In need of a little self-care now term time is underway and we’re *trying* to homeschool and juggle everything else at the same time – again?
If you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day – especially when it comes to your own health and wellbeing – then this post is for you!
It’s fair to say we’ve been struggling on the homeschooling front at Crummy Mummy HQ and I feel like a failure most days because there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything set by school done.
At the same time there’s the little ones to look after, money to be earned and a household to keeping ticking over, and unsurprisingly it can all feel overwhelming and relentless at times.
Of course the unprecedented situation we’re all in makes self-care more important than ever, so, if you’re feeling overwhelmed too in this collaborative post here are 7 self-care tips for mums in lockdown.
7 self-care tips for mums in lockdown
1. Remember self-care isn’t selfish
Because how can you look after everyone else if no-one is looking after you? Whether you’re indulging in scented candles and essential oils with an entire spectrum of compounds to help you relax or taking time off work to have a self-care day – don’t feel like you’re wasting your time or money on yourself. You don’t have to do productive things on your days off all the time. Allow yourself to switch off and address your emotional needs as a person.
2. Treat yourself
Whether it’s a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream, a nice cold glass of wine in the evening or a bright pink doughnut with sprinkles on, reward yourself with something you love – and savour every bite or sip! Now’s not the time to martyr yourself.
3. Have a steaming hot shower
The sort that steams the whole bathroom up, and while you’re at it imagine all your problems – like home learning grids and the best way to explain a variable – running away down the plug hole with your shower water. If you’re among the increasing number of Brits using lockdown as a chance to revamp and upgrade things at home Insignia Showers has all sorts of nifty gadgets like aromatherapy accessories and steam generators for a spa-like experience at home.
4. Talk to your mum friends
Because you cannot underestimate the power of a good moan, a funny homeschooling gif or a rant on WhatsApp.
5. Go for a walk
Or a run. Or both. There’s nothing like a blast of fresh air to blow the cobwebs away and put things in perspective. Being at home 24/7 with the whole family can be a bit like being in a pressure cooker about to go off, so make sure you get outside and breathe some lovely fresh air on a regular basis.
6. Embrace the unexpected
It’s fair to say 2021 hasn’t started in quite the way we thought it would for most of us. Instead of trying to stick rigidly to homeschooling schedules and routines try to relax and embrace the unexpected instead – because in the grand scheme of things, this too shall pass.
7. If you can’t beat them, join them
I’m talking about the likes of Joe Wicks and his daily online PE lessons and Cosmic Kids yoga: they may be designed for kids, but the whole family can get involved and I guarantee you’ll end up with a smile on your face!
Do you have any self-care tips to help get us through lockdown? I’d love to hear what they are!
This is a collaborative post.
Self care is often overlooked #mischiefandmemories@_karenddnnis
Especially when we’re so busy looking after little ones x
We need to look after ourselves don’t we? Not only so that we are in a happy place to look after others, but also to show the children that we all matter and need to be cared for. For me, taking weekly walks in the woods gives me a little headspace and much needed exercise at the same time. Thanks for sharing your ideas list which I shall enjoy working down. #Mischiefandmemories
A walk in the woods sounds lovely, & so refreshing!
The weekdays are so mental right now. I saw your post the other day about looking forward to being just a mum on the weekends and it is so true. I had a really long shower on the weekend. Turned the tunes up loud and had my own karaoke session in there. It was just what I needed. #mishchiefandmayhem
Sounds fabulous! Music really is the best medicine – last weekend we turned Tony Christie up on my smart speaker & had a bit of a bedroom disco!
‘You can’t pour from an empty cup’ is one of my favourite sayings. It’s so important to look after ourselves but it’s all too easy to push our needs to the back especially as everything is so intense right now. I’ve found daily journal writing and making time to read a good book has helped me to cope a bit better.
Katrina x
#MischiefAndMemories
Fab post – love these ideas. The only one I’m really doing is treating myself to wine every evening oops! 😐 #mischiefandmemories
Don’t – I broke Dry January a week ago on Thursday but don’t tell anyone!!
I think it is important to remember that self care is the little things like an uninterrupted bath or a whole chapter of your book! Thanks for linking up with #mischiefandmemories
You’re so right – these things are so important but can be so hard to come by, especially when someone always seems to need the loo when I’m in the bath!!
Ahhhh this post is brilliant. I think a lot of parents pop themselves right to the back of the line when it comes to self care, quite often when they need it the most. I can’t imagine how hard it is for you right now, with 4 little ones to look after at home whilst doing the home learning with them. Sending virtual chocolate and wine! Thank you for joining us for #MischiefAndMemories xx
Thank you! It’s fair to say rather a lot of chocolate & wine has been consumed so far…
Going for walks has definitely saved my sanity during home schooling. It’s nice to see the great outdoors and enjoy some fresh air after a day of school work! #kcacols
Me too – I try and get out at least once a day to blow away the cobwebs…
I’m trying to get out for walks with a friend, at least twice a week. It’s impossible to drag three young kids around the streets without one of them running off, so we’re not going too far during the days. I’ve also given myself a mini facial/pedicure the last two saturday evenings whilst my husband has done the food shop after bedtime, and it’s been bliss. And obviously there’s always wine… Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next time
Yes – the wine! Thank God!
All great ideas! I am definitely in need if some self-care at the moment! #KCACOLS
I think we all are – & the longer this goes on the more we need!
I’m going to start walking with a friend one evening a week because otherwise I’m going to lose it. I need the time out of the house but also I need to talk, venting those little home life frustrations to a gal pal help me to not be so snappy at home.
Katrina x
#KCACOLS
Thankfully it’s getting lighter in the evenings now – an evening walk sounds like a lovely idea…
These weeks have been pretty draining and exhausting, haven’t they? I definitely need to take some more time for myself. Yes self care isn’t selfish. Thank you so much for linking up with us for #KCACOLS and we hope that you come and join us next time.