With the kids going back to school, and the days getting a little chillier - now is the perfect time to focus on some self care rituals to practise whether you have 10 minutes or 1 hour. Remember, taking 5 minutes to focus on some self-care can make sure a massive difference and self-care is not just getting your nails done, it can be anything that you consider an act of love towards yourself. Just because you had a baby doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of self love! In order to love and care for your family, you need to love and care for yourself.

SMALL SELF CARE IDEAS (5-20 mins max)

Taking time to moisturise your whole body

Ideally, try to pick something that smells delicious and enjoy how good and pampered you feel with clean, soft, and nicely smelling skin.

Try 5 mins of guided, or unguided, mediation

There are plenty of apps and youtube videos you can use to guide and help you. Sit somewhere comfortable or lay down if you prefer and take 5 minutes to listen to your breathe, focus on your body and calm that mind of yours.

Drink water

This is such a simple thing to do but something that can dramatically change how you feel - psychically and mentally. To ensure you drink enough water, take a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go!

Eat some healthy good food

It’s so important that no matter the lack of time you have, try and fill your body up with nutrients and goodness that will keep your body thriving. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies because when you’re tired our bodies naturally crave sugar and carbs, try to resist those temptations and eat something that you know will make you feel better after. That’s not to say you have to cut out all your fav foods! It’s all about moderation. You could try going veggie twice a week, shop at a local farmer's markets for organic produce, cook from scratch more often, drink water instead of soda, herbal tea instead of coffee etc and take a few minutes to plan what you're going to keep in your fridge each week so you can make quick, healthy, easy meals.

Use Assome

Assome is the world’s first booty tech company that’s on a mission to make all women comfortable with their bodies. Their Ultrasonic Gel helps the Assome! Ultrasonic Massager’s high-frequency waves penetrate under your skin to combat deep-hidden cellulite and promote the firming and slimming effects of Assome! therapies. Perfect if you only have a few minutes for yourself after you hop out the shower.

Fill out a gratitude journal

Before you fall asleep, quickly write down 3 things that happened that day that made you smile, feel happy, or you enjoyed doing. You can also write down all the things you are grateful for - it helps put things into perspective.

Watch your fav sitcom

Even if it’s while you’re doing the laundry, watch something that makes you laugh and takes your mind off everything for 5 minutes.

Sit Outside

Breathe some fresh air, go for a walk with the buggy and enjoy some quality time in nature.

Connect with a loved one

Call your mum, your bestie or you sister or invite someone round who makes you happy who can sit with you and enjoy some quality time with you and baby. It will give you time to connect and feel good.

BIGGER SELF CARE IDEAS (30 mins +)

Get your body moving

Choose an activity that motivates you to exercise consistently. It should be something you enjoy and not seen as a punishment. Try an outdoor or hot yoga class, train for a 5k race, give boxing a go. download a fitness app that lets you workout wherever you are.

Time with friends/family/ and loved ones.

Life can be busy, bon't let your busy schedule squeeze out time for family and friends, try to at least schedule some time to connect on a regular basis. You could make the first or last Friday of each month date night, or schedule a once-a-Sunday-coffee with your friends. Invite them over for dinner and drinks or a family movie night.

Make sleep a priority

We know from research that a chronic lack of sleep has adverse health consequences: people who consistently sleep less than six hours experience increased appetite, which causes weight gain and increases the risk of depression, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Try to establish a regular bedtime routine, this could include reading, spending time with your partner, a nice bubble bath or watching your favourite TV program. Try to avoid alcohol, food, emotionally upsetting conversations or caffeine.

Hobbies

Being a mum is time consuming, but you need to ensure that you find time to pursue your hobbies and not loose yourself. Journal, meditate, ready books, run, bake cakes, anything that brings you joy that allows you have fun and zone out. “We are evolving throughout our whole lives and staying connected to our inner-most passions is what keeps us fully alive and joyful."