Hellobee Boards

@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.

I have been focusing on the following things (not always religiously, but I try, nonetheless!):
-Pedicures every 6 weeks (cheap ones!)
-Paint my fingernails every week or every other week
-Download a new Kindle book on the weekends (literally, a free or $1.99 one)
-Take vitamins
-Buy nicer hand cream and remember to use it
-Actually do a face care regimen, with real face cream
-slowly replace my holey socks, dingy underwear, etc.

.I would like to try to:
-Run
-Eat healthier
-Take baths
-Read real books from the library rather than cheapy Kindles with no plot!
-start seeing again, or other hobbies

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.

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.

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.

My small self-care things:
-using good smelling hand lotion and taking a few moments to use it throughout the day
-a quick mid-day yoga session (like 10 minutes just on my own)
-listening to podcasts or music during chores
-using quality make-up
-spending time picking out an outfit that will make me feel good (this one is so superficial but I love it)

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.

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.

I wear nice makeup every day. I try to look presentable in general.

DH usually gives me a foot rub every night ️

Not daily but I get pedicures 1x a month. Facials every 6 weeks and a massage and chiropractic adjustment 1x a month.

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! 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!

Since Jan I started working out 5 days/week and clean eating as much as I can.
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)
I read every night before bed, even if it's just 15 mins
I take a spin class once a week at my fav place and I always feel so energized after
I try to meet up with some girlfriends every month or so for a night out

@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.,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For me, my commute has been my big quiet me time even though it's at 5:50am for most of the week.
-I listen to podcasts. I mainly do this during my commute, but it's nice to do while doing chores too.
-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
-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.

These are great ideas!

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!

@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!