You don’t need me to tell you that you should be taking care of yourself. The vast majority of us already know what we’re supposed to be doing to keep ourselves healthy.

There are lots of reasons why we don’t give our bodies the love and care they need, but let me be crystal clear: this post isn’t meant to shame anyone. I’m a firm believer that we’re all doing the best we can with the information, time, support, and resources that we have.

So what gets in the way?

Hands down, a lack of time is the biggest reason we struggle to take care of ourselves.

As moms, our lives usually revolve around our family’s schedule. If you have small children or babies, you probably feel like your time is even less your own.

While I can’t add more hours to your day, this months’ post will give you some very practical tips and tools you can use to help you take care of yourself with the time you have.

Keep it in perspective

As far as time management tips go, we really need to start with keeping all the recommendations out there in perspective. Many just aren’t realistic for moms, yet we feel some underlying guilt or frustration that we can’t accomplish them. Sleeping 7-8 hours a night is one that comes to mind. When I wasn’t sleeping through the night thanks to small kids, that recommendation both drove me crazy and pissed me off. If I could, I would!

Instead of feeling guilty or angry about everything you “should” be doing, remember that this isn’t an all-or-nothing game. Look at the recommendations — sleeping enough, getting consistent exercise, eating less processed foods, etc. — and do what you can with them given your unique state in life.

Reign in the tech

In our day-to-day, the biggest time suck we probably face comes from technology.

I’m willing to bet that if you checked your phone usage, you’d find plenty of time spent on apps that could instead be put towards making yourself a delicious breakfast for tomorrow, getting to bed earlier, doing some stretches or just grabbing a glass of water.

Many of us probably already know this is true. It might be a shock to others.

If you’re looking to take back some time in your day, I’d recommend cutting back on screens.

• It may be that instead of scrolling, you leave your phone in the bedroom and pull up a short YouTube workout on the TV or walk around the backyard.

• Turn your phone on “bedtime mode” after 8:30pm. Set timers on your apps so they don’t open after a certain usage or time of day. Many, if not all, smartphones today have these features.

• Put on a favorite show, but also pull out a yoga mat and do some stretches as you watch instead of mindlessly snacking on the sofa.

Don’t add it on, combine it.

Sometimes when I’m helping a kiddo in the shower, I use that time to also clean the bathroom. Getting chores done is great, but how can we do things like that with self care?

• Put one ear bud in and listen to a podcast as you fold laundry or do the dishes

• Do some stretches as you sing a toddler to sleep

• Pray as you prepare a meal  

Use the “two minute rule”

I learned this from David Allen and his book, Getting Things Done. I read it years ago when the office I worked in read it as a book club. It completely changed the way I organized my brain at work and over the years I’ve incorporated some of his tips into my home life. The biggest take-away that I still use all the time is his “two minute rule.”

If it will take you 2 minutes or less to do, just get it done right then and there. Don’t put it off.

Little micro-wins like this do wonders for our feelings of productivity!

What could this look like for a mom trying to take care of herself?

• Put on lotion

• Drink a glass of water

• Turn on a podcast or favorite playlist

• Wash a handful of blueberries

Ask for help

It can be hard for us to ask for help, but it’s such a necessary part of a busy mom’s self-care toolkit. AND, asking for help gives you more time.

• Ask your spouse. Perhaps he gets up with the kids on Saturday so you can hide in your bedroom or sneak outside to read or journal.

• Ask a friend. Can you childcare swap one afternoon so you can each run chores? Perhaps there’s a retiree at church, or young mother’s helper who would love to come over for lunch and watch the baby while you get some chores done.

• Ask a professional. If you have the means, hiring help with cleaning, laundry, meals, yardwork.

Give Yourself a Chance to Begin Again

So what’s standing in your way today, my friend? Chances are there’s more than one thing getting in the way of you giving your body, mind and spirit the love each deserves.

Don’t let this feel daunting. Start small. Do what you can. Pray about it.

A great way to start small is to join the next Healthy Habits Reset! It’s 10 days of focusing on whatever healthy habits you feel you need the most support with. 

Each day in our virtual group you can listen to a prayer and then read others’ comments, chime in with your own questions and download the support resources.

It’s a super low-pressure way to take a first step or to begin again in prioritizing your own health.