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by Sharon Hurley Hall

As moms, we are often last on the list for a bit of self-care. We may be looking after our families, caring for relatives, working at home, holding down full time jobs or all four. Even if you’re only doing one of those things, it can expand to fill all the available time, leaving you no time for yourself. Keep that up and you will soon feel stressed out and snappish. Look at it this way: you owe it to your family to take care of yourself. Here are some suggestions for doing just that.

1. Look after your feet

If you’re standing around all day, your feet will be tired, so give them a little loving. Fire up the foot soaker and give yourself a home made pedicure or spend a little more and enjoy the luxury of knowing that someone
else is doing the work for a change. Even better, get a reflexology treatment. In reflexology, every part of your feet mirrors a part of your body, so it will be like taking your whole body to a spa. When you’re done, your feet won’t be tired any more.

2. Exercise

Sure, housework counts as exercise, but what fun is that? Does it exercise all the muscle groups? You owe it to yourself to get a full work out a few times a week. It will be time just for you, with the added benefit of making you fitter. Although it’s tiring at first, you will soon find that you have much more energy after a workout session which means you can do the rest of your chores with a smile on your face.

3. Outsource the kids

You may love your little darlings, but there’s no denying that they wear you out sometimes. Friends and family are always offering to baby-sit, so why not take them up on it and have some alone time with your loved one? This is a great way to rediscover the pre-kids you and to put some romance back into your life.

4. Get away from it all

When last did you take a break alone? No kids, no husband, no pets to look after–in fact no responsibilities. I bet it’s been too long. I know it has for me. Scout around for a cheap weekend break and fly off somewhere where you can lie in bed as long as you want, lounge by the pool, read a book, have some cocktails and enjoy a meal without being pulled in ten directions. You will feel years younger when you get back.

Looking after yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity. So go ahead and pamper yourself. You deserve it.

About the author

Sharon Hurley Hall is a born again blogger who has been writing for more than 20 years. Sharon runs the freelance mentoring blog, Get Paid To Write Online.