Daphne'sDiary
"Take a shower, you deserve some me time."
Ladies, when are we going to face the fact that showering is a basic human need, and that shaving your legs and scrubbing your head with scented shampoo is not "me time". What is the obsession with the idea that showering is "me time". Since when is bathing yourself, using deodorant, and washing your hair considered a luxury. Aren't we all deserving of not appearing homeless?
To all my men out there, when was the last time someone said to you, "you should treat yourself to a nice long shower"? Never. Right, because men acknowledge that showering is what they deserve. Why do we set the bar so low for ourselves. Why is it always, "taking a shower will make you feel revitalized and fresh, treat yourself!", but never, "let me watch the kids this Sunday, I know you've been working hard". While some of us do have the luxury of sneaking out and having a day for ourselves, the reality of "taking a long relaxing shower" means speed washing your hair and sanding ourselves down with lavender scrub we bought at Trader Joe's because the baby will be awake in 10 mins.
WE DESERVE MORE.
WE NEED TO RAISE THE BAR.
WE ARE GOING TO START RESPECTING OURSELVES.
WE ARE GOING TO SET BOUNDARIES.
WE ARE GOING TO SHOWER... because we NEED to!
I will admit that taking a shower can be therapeutic... but in case you feel the same way I do, here are some alternative options.
10 Self-care tips for single moms...
Mani pedi - a basic mani pedi isn't very expensive
Dedicate an hour of your time to do whatever you want (at home exercise videos, talking to a friend, online shopping...)
Meditate while baby is sleeping
Take a nap, if you have the time
Listen to your favorite music
Indulge in a hobby- I enjoy knitting, which is something you can do while watching baby or while baby is sleeping
Watch your favorite Netflix show/movie when the day is done and the kids are asleep... just you, your fluffy blanket, some Ben & Jerry's, a candle, and the TV (this one is my favorite)
Buy that one item that's been in your Amazon cart for a week now, stop thinking about it and just buy it! (granted it isn't hundred of dollars, or maybe it is YOLO!)
Tell someone how you really feel! You'd be surprised how getting something off your chest has an impact on your self-esteem and your confidence. If you're practicing self-care, what better way to show yourself a little love than by doing something that will benefit you in the long run.
Scream! I swear I'm not insane... this really works. Find yourself a private space, like your car, and let it all out. Taking care of your mental health is considered self-care!