By: Barbara’s New Beginnings

Aah, it’s the weekend and time to relax . . . right after the grocery shopping, the laundry, the kids’ play dates, and the work project that needs finishing.

 

When you’re a mom, you’re no stranger to stress. You juggle work meetings all day, kids’ activities all evening, and household chores all weekend. Even before the pandemic hit and working from home made every day seem the same, your days probably looked a lot alike, and chances are, that monotony often took its toll.

Busy moms often hear about the importance of self-care but figuring out what exactly self-care is (or what kind of self-care truly works for you) can be tricky. Obviously, it can’t be time-consuming, but it has to feel different – and fun! – enough to break you out of your rut and let you come away feeling refreshed. If you’re looking for some self-care suggestions that go beyond buying a new lipstick or indulging in some dessert or a glass of wine, try one of these.

1.    Do something mindless with a meditative activity

You’re probably thinking, “That’s my problem! I always do something mindless when I scroll through social media after the kids go to bed.” But tonight, after you put your kids down, put your phone down, too. Light a candle and spend a few minutes watching the flame. Don’t think about your to-do list; just watch the flame as it dances. If you’re worried that wax will drip on the table, make sure your candle has a good base. If you’re afraid you might fall asleep, set a timer. After just five minutes, you’ll probably feel more relaxed and energized.

2.    Use your brain in a new way by learning a new skill

Even the most demanding job can require you to solve the same kinds of problems repeatedly, setting the stage for boredom to creep in. Learning a new skill is a great way to practice self-care by helping you shake off the mental cobwebs! Download an app that will help you learn a new language. Search for YouTube videos for tap-dancing lessons. Spend 15 minutes each day learning a new skill and your mind will feel sharper in no time!

3.    Get creative and make something crafty

If you’re like many moms, you probably make something every night – a dinner that gets snubbed by a picky kid! So, forget about the food and get crafty. Pinterest is always full of great ideas, and your projects don’t have to be elaborate: crochet a coaster for your coffee mug, sew a bookmark, or cross-stitch an ornament. Even coloring a page in an adult coloring book that you can hang by your desk will give you the satisfaction that comes from being able to say, “I made this myself.”

4.    Read a book

No, not a 300-page novel. Most moms don’t have the time for that! If you try to sneak it in on a Saturday morning, the kids will interrupt you, and if you wait until they’re in bed, you’ll fall asleep on the sofa. But these days, there is something about reading an actual book – not an e-reader – that feels indulgent. The next time you want to escape into the page, try a collection of short stories. In high school, you probably had to read (and maybe have forgotten about) authors like Eudora Welty or J.D. Salinger. Like any good piece of literature, their stories can transport you to another time and place but don’t require the commitment of full-length novel.

5.    Get a bra fitting for a boost of body confidence

Moving through the stages of motherhood means having a body that changes as the years go by. As your figure changes, so too does the way clothes fit and fall on you. One of the best ways to make sure your clothes fit the way they should is to start with a good foundation of a properly fitting bra. It’s something a lot of women don’t think about, but taking the time to visit an expert lingerie store, such as Barbara’s New Beginnings, and getting a properly fitted bra is just the sort of quick and easy self-care that busy moms need to keep themselves feeling confident and attractive. With a well fitting bra, bulges and sags are a thing of the past and your silhouette will have the polished, professional look you need during the day and the “still-sexy” feeling you want at night!

Barbara’s New Beginnings can help you look and feel your best with one of our complimentary bra fittings. Just stop into our locations in Fort Wayne or Indianapolis to shop today, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Need help finding the perfect bra? We can help you at Barbara’s New Beginnings. Stop into our locations in Fort Wayne or Indianapolis to shop today — and get a complimentary professional bra fitting!