10 Self-Care Ideas for Busy Mums on a Budget
Hi Beautiful,
As a mum of 4 who has many things on her plate each week.
I know what it feels like to be burned out and tired and unable to give.
Once I realised that I didn’t like feeling unproductive, drained and not taking care of myself enough. I decided I needed a change in how I took care of my mind, body and soul on a day-to-day basis.
Here are a few options of self-care (amongst many) that I like to use:
“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Proverbs 31:29-31
What is Self-Care?
Like many, I thought self-care was just about the physical and pampering side of it.
However, there are many factors to taking care of yourself. There are intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional, social, recreational, financial and environmental. Self-Care is creating a balanced life by exploring the different options around your home or outdoors and putting yourself first in certain situations to bring peace, love and happiness. I can say that since I’ve started this there has been more structure and peace in my life.
I can happily have family and marriage time and also step away for my time without feeling guilty.
Self-Care Options
The Physical:
Working out; There are many ways to improve your health and you can find out what works for you. Start by implementing new eating habits and trying something new, maybe even swapping food options. “Abs start in the kitchen” they say and yes we might not want abs but a healthy body does require good nutrition. Create a Pinterest board on good nutritious foods that you like and are willing to try. Your water intake should increase also
Next, find a workout plan. For myself, I started by following 30-day workout plans at home because I wasn’t ready for the gym. They have been very good so far. I wake up earlier than my family to do my workout as well as have my devotion time.
There are many on YouTube that can fit your needs, however here’s some i’ve used:
https://www.youtube.com/@Heatherrobertsoncom
https://www.youtube.com/@MadFit
https://www.youtube.com/@LottieMurphy
https://www.youtube.com/@POPSUGARFitness
https://www.youtube.com/@PamelaRf1
https://www.youtube.com/@self
https://www.youtube.com/bodybuildingcom
https://www.youtube.com/@growingannanas
https://www.youtube.com/@tarasbody
The Beauty side; I can’t believe I had no skincare and was not taking care of my skin. That’s changed beautifully, I’ve been working on using different products and finding out what my skin needs. Sometimes, it’s not about the multitude of products but the care, simplicity and routines that help you glow.
You can also start to implement certain days for pampering sessions at home or at a spa. Even taking the time to get your nails or hair done. Sitting in a bath with good music or a book or even catching up on vlogs can help reduce stress and anxiety. Be sure to express to your family that this is your time. Try to ignore the kiddies banging the door down.
The Financial:
Okay, before we go any further we need to talk money.
Not deeply, but there needs to be a system in place to be able to afford your new way of life and exploring. Otherwise, you might fall back and be upset that you can’t explore self-care. I use sinking funds, and no matter how much your income is using sinking funds helps to be better organised and build financial maturity.
I will note; please start to pay off your debt and clear that
”Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law”
Romans 13:8
“Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,
like a bird from the snare of the fowler”
Proverbs 6:5
The two financial habits I use:
Budget Percentage
Sinking Funds
- Create money pots in your account, such as Monzo or Starling have good options
- List all your recurring spending; beauty, solo dates, cab rides, spending, savings and so on
- Calculate how much you need every month and divide that by bi-weekly or monthly
- Each time you get paid or receive money split, add the amounts into the pots.
- Only take from each pot according to, no borrowing between pots or going over budget
If you have a low income, how about waiting 2-3 months to build up your pots. Don’t let circumstances or surroundings convince you to spend what you don’t have. Please don’t put yourself in debt.
The Intellectual:
This is a good one to build on skills. Reading has been something I wanted to tick off my list, set a challenge for yourself each year. You can go back to university or do a short course and even learn a new language.
I’ve found a few bookshops on eBay, I like the physical reading over audible books (which are still great)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/loveourprices2
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/saintbookstore
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/ilovebooksetc
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/wordery
https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/worldofbooksltd
Part of your intellectual self-care is also to creat new hobbies for the mind, games, crosswords and such.
How about listening to a podcast, I always put one on when I’m cleaning or picking up the children from school. I see it as overlapping self-care and using time effectively.
The Social:
Going to events: I want to explore the world but let me start with my city first. There are many events in your city that are even free. Download an app that helps locate great places and events, and go to the museum or a show. Even check Tik Tok for other reviews of places in your cities.
Don’t forget to take a picture of your memories and your cute outfit.
Brunches;
I have enjoyed taking the time to get dressed up for Jesus and me and visit cafes, breakfast shops, rooftop bars and so many that I’m yet to explore. Breathing in and out and enjoying your own company is beneficial to your mental health.
As a mum and hearing “mama” a thousand times can be a lot an adjusting to sit and enjoy a coffee or bubbly whilst meeting new people, reading, journalling or just sitting there and people-watching is so nice.
Building up the courage is starting off local to your home for 2-3 hours with a journal or laptop then slowly branching out and exploring. You can always bring another mummy friend with you to relax.
The Environmental:
Cleaning and organising; When you are in a clean and organised space you feel better, at least I know I do. I created a cleaning schedule so that I won’t be cleaning so much all day. Or save up and hire a cleaner to take a break.
You can organise your new beauty products, your clothes from season to season, your workout space or work/office space. You can finally get around to that pile of washing you have.
Taking care of your environment is important. It is part of your self-care needs.
Self-care starts with you. Put yourself first so that you can be the best version of you and be able to serve others with what you’ve learned and with love.
Take the time to find what works for you
Be Beautiful and Choose Happiness x
