in nature. Whatever it is that helps you feel rejuvenated and refreshed, make sure to incorporate it into your weekend plans.
Choose a weekend that works for you
Take some time to sit down and go through your calendar to find a weekend that works for you and your family. It could be a while before there is a weekend that suits everyone, but that will just give you more time to plan.
But it also doesn’t have to be a weekend. You can pick any two to three consecutive days for your self care break.
Once you’ve picked your days, decide if you are going to stay home or stay somewhere else.
If you are going to stay home, you’ll need to find somewhere for your family to stay
If you are staying somewhere else, you’ll need to decide on where to stay. Think about you will get there as well as things you might do at your location.
You can find well priced rooms on websites like airbnb.com and stayz.com.au. But it can also help to ask friends and family if they have a holiday house you can stay at for a few days. This can be really cheap and sometimes even free.
And whether you are staying home or somewhere else, you will need to think about your budget. You’ll have expenses like food, fuel, accommodations, activities and even support products.
Make a list of self care activities that you enjoy
Make a to-do list of the things that you enjoy, find really relaxing, or something that you would like to try. A self-care weekend is the perfect time to try something that you’ve always wanted to do.
The real trick is to only do things that you want to do. No one else matters during this time. You don’t need to contend with anyone else’s opinion. And you don’t need to do what people think you should do on a self-care weekend.
Whatever it is that helps you feel rejuvenated and refreshed, make sure to incorporate it into your weekend plans.
This weekend is all about you.
Self-Care Activities to Try
Self-care can mean different things to different people. So I will have different self care needs to you.
I like to soak in hot bubble bath. But I don’t like the feeling of not being able to dry myself when I’m done. And I’m probably not going to read in the bath, but I will set up my laptop to watch something.
And your idea of relaxing might be hiking to the top of a mountain to see the sunrise or sunset.
Self care weekend ideas:
- Take a class in painting, pottery, candle making, Kintsugi, cooking, surfing, horse riding, scuba diving or yoga class
- Pamper yourself with a massage, face mask, manicure or pedicure
- Go to the movies or a restaurant solo
- Go for a nature walk, hike, bike ride or swim
- Use the time to work on a side project like writing a novel or starting a side hustle
- Go on a shopping spree at your favourite store
- Read that book that’s been on your wish list for way too long
- Write letters to you loved ones telling them what you love about them
- Have a consultation to create a skincare routine
- Journal through some of your fears and anxieties
- Dance like no one is watching
- Draw or complete some colouring pages
- Catch up on tv or movies
- Meditate with a guided audio track or be guided by the birds and sounds of nature outside
- Put your old magazines to use and make a vision board
- Try a new workout at the gym or online
- Buy yourself a bunch of fresh flowers
- Write a ta-da list (a list of everything you are proud of)
To get the most out of your weekend, try to include items that cover all different aspects of self care. Your physical health. Your mental health. And your emotional health.
It can also be helpful to set an intention for your weekend. You might want to feel relaxed when you get home. You might want to use the time to catch up on some personal care. Or you just might want to see where the days lead you.
Remember: this weekend is all about you.
Creating a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere
To create a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere you might want to include some home comforts on your self care weekend.
Diffuse essential oils or use candles or room sprays to instantly transport you to a tropical island or wood cabin or a candy filled lolly shop.
Consider going without alcohol, caffeine, meat, social media or even your phone for the entire weekend.
And I know I always sleep best when I use my own pillow. So consider packing some of your own things like pillow, favourite blanket, bath robe, slippers, stuffed toy etc.
And remember that while this weekend is all about you, its so you can be the best you can be for your family.
Tips for Maximising Your Self-Care Weekend
It can be hard to stay in the present moment when you finally feel like you are alone and have time to really relax and unwind.
Minimise distractions by limiting your time on your phone or other electronic devices. Or go without your phone altogether. Although this is made much easier when you have access to a landline phone.
You can minimise distractions further by focusing on one self care item at a time. Take your list of self care ideas and activities from when you were planning your getaway, and prioritise what you want to do first or think you will benefit from the most.
Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.
– Katie Reed
Self-care beyond the weekend
Once your weekend is over, it can be helpful to bring some elements into your daily life. There are lots of different ways to build self-care practices into your daily routine.
Self-care doesn’t have to take up the whole day.
Use some elements like journaling, meditation or walking in your week. Schedule them in if you find you really don’t have the time.
Keep reading that really good book you started.
Make yourself (and your family) a healthy breakfast to start the day off right.
Schedule your next spa treatment or make it whole a spa day.
Take a long shower during a busy week.
Start working with a coach for personal growth.
Get your family involved by spending time together doing some social activities that can contribute to everyone’s self care. Things like going on a long walk, take turns making each family member’s favorite meal, have living room dance party with your favorite playlist. Or adopt a self-care Sunday morning routine of pancakes and herbal tea.
Find some extra time in your day to slip in some small ways to spend quality time on yourself. In the car while you are driving or a passenger is a great way to do this. You can do pelvic floor exercises, repeat positive affirmations, call an old friend, listen to an audio book or self-improvement podcasts. One perfect opportunity to squeeze in some reading or watch part of a documentary is while waiting to pick the kids up from school.
And there is no need to wait before you start planning your next weekend of self-care. Or why not opt for a couples self-care weekend?
No matter what you choose to do on your self-care weekend, the results will speak for themselves. You’ll have a list of things you enjoy, have less stress and be on your way to becoming the best version of yourself. Plus you’ll be able to help plan the ultimate self-care weekend for anyone that asks.
