Being a mum is no easy job and sometimes we as mums forget that we should treat ourselves and that we can do so without feeling guilty! We deserve a treat too!
The other week I treated myself to a new pair of shoes that were in the sale, I picked them up and put them back at least 3 times before finally deciding that I was going to buy them. I walked over to the till and every thought that came into my head was persuading me not to buy them. Thoughts like:
‘oh but I could use the money towards something else.’ Like what?
‘I shouldn’t be buying them.’ Why’s that?
or ‘I could buy Kory another pair of shoes instead.’ To add to the collection of shoes that he already has?!
My Nan was with me and I said to her ‘oh I’ll just leave it, I’m going to put them back.’ And she said ‘Kirsti, don’t be silly, just get them!’ And that’s when I realised I was being silly. It was just a pair of shoes and they only cost £6, it wasn’t exactly breaking the bank and I couldn’t remember the last time I treated myself to something. To anything.
So I bought them.
Once I’d got over feeling guilty, I felt good. I buy stuff for Kory and the house all the time and it was a nice change to buy something that was for myself. Taking care of yourself is an extremely important part of your mental wellbeing. As a stay at home mum, I often neglect myself and my needs. As mums we give so much of ourselves and our time to everyone else in our family. One thing I’ve learnt over the years since becoming a mum is that in order to be the best mum that I can be, I have to look after myself too and invest a little time in myself. I’m sure many of you will agree with me, that being a mum is hard but being a mum who is running on empty is a lot harder. I love my son and my partner, they make me very happy every day but there is nothing wrong or selfish about taking care of yourself or treating yourself.
One of my favourite things to do that doesn’t cost any money is sorting through cupboards, organising drawers and having a clear out at home. I don’t see it as a chore, tidying things up really helps me to de-stress and afterwards I feel like I’ve got a clear head space and can think straight.
Treating yourself doesn’t have to cost money if that’s an issue. Make yourself a cup of tea, read a book, join a book club or start your own, run a bubble bath, go for a walk, eat your favourite chocolate, paint your nails, do yoga, have some quiet time, try out a face mask, stick a film on or a box set that you’ve been meaning to watch. Whatever it is that you need to do to feel human again or whatever it is that you just fancy treating yourself to – then do it!
I’d love to know, what are some ways that you treat yo self?
Life as The Lonsdales 