Self-care is a must. We all know that. You can’t pour from an empty cup and when we take time out for ourselves, we can feel even more present and connected when we plug back into family life.
There are so many self-care ideas on this very blog but if you’re ever at a sticking point of ‘what on earth can I do?’ then have a read of Self-care ideas: 40 ways to feel good in motherhood
You read that right! 40 ways to feel good in motherhood so bookmark the page to revisit it whenever you are ready to try another idea.
That said, I’m a realist. Sometimes it’s tough to get 10 minutes alone and even those moments like popping to the loo can be taken too. So, how can you in those times still make time for self-care with a busy toddler buzzing around you?
Don’t fear, cue this blog post! Here are six brilliant ways for you to try (that I have done and with varying success) but it can work so why not try it and let me know how you get on:
1. Garden together
Getting outdoors is up there in terms of self-care activities since it can help to ground and calm you, reducing both stress and anxiety.
That’s why gardening is a closely aligned activity that can provide the same benefits. It doesn’t have to be strenuous.
I am in no way, and I mean no way green fingered. However this summer, I’ve been getting my daughter involved with watering the plants. I even had her help me pot some plants too.
I didn’t find it stressful at all. I found it good fun and a great way to connect while teaching her about the garden.
Related post: 5 reasons why mums need to get outdoors
2. Paint together
It is easy enough to set up your little one with some paints and paper but what about joining in yourself?
We recently decided to inject some colour into our dining room and I was excited to have a go at creating our very own abstract art piece.
But rather than this being my own project, I got my daughter involved.
I laid out all the paints in the garden and just let her get stuck in.
No stress, just lots of laughter and screams of excitement from all of us (my husband got involved too).
It doesn’t have to be painting, it could be anything to do with a home project.
3. Bake together
It’s a sure way to win them over, baking and then eating some yummy treats at the end.
I have set up the kitchen floor with a big mat with all the utensils and bowls out plus ingredients so it’s one big station she can move around in.
Again, I don’t feel stressed as it’s built for the mess and it also allows her freedom to be part of it in the way she wants (even if she walks out the kitchen halfway through) and trust me, that happens a fair amount.
We’ve made banana bread, pancakes and fritters together. All of them easy enough for her to get involved.
4. Yoga together
This has limiting success but it’s actually one of the cutest things that I actually don’t mind when my yoga gets turned on its head because she wants to try and climb on top of me mid-pose.
I’ve put it on here because there’s something about doing the things you enjoy and getting your toddler involved so they understand it’s your thing.
My daughter now tries to do yoga poses all of her own and it always makes me smile.
So even if it won’t be as zen as you’d like, having moments to practice both with and without them can bring different kinds of joy.
5. Day trip together
Self-care can be the littlest things such as going to the shop and buying your favourite treat.
For my daughter and I, I really enjoy our trips to the library. They were once quite stressful since she’d get so upset when inside and being told to be quiet however now with age, she’s excited about it.
I enjoy our walk to the library – we’ve done it in all weathers. Plus, our trip to the park following. It’s not what you might typically think of when it comes to self-care but the very notion of having this routine and somewhat start of a tradition makes me feel purposeful and connected to her.
Plus, it joins her to something I love so much: books!
Related read: 7 reasons why reading is good for mums
6. Laugh together
Really?! Yes really! Laughter is the best medicine so when it’s prescribed for your own self-care routine, it may be things such as phoning a friend who makes you laugh or watching a comedy show.
So why not seek out moments to really belly laugh with your little ones. The moment you truly let go and become a child yourself.
I love playing and creating funny voices, chasing my daughter around as the lion, or rolling over on the grass. Her laughter is so infectious that it not only fills my cup but overflows it.
Who wouldn’t want more of that? so I’m always seeking moments to not just connect but to really unleash my inner child and by doing so laugh like I haven’t laughed in weeks. I’m trying to make that a daily thing!
So what else do you enjoy for self-care and how could it include your little one?