76 Self Care Ideas for the Mama or Mama-to-be
We as women tend to be caretakers. Family, friends, work…there are a million things constantly requiring our attention, and consequently we put our own needs on the back burner. This leads to stress and burnout, which can be especially bad during pregnancy. If ever there was a time to be more gentle on yourself, to practice some self care, now is the time. It’s tough work growing a tiny human. It takes a huge toll on us physically, mentally, and emotionally.
But ultimately, what you do for yourself right now, you’re doing for your baby. A happy mama is a happy baby. It doesn’t have to be grand gestures. Just take a little time everyday to find your center, connect with the little life growing inside of you, and care for yourself. As the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Here’s a list of self care ideas to get you going.
- Read a new book
- Say “no”
- Try something new, just for you
- Write down your short and long term goals
- Diffuse essential oils
- Eat a healthy snack
- Do a digital detox
- Deep condition your hair
- Take a walk
- Rearrange a room in your house
- Write in a gratitude journal
- Go on a date with yourself
- Use the good bath salts
- Watch a sunrise/sunset
- Pamper yourself
- Play your favorite board game
- Light a candle
- Sip some herbal tea
- Create a DIY beauty item, then use it
- Indulge in your favorite take out
- Set up a date with your BFF
- Stay in your pajamas all day
- Write in a journal
- Try a new coffee shop
- Plan a vacation (or staycation!)
- Go for a drive
- Practice yoga
- Play cards
- Take a nap
- Go to the movies
- Listen to your favorite music
- Create a new playlist
- Splurge on a fancy dinner
- Take a day trip
- Drink a green smoothie
- Have your favorite dessert
- Get a massage
- Apply a face mask
- Go shopping for yourself
- Go to bed early
- Find a new show on Netflix and binge an entire season
- Make a healthy meal
- Drink a glass of cucumber lemon water
- Organize your closet
- Play with a pet/animal
- Treat yourself to a cup of coffee
- Learn a new skill
- Color in a coloring book
- Try a new recipe
- Wander around a new part of your neighborhood
- Volunteer
- Snuggle up in a blanket
- Wear something that makes you feel good
- Buy yourself flowers
- Create a budget plan
- Listen to your favorite podcast
- Write a thank you note
- Take pictures of nature
- Plan a girls night out (or in!)
- Turn your phone off for a few hours
- Reach out to an old friend
- Declutter your workspace
- Watch funny videos on YouTube
- Try a stretching routine
- Give yourself a foot massage
- Give yourself a mani/pedi
- Do some deep breathing
- Scroll through Pinterest
- Take your vitamins
- Try a new way to break a sweat
- Bake yourself some cookies
- Lay in the sunshine
- Read an inspirational poem
- Have a dance party with yourself
- Do a fun craft
- Meditate
You deserve a little self care, Mama. Try them one at a time, or group a couple together. Heck, make a weekend of it, and try them all! The list is limited only by your imagination. What’s your favorite way to de-stress and love yourself? Let me know in the comments below!
