Moms tend to make a habit of putting everyone first – but it's important to remember that you deserve to be treated well, too! Sometimes it's the little things that can really make a difference in your day.
An hour a day to yourself
Spending one hour a day alone (or just 30 minutes if you can't swing the full hour) can do wonders for your soul. Whether you choose to lie down, meditate, read a book, or just chop veggies (yes, that can be therapeutic!), having the solo time will feel downright luxurious. On your busiest days, sneaking even a few minutes in the car by yourself can help you regroup. Just linger for a bit after you put it in park to play a song you love and sing at the top of your lungs before resuming your day.
A fancy drive-through coffee
If the kids get rewarded for getting their chores done, then so should you! Treat yourself to a cup of coffee that's actually hot when you drink it, for once – hit up the drive-through so you can enjoy it even if the kids are in tow.
A mini on-trend makeover
We all want to feel pretty. And while drugstore mascara and lipstick will do the job, getting made over at a designer makeup counter – and splurging on a few new items to take home, like a hot new lip gloss color or an amazing concealer – is a fabulous pick-me-up and mood booster.
A great hair cut
Face it – your bangs have seen better days. Yes, your free time is limited and finding an afternoon to sit in a salon may sound impossible, but it also sounds pretty awesome – even if you have to hire a sitter or take the afternoon off work to get a little professional pampering done. Ask for a cut that doesn't require a ton of daily styling so you can save some time in the mornings, too.
Dinner at a restaurant without kids' menus (or your kids!)
Treat yourself to a meal at a fancy restaurant – one that has no buttered noodles or chicken fingers anywhere in sight. Worry only about cutting your own meat for a change. Linger over multiple courses and enjoy intelligent, uninterrupted conversation (remember that?) with your dinner companions.
A mani-pedi
In order to take care of everyone else, you have to take care of yourself. If you don't have time for a whole day at the spa after the stressful back-to-school season is done, treat yourself to a full-service nail appointment to help you recharge for the holidays.
A style splurge
Sure, any discount store will have a purse or pair of shoes that will do the job, but your daily go-to essentials should be ones that will really hold up over time and make you feel and look fantastic. You get what you pay for when it comes to these items, so it's worth it to splurge on the ones that are truly well-made since you'll be using them ALL THE TIME.
A break from the kitchen
You wear a lot of hats: personal chef, chauffeur, therapist, teacher, nurse and more – and that's just when you're home. It's perfectly okay for you to ask someone to do something for you on occasion. Have the husband take you and the kids out for pizza!
A workout class you love
One of the healthiest ways to indulge is by taking a fitness class that you find truly enjoyable. If you already have a favorite yoga or cardio-dance class but haven't been in a while, carve some time to go back! And if you haven't found your fitness niche, give yourself the chance to try a few classes until you find the activity that gives you a workout you'll love. Think out of the box, too – you might find your niche swimming, or playing tennis or golf or learning how to fence!
