A message from a close friend knocked the wind out of me. As we chatted about the whirlwind of our lives—managing work, errands, appointments, and transporting our kids to their after-school activities—it felt like we were both perpetually in motion. Just before wrapping up our conversation, she asked how I was holding up. I admitted I was feeling exhausted. Her parting words were straightforward yet profound: “Make sure to take care of yourself.”
But what does that really mean in practical terms? What exactly is self-care? It seems that every woman I know emphasizes its importance. We must prioritize ourselves; we can’t pour from an empty cup. We are entitled to our own “me time.”
While I wholeheartedly agree that we should put ourselves on our to-do list—especially since we often prioritize everyone else’s needs, leaving us drained—I recognize the endless demands that come with motherhood. Tasks like battling sick kids or accommodating shifting work schedules can push self-care to the back burner.
So here’s my question for the self-care advocates: when are we supposed to squeeze in a manicure, a massage, or a weekend getaway with friends? These suggestions often feel like fantasies, as if they don’t come with hefty price tags and require significant time that many of us simply don’t have. I haven’t met a single mom who has free hours in her day or can just hop on a plane to Cancun for a weekend of relaxation.
I’m not criticizing these suggestions. If you have the resources to indulge, then by all means, do it. However, not every mother has that luxury. We all need some form of self-care, but how do we achieve that when time and money are both in short supply?
Then one day, I had an epiphany: maybe I could practice self-care in the comfort of my own home. But how? While out running errands (because we were out of essentials like toothpaste), I stumbled upon a clear cosmetics container designed for countertop use, allowing easy access to its contents.
It was like a light bulb moment. I purchased the container and some toothpaste, and when I got home, I placed it on my bathroom counter. But then I thought, what next?
Years ago, I attended a workshop led by a wellness coach who suggested creating a list of three simple joys—activities that could easily fit into our daily routines. I jotted down sunshine, a latte, and a walk, and I hung this list on my refrigerator. It became a powerful reminder to seek out little moments of happiness during chaotic days.
I realized I needed to fill my new container with items that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. They needed to be affordable and not overly time-consuming. So, I rummaged through my bathroom drawers and found a few treasures.
For me, it’s often the small things that provide relief. I rediscovered some teeth whitening strips—perfect for multi-tasking in the shower. I also unearthed a foot exfoliator that had been gathering dust. To enhance my collection, I bought a soft headband to keep my hair out of my face and some coffee-coconut face masks. I didn’t have the time or budget for a spa treatment, but I could certainly enjoy a DIY facial at home.
I had read about the benefits of dry brushing, so I purchased a dry skin brush and quickly came to love the practice. I also found a massage ball to target tension points—because, let’s face it, we all carry stress.
Now, you might be wondering if I actually carve out time to use these self-care items. The answer is yes. Every time I enter my bathroom, the container serves as a gentle nudge to take a moment for myself.
This personalized kit is tailor-made for my needs. It’s not someone else’s version of self-care; it’s my own, and it’s effective. No, I haven’t magically eliminated all stress—that’s unrealistic. But I know that when my days feel overwhelming, I have something special waiting for me. My family understands that when I take my evening shower, I need that time to recharge, and they know better than to interrupt me.
If you can relate to my struggles to fit self-care into your life, consider this your invitation to create your own self-care kit. Fill it with things that resonate with you, or explore other methods of self-care that suit your lifestyle. You deserve a break. Make it happen.
For more insights on motherhood, check out our blog at Home Insemination Kit. Also, if you’re interested in learning more about artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom for expert guidance. Lastly, for a comprehensive look at infertility, the CDC offers excellent resources.
Summary
Creating a self-care kit at home can be an effective way to prioritize your well-being amidst the chaos of daily life. By curating personal items that bring joy and relaxation, you can easily carve out moments for self-care without the need for extensive time or financial resources.