All mothers, whether you're a first-time mom or a "veteran" mom of multiple children, go through a period (or even a constant state) of stress every single day.
Studies have shown, however, that the physical, emotional, and psychological stress of motherhood is more apparent in stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) and moms who work from home (WAHMs).
Is Self-Care Even Possible for SAHMs and WAHMs?
That is why us SAHMs and WAHMs often get told to practice "self-care."
As a frazzled first-time parent, I often ask myself how self-care is even possible when everything—and I mean everything—is in one place all at once: taking care of my baby (and my husband), taking care of the household, working on my homebased job, and more.
As a frazzled first-time parent, I often ask myself how self-care is even possible when everything—and I mean everything—is in one place all at once: taking care of my baby (and my husband), taking care of the household, working on my homebased job, and more.
However, as our little one grew and became a little more independent, I've found several ways to practice self-care without having to splurge money or going through the stress of logistics (i.e., traveling with baby, even to the mall).
Here are four simple self-care tips for stay-at-home moms that you can do in the comfort of your own home:
1. Daily skincare routine
If there's one thing my mom taught me, it's that you should always take care of your skin, as it's practically the most prominent part of your body.
However, most moms I know never even have the time to take a shower, much less taking the time to do a skincare routine every day.
Knowing that I'm not getting any younger and the stress of motherhood will only hasten my aging, I made it a point to insert a (non-negotiable) skincare routine every day.
I only ask my husband and our little daughter around 5 to 10 minutes a day (at night) for me to complete my daily skincare routine.
It not only makes my skin feel better, but it also makes me feel more confident (and less losyang)!
However, most moms I know never even have the time to take a shower, much less taking the time to do a skincare routine every day.
Knowing that I'm not getting any younger and the stress of motherhood will only hasten my aging, I made it a point to insert a (non-negotiable) skincare routine every day.
I only ask my husband and our little daughter around 5 to 10 minutes a day (at night) for me to complete my daily skincare routine.
It not only makes my skin feel better, but it also makes me feel more confident (and less losyang)!
| Photo courtesy of Human Nature |
This is NOT a paid advertisement by Human Nature, by the way. I just really love their products :-)
2. Online shopping and food deliveries
The thing about working or staying at home the whole day is that it somehow grows on you—you become too lazy to go out!
Which is why Shopee, Grab Food, and Food Panda have become my best friends ever since I started working from home.
Which is why Shopee, Grab Food, and Food Panda have become my best friends ever since I started working from home.
It's just so convenient to order stuff straight to your house, or have your cravings delivered to you rather than taking the time to cook.
And even if there are times shipping fees are not free, the amount of money entailed when going out (i.e., gas, time for commute, eating out, etc.) is relatively more expensive than shouldering a few or couple hundred of pesos for delivery.
I've never been much of a shopaholic when I was still single, but retail therapy sure makes me so happy now that I'm a mom—especially when most of the things I buy online are for our little girl.
Tip: Always, always take your budget into consideration when shopping online. Don't go overboard!
3. Hobbies like reading, watching TV, or playing games
One thing I learned from "veteran" moms is to never, ever forget about who you were before becoming a parent, and that includes retaining your hobbies as much as possible.
It's all too easy for new moms to get "swallowed" by their new role—I know I did—and it took a toll on my psychological welfare, having to deal with my identity crisis.
As our daughter grew older, I started having a little more time for myself and therefore can accommodate my hobbies.
For moms, it's nice to have laidback hobbies that you can do at home, such as reading books, watching Netflix, or playing games (I love the Sims 4!).
Do something fun every now and then!
For moms, it's nice to have laidback hobbies that you can do at home, such as reading books, watching Netflix, or playing games (I love the Sims 4!).
Do something fun every now and then!
4. Massage from your husband or little one
I love massages! But the thing is, it can get quite expensive, and the logistics of having to leave our little girl at home with just Daddy (or bring her to the massage parlor!) is just too stressful for me.
That's why I go for home service—for free, because my masseurs are my husband and/or our little girl!
Don't get me wrong; it's not child labor. Our daughter is still small and light enough to walk safely on my back and give me a "massage." You get the picture.
Don't get me wrong; it's not child labor. Our daughter is still small and light enough to walk safely on my back and give me a "massage." You get the picture.
It's a win-win: I can get the rest and relaxation I want, while at the same time I get to bond with my family.
How about you?
Self-care is often overlooked by stressed-out moms, because we sometimes fear it's selfish. But you can't pour from an empty cup. Recharge, relax, and give yourself some slack sometimes.
How about you? How do you practice self-care?
