https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 08 May 2026 13:14:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2524023 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 16:40:47 +0000 MamaCate 2524023@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetCaroline: this is a little off topic but you could see if you can check out e books through your library! I also love to read but rarely make it to the library. My local library has a good selection of e books that I can check out right on my phone or iPad and then they automatically delete when they are due! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523678 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 12:38:52 +0000 808love 2523678@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetCaroline: great ideas. I check out real newly released book$ on the Kindle for free on my library app. Check out the Overdrive app or at your library.</p> <p>Workout (biggest effect)<br /> Read<br /> Talk to friends<br /> Say no to requests, including my family, friends and work on occasion.<br /> Declutter.<br /> Plan vacations.<br /> Permission to spend budgeted amount of money on myself. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523341 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 10:08:04 +0000 wrkbrk 2523341@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>These are great ideas!</p> <p>Nothing unique, but I have a glass of wine most nights when I get home from work before dinner prep, feeding the baby, walking the dogs, getting ready for the next day, etc. And, one weekend morning I will get some coffee and a stack of baby books and sit on a blanket and read to my son. I have found that to be a strangely happy and calm time so since I have gone back to work I make sure to get it in! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523273 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:35:17 +0000 psw27 2523273@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I work out on my lunch break. That's pretty much it. After the LO goes to bed I enjoy dinner and some TV with my DH. I also try to take some time to rest during his naps on the weekends instead of just going crazy doing chores. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523234 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 09:15:19 +0000 cascademom 2523234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me, my commute has been my big quiet me time even though it's at 5:50am for most of the week.<br /> -I listen to podcasts. I mainly do this during my commute, but it's nice to do while doing chores too.<br /> -I knit. I just started knitting a baby blanket and am loving how it's centering me again. I didn't realize how much I needed knitting to reduce my anxiety and stress<br /> -another face washer here. The nightly ritual of taking off my makeup and washing my face has felt like the most self care I get lately. I take my vitamins and birth control at the same time. Those 10 minutes have been huge for my mental health lately. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523203 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 08:48:36 +0000 hb3233 2523203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>These are awesome! Definitely hoping to try subbing some of these for my standard self-care routines at some point. </p> <p>I like in particular the idea of taking a short lunch break. That hasn't happened for awhile, I feel like I might feel less zapped by the end of the day if I managed to work that in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523166 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 08:09:46 +0000 looch 2523166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know this sounds nuts, but I need a few minutes every day to make sure that everything is in its proper place. I can't have papers all over the place, dished in the sink and have a calm mind. So I spend a few minutes a day tidying up the house.</p> <p>As for personal care, I've invested in some new makeup products and I am having a ton of fun shopping for my spring/summer wardrobe. It's nothing fancy, but color makes me smile.</p> <p>I've also found some really great spin classes on You Tube and I've figured out the time when I can do them (Monday and Friday afternoons). I change right into my work out clothes when I come home (as opposed to my jammies as I have been doing) and I feel much better and actually get the work out in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523157 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 08:02:40 +0000 snowjewelz 2523157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Recently I bought biotin shampoo and vitamins to try to thicken up my really sad pp hair (I'm 16 mo pp and my hair is just awful). </p> <p>I *try* to do a face mask a few nights a week. Keyword is try b/c I'm usually too lazy haha. I go for the sleeping masks, the ones that I don't have to wash off.</p> <p>My commute to work (20 min each way) is really my only alone time ever; I usually listen to podcasts! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523143 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 07:39:50 +0000 erinbaderin 2523143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When I was working, I made a point of spending at least half an hour (my lunch break) reading a book instead of just working through lunch every day. </p> <p>Now that I'm on mat leave, pretty much my only goal for every day is a shower - I find I need that 10 minutes to myself to feel like a human. Also the occasional glass of wine after we get the 2 year old to bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523140 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 07:32:35 +0000 Corduroy 2523140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been going out to lunch at work every day. I get a walk, get some sunshine, a break from work, and it feels indulgent. I plan to replace this with a trip to the gym at lunch soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523135 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 07:27:35 +0000 bushelandapeck 2523135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Since Jan I started working out 5 days/week and clean eating as much as I can.<br /> I get my hair done every two months or so and a man/pedi when I have extra time on the weekends (usually once every other month or so)<br /> I read every night before bed, even if it's just 15 mins<br /> I take a spin class once a week at my fav place and I always feel so energized after<br /> I try to meet up with some girlfriends every month or so for a night out</p> <p>@LulaBee: I realized in Jan that I was starting to become so unhappy with so many things...and most of it stemmed from not feeling like I had enough time to take care of myself! That's why I'm trying to make it more of a priority now., </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523126 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 07:09:40 +0000 LulaBee 2523126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are listing our house tomorrow so my personal care/me time is not happening right now and I am at my maximum stress. But things that help keep me sane typically are: </p> <p>Working out on my lunch break at work (and at home if I can find the time)<br /> Stop drop and yoga- just a downward dog and paying attention to my breathing helps<br /> Pedicure every month- I'm long overdue and hope to slip away this weekend<br /> Chiropractor every week or so- I'm all out of sorts since baby H 4 months ago<br /> girlfriend time<br /> Hiking/time in the woods<br /> Massage/eyebrow waxing when I can fit it in/afford it</p> <p>This post is really making me realize I need to prioritize time for myself EVERY DAY so I can be a better mom/wife/human being. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523118 Wed, 13 Apr 2016 07:03:38 +0000 MrsSRS 2523118@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm taking miniscule baby steps. As in, I just bought some facial wipes and dry shampoo because a shower doesn't happen every day. So, I wash my face! :silly: Seriously, though...Ok I've been staring at this screen and thinking for two minutes and the best I've got is I use nap time to watch something funny while folding laundry. Guess I better follow and take some advice from the comments! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2523001 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 21:22:54 +0000 mrsjyw 2523001@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>In the last month I've been going to the gym 3-4x a week. This week I started meal planning And eating clean. I've seen and made my annual appts w doctors and in the process of finding a new primary doc. Getting much needed dental work done. I get my hair done every few months and mani/pedi either at home or the salon. I've been much more proactive about getting my face on and hair done for the day instead of working in PJs. All that combined I have much more energy and am more productive and it feels good. The weather finally warming up is helping too. It really is easy to fall into not taking care of myself in the busyness that is raising small children and working full time. So I'm trying to cognizant of that and really making a life style change w my eating and gym schedule.</p> <p>Eta I just downloaded a few books from my library since I haven't done that in a long time and I'm usually an avid reader.</p> <p>Dh got me a Fitbit a few months back and I enjoy using that as well.</p> <p>Mil gifted us a vitamix for Christmas and we love making smoothies! Usually my bfast! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522999 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 21:19:18 +0000 youboots 2522999@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I walk at least 3 miles a day- not usually at the same time. My Fitbit keeps track for me. On days I don't leave the house I only get 1/2 mile so it takes some effort to get there.</p> <p>I wear nice makeup every day. I try to look presentable in general.</p> <p>DH usually gives me a foot rub every night ❤️</p> <p>Not daily but I get pedicures 1x a month. Facials every 6 weeks and a massage and chiropractic adjustment 1x a month. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522996 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 21:08:26 +0000 DillonLion 2522996@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I walk around a pond behind my office during lunch time every day that I don't have other commitments (works out to be 2-3x a week lately)</p> <p>Listen to personal development/inspiring podcasts</p> <p>Meditation</p> <p>Shave/paint my nails/tweeze my eyebrows</p> <p>Wear a new combination of clothes in my closet that makes me feel stylish</p> <p>Running errands alone</p> <p>Listen to classical music</p> <p>Do yoga/dance/some other physical activity</p> <p>Take a hike on the weekends with our hiking group</p> <p>If the stars align, take a nap </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522992 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 21:04:05 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2522992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My small self-care things:<br /> -using good smelling hand lotion and taking a few moments to use it throughout the day<br /> -a quick mid-day yoga session (like 10 minutes just on my own)<br /> -listening to podcasts or music during chores<br /> -using quality make-up<br /> -spending time picking out an outfit that will make me feel good (this one is so superficial but I love it)</p> <p>The two best de-stressing techniques I've learned are doing even, diaphragmatic breathing and tuning in with my senses to what's going on, like I'm meditating (i.e., what can I hear? Feel? Smell? See? etc). I employ these a lot and it's so helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522983 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:49:19 +0000 Eko 2522983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Exercising is a big thing for me, but small things include:<br /> - not rushing to get out the door and enjoying a cup of tea before I leave<br /> - reading before bed, even if it's 10 minutes<br /> - staring at my son as he falls asleep (I know that sounds corny but I find it's very relaxing)</p> <p>I would like to get in the habit of stretching before bed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522981 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:47:35 +0000 gingerbebe 2522981@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lunch time on days I work are my time to eat exactly what I want, in peace. Or I get a manicure during that time. </p> <p>DH and I often have a treat in the evenings. I buy ice cream or make a dessert of some kind once a week and we spend a few minutes chatting and having dessert together since dinner time is just managing toddler chaos.</p> <p>I really focus all the next day's prep in an intense burst of activity in the evenings for like an hour so that once my chores are done and DS is in bed for the night I can zone out and decompress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522966 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:25:58 +0000 fancyfunction 2522966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need to have alone time. I like to relax with a cup of coffee or read a magazine, go on a solo shopping trip, take care of my skin and hair (when I have the energy!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522964 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:23:26 +0000 SweetCaroline 2522964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hb3233: Great post! I started to feel like I was drowning about 8 weeks ago. I have been back to work for almost a year after having my first child.</p> <p>I have been focusing on the following things (not always religiously, but I try, nonetheless!):<br /> -Pedicures every 6 weeks (cheap ones!)<br /> -Paint my fingernails every week or every other week<br /> -Download a new Kindle book on the weekends (literally, a free or $1.99 one)<br /> -Take vitamins<br /> -Buy nicer hand cream and remember to use it<br /> -Actually do a face care regimen, with real face cream<br /> -slowly replace my holey socks, dingy underwear, etc.</p> <p>.I would like to try to:<br /> -Run<br /> -Eat healthier<br /> -Take baths<br /> -Read real books from the library rather than cheapy Kindles with no plot!<br /> -start seeing again, or other hobbies </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522957 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:10:14 +0000 Mae 2522957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've only been a working mom for a few months so this is something I'm still working out. When I was a SAHM my thing was I would get up an hour before I had to be up and eat my breakfast and drink coffee and read a book for a bit before getting ready for the day. I felt like having me-time to start the day was important to my mental health. But now I have to be at work way too early for that shit lol. So far I've managed to take an hour or so to do a long bath every few weekends but I'd like to figure out a way to make me-time a more regular thing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-small-everyday-things-do-you-do-to-take-care-of-yourself#post-2522932 Tue, 12 Apr 2016 19:36:35 +0000 hb3233 2522932@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lately I can feel the stress of work, and life more generally, starting to gnaw at my head and my stomach, everything feels tense and not so great. I think it's a sign that more small acts of self care are needed, and self care is also a theme that comes up fairly regularly on threads here. It got me thinking - what are small things that you do to make yourself feel better. </p> <p>Diet and exercise I imagine are big ones for a lot of people. I have a vitamix and use it to make vegetable smoothies for myself several times a week, it's an easy way to feel healthier. I got the vitamix about a decade ago and it was a serious investment but so worth it given how happy it makes me. Besides this, other "little things" I like to do to help myself unwind and feel better are:</p> <p>- buying some bath oil and lotion, and periodically taking about fifteen minutes to take a relaxing bath.<br /> - nice herbal teas, I love anything with ginger, roibous, chamomile, etc. My current obsession is the Numi turmeric line of teas<br /> - I have a zillion massage tools in a basket in my living room, and use them on a fairly regular basis. It's the only thing that will keep me from getting tension headaches. </p>