filling my cup (10 simple ways I practice "self-care" in my daily life as a stay-at-home mom)

 Lately I have been thinking about "self-care" and how it applies to me as a Christian mom...  Is it a purely selfish practice?  Or is it a good thing?  

Maybe it is a bit of both...

Personally, I don't like the term "self-care".  I prefer to think doing things to take care of myself each day as "filling my cup"...

As wives and mothers, we are constantly pouring into the lives of our husbands and children, and taking care of our homes...

I find that when I do things to take care of myself, even if it is just making sure I get dressed into something pretty each morning and putting a touch of make up on, or sitting with a cup of coffee and writing in my journal for a few minutes while Nicholas naps, I feel better able to cope with the demands of the day.  I find I get more accomplished too.

I don't think that taking care of ourselves and doing something here and there to bring joy to our heart is selfish...

If my cup is empty, what I have to offer my family is pretty mediocre...

A lot of what I deem to be "filling my cup" ties in with "romanticizing my life" as a mom.  I'll write about the ways I incorporate that into my daily life in a separate post.  I know it is quite a trendy topic at the moment, but it is something I have been doing for years.  I just never have a name for it.  It really is simply finding magic in the ordinary and joy in the mundane...

A few simple ways I fill my cup each day...

I get myself ready for the day...

My husband actually encourages me to take the time to get myself ready in the mornings.  He will often take Nicholas so I can shower or get dressed.  Personally, I am a better wife, mother and homemaker when I look and feel good.

"It is ever so much easier to be good if one's clothes are fashionable!"

~Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

I wear things that make me feel pretty...

I love wearing earrings - I feel put together when I am wearing them.  Lately I have also been enjoying wearing a necklace...it makes me feel extra feminine.  My husband loves it when I wear dresses, and I was shocked to realise that I don't even own a pair of pants anymore!  I love feeling feminine in skirts and dresses (but that is just personal preference and I have absolutely nothing against pants) and that helps me feel more womanly and motivated to take care of my home, play with my toddler and cook wholesome meals for my family.  

I also love wearing make up.  Even if it is just mascara, I feel more confident and attractive, and I think that is a good thing.

I eat well...

It can be so easy to just eat on the go, not eat at all, or grab something quick and hardly nourishing when you are running after a little one or have a long list of chores to accomplish.  

I feel ill if I don't eat a balanced meal or overdo it on the sugar.  I am also less productive because I feel sluggish and unable to focus.  I know eating can sometimes feel like a chore, but it is so important.  I usually feed Nicholas his breakfast first thing in the morning, and either I make something small for myself while he plays outside (I keep an eye on him all the time), or I wait till he goes down for his nap and cook myself some eggs on toast, or cut up some fruit into a bowl of granola and yoghurt.  I also try to not go overboard on the coffee.

I take time to be quiet...

Having quiet time each day is vital for me.  I get flustered easily with my endless to do lists and feel pretty overstimulated with all the noise my toddler makes throughout the day, that I need time to be quiet when he naps.  I prioritize this time and either sit and write in my journal for a few minutes, read a chapter from a book, work on a blog post or watch something on YouTube.  

Obviously, this isn't always possible and some days I need to rather use nap time to get some household things done.  For instance, it is impossible to wash the floors while Nicholas is awake, so I do that when he is sleeping and listen to a podcast while I am busy.  Currently I am really enjoying the Honey I'm Homemaker series on Megan Fox Unlocked on YouTube.

I get fresh air and exercise...

I haven't been able to walk much lately because my pram is needing new tyres, but that is something I love to do, and the fresh air and exercise always makes me feel good.  It is a time I can just be silent, pray, and listen to the sounds of nature while soaking up the pretty amazing views around here.  Walking is a joy for me and thankfully Nicholas and Fletch enjoy this time too!

Music sets the tone in my home...

I love having music on throughout the day.  I listen to a variety of music, from instrumental to Broadway to jazz, with some pop thrown in there every now and again.  Music inspires me and makes me happy.

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." ~John Keats

I use the pretty dishes and beautiful stationary because...why not?

Other things I do on a daily basis to fill my cup, is to use the pretty dishes for myself too, not just when I serve guests or my husband a slice of cake.  Using a favourite mug or tea cup for your tea or coffee (and drinking your favourite tea or coffee too!) is such a simple way to bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face.

I also love using pretty stationary when I make shopping lists or writing in my journal.  I print out beautiful planners and put them up on my fridge using magnets I love.  

"Happiness is the result of an attitude of mind...I believe you can build it out of small things." ~ Miss Read

I make small things into special moments for myself...

I love making an occasion of simple things.  For instance, if you need to plan out your goals and priorities for the week or write out a favourite recipe in your (pretty, of course) recipe book, make sure you have something delicious to sip or munch on, put an inspiring soundtrack on the speaker and set about your task.

I have hobbies...

I have several hobbies that I enjoy doing.  Sewing is one of them.  When I get time, I love using beautiful fabrics to make pretty things for myself and my home, or gifts for friends.  I feel a sense of accomplishment and love looking at the beautiful things I was able to make.  

Gardening and cooking are also such satisfying hobbies for me and bless my family too!

"One can dream so much better in a room where there are pretty things."

~Anne Shirley, Anne of Green Gables

I make my home a lovely place...

Adding pretty touches around your home can make such a difference.  Your environment most definitely impacts your mood. 

I try and have a few vases of fresh flowers in the kitchen, my bathroom and bedroom all the time.  Flowers bring a smile to my face and beautify my home.

One doesn't need to spend loads of money or have the best of everything to make your home a lovely place.

~

I really do think that filling my cup and romanticizing my life go hand in hand.  And both things bless my home and family and help me be the wife, mother and homemaker I desire to be.

I  think it goes without saying that moderation is key, as with most things in life, and some days it isn't possible to set aside time for yourself.

But I believe it is important to make sure we aren't running on empty and prioritize taking care of ourselves along with our husbands, homes and children. 

The biggest thing I would add is to pray without ceasing...  Keep your mind on things Above and commune daily with Lord as you watch over your little ones, serve your husband and bless your home.

Agree or disagree?  How do you 'fill your cup' as a wife, homemaker and mama?

With love, Kelly