Scan the internet today, and you’ll find countless opinions, suggestions and ideas surrounding self-care – what it is, what it looks like, what counts as self-care, what doesn’t count as self-care, what you should be doing, how you should be doing it, and how frequently. Honestly, it’s exhausting just sifting through it all!

I’m no self-care expert, and I’ll never claim to be, because I fall flat on my face at times in the arena of self-care – as many moms do. That’s because mothers around the globe are well-known for putting family/community needs above personal needs – and that’s OK, even required at times – just not all the time.

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That’s why I decided to ask local moms (back in December…when every mom takes a backseat) how they incorporate self-care into busy lives. The question I posed was this: How do you “do” self-care at the holidays, or does it push to the back burner?

Their answers ran the gamut, but largely segmented into two major categories – caring for their bodies, and caring for their minds. My two favorite response to the question were a simple, “Ummmmm….huh?” and “Does spending too much time on IG count??” I can SO relate!

If you’re searching for ways to incorporate your own self-care around Valentine’s Day, check out these verbatim responses from busy moms:

  • Consistent chiropractic, therapy and quick alone time to get drive-through coffee
    • Get out of the house and think in silence
      • Making time for candles and reading while the rest of the house is asleep
        • Taking/teaching a Barre3 class, taking that time for me, and helping others too
          • Long soaks
            • Workouts with burpees!
              • Alone time, time with my friends, an hour-long shower, coffee by myself
                • Coffee and Jesus in the mornings
                  • Making exercise a priority
                    • Shopping dates with myself
                      • Taking a solo day off…husband at work, kid at school, and I make. stuff. happen.
                        • Pare down the activities. Choose at least one special activity for each family member, then add additional things if we want and have time. Don’t overdo it!
                          • Make bedtime a priority. Hot shower, piano music, a diffuser and time to read + no screens.
                            • Saying no to protect my time
                              • Make time to work out
                                • I make it a priority to workout first thing. Mood shifter/booster for the rest of the day.
                                  • Doing a 60 min float at the Float Spa. Getting a mani/pedi and taking time to read.
                                    • I have to make time for it – a quick bath, 20 minutes to read, etc. – whatever replenishes me even a bit.

                                      Moms have the hardest jobs in the world – to love, provide and care for others well. As we approach Valentine’s Day and think of how we can show love to others, let’s all remember that accomplishing the lofty goals set by motherhood deserve a restorative reward, too.

                                      Stephanie Llorente is a mother of two children and a regular Go Ask Mom contributor. She is the owner of Prep Communications and Restored, a faith-based business that delivers relevant resources and intentional community to working moms.