If you followed along on my Instagram stories last week, you already know that it was one of those weeks.
One of those weeks that I felt immensely grateful for all of the wonderful blessings in my life. But, I just couldn’t muster up one ounce of energy to complete one measly task on my list of 8,347,785 things to do. It happens to the best of us. Most likely more often than any of us care to admit. But, my cup was empty; sitting dry while my mind and body were dying of thirst for any amount of replenishment.
I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but it doesn’t make it any less true. Moms are usually so busy taking care of everyone else, that they fail to take care of themselves. It’s a redundant phrase because really “busy” and “mom” are pretty much a synonymous pair. Right, friends? For someone who believes that self-care is crucial to my sanity, I’ve been letting this one go far too often during the last few months.
I checked in with you guys, to serve as my accountability, to make sure that I was practicing self-care. And no, I’m not talking about grandiose or extravagant ways of spoiling myself. But, rather, achievable activities and quiet moments throughout the day, where I focused on taking care of me. “Refilling my empty cup,” so to speak.
Are you with me? I’ll be completely honest, it’s not anything of significance. Most of us do one or two of these things on any given day. Or when we can squeeze time in. But talking with so many women, made me realize just how easily we neglect even the simplest ways to take care of ourselves. So here I am with a list of the simple ways to fill your cup for busy moms. This is your reminder that we can’t pour from empty cups. And that we deserve a bit of our own attention, not just “when there’s time,” but every day, too.
Simple Ways to Fill Your Cup for Busy Moms
Get Ready!
The first thing that I (re)implemented is my morning “get ready,” routine that fell off my radar is the midst of my “busy”ness. I go through waves of this depending on the season (or the level of chaos) in my home. But, I can 100% attest to the fact that the days that I “get ready,” are my happier days. I feel more productive, I feel better about myself, I start my day off on a higher note. It seems simple enough, but during the morning rush, (or even on a weekend outing day), I’m always the last to get ready, if I even make it that far. This is a habit I’m trying to change.
Because truly, the five or ten minutes I take to get myself ready, sets the tone for the day or even the days following. On the days that I’m tired, (isn’t that every day? LOL) I know I can count on my tried and true Olay products. During the last few weeks, I’ve been using the new Brightening Eye Cream for the extra pep and brightening for my under eye area. I mentioned it a few times, but I wanted to give you guys feedback after using it for a few weeks. I use it in the morning and at night. (Or sometimes in the middle of the day because that’s when I get a chance to put my face on sometimes!)
I’m not usually a fan of eye creams in general, but I live for Olay Brightening Eye Cream. This new formula is lightweight full of Vitamin C, B3, B5, and E and other optic brighteners to help us mamas hydrate our skin. The Olay Brightening Eye Cream has all of the features of their eye cream I was already using, with the bonus of optic brighteners to take the tired out of my eyes! The reason I’m such a huge fan is how quickly it absorbs into my skin. The under eye area is so sensitive that I’m super picky about application. With this eye cream, I just dab it on and my skin is ready for concealer. No fuss, no mess and gets the job done.
Pick Up that Book!
How many books are on your night stand? How many on your electronic book reader? And how many magazine subscriptions get piled on the mess that is the coffee table? Take that mental break and do it regularly! It seems excruciatingly painful to think about those short amounts of time. How do I afford that time when I barely have enough time as it is? This time is not a waste and it’s not a sacrifice. It’s time that you’re putting back into yourself, your mind, your soul. Refill that cup sister because it WILL make you a better mama. It WILL make you happier and able to provide for those of you love in abundance.
Tune Into Your Fave Show!
On the flip side, I’m also about turning my mind off! All about that Netflix and chill. Like for real, just chill. Shut your mind off and watch a show or two. Don’t think about anything, but just enjoy binge watching the next addictive series. I promise, the brain reset from watching mindless TV can be so good for your mental health. And come on, who doesn’t get their life mantras and words to live by from the next hit TV show!? (haha, just kidding, kind of.)
Treat Yourself!
Coffee, wine, tea, beer, whatever your spirit may be, indulge. Put those kids down and pop open your favorite bottle of wine. Stick the baby in a high chair and heat yourself up a hot cup of coffee. Most mornings, I let my coffee just sit cold. Most nights, I just lay in bed before passing out from exhaustion. But those mornings that I can give myself five minutes to just sit and have a sip or two of hot coffee, while the boys wreak havoc on the furniture (or each other)? Those moments are absolutely priceless for my sanity.
The nights that I make the time to indulge in a bowl of ice cream or drink a glass of wine? Yep, they’re absolutely delightful.
Retail Therapy!
I’m a firm believer that retail therapy, while not always the right answer, can have healing and rejuvenating powers. It doesn’t have to be a shopping spree, but buy yourself something. Get something to make you happy. Don’t worry about what the kids need or what the spouse wants. Buy yourself a little something, just for you!
Meet Up with A Friend!
Yesterday, one of my BFFs and I got to attend the Hello Sunshine Tour! Thanks to the amazing Olay team! To hear the stories of these inspiring, amazing women was the cherry on top of a weekend that runneth my cup over!
When we’re busy with the kids, work schedules, overall just “mom life tiredness,” quality time with our girlfriends can be the first thing that’s written off. I’m completely guilty of it myself, but every time we make it happen. I leave so refreshed.
Nothing like built-in therapy amongst your closest friends right? While getting a sitter or scheduling a moms’ night out might not be as easy as it sounds. I highly, highly recommend this to anyone who doesn’t have this listed on their list of priorities. Heck, if you can’t physically get together, then video chat, FaceTime, etc. Do what you need to do to (re)connect with your friends in meaningful conversation. It is so, so good for the soul.
What are some simple ways you take time to (re)fill your cup? I’ll be sure to add it to my list.
Don’t forget to pick up your Olay Brightening Eye Cream from your local CVS and let me know how you like it!
Simple Ways to Fill Your Cup for Busy Moms
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