"Mommin' ain't easy but it's necessary," somebody cool once said, right? Being a mom is the one job you never get a break from. There are no sick days and no PTO, and there certainly aren't any paid leaves of absence. But you must admit, the benefits of being a mom are pretty darn good. Being a parent certainly has its rewards, but that doesn't mean it isn't difficult almost to the point of harrowing at certain junctures. So what can you do to make mom life feel a little less exhausting? The answer is to treat yourself! That's right: I said it. You need to remember to reward yourself for being an exceptional parent because you absolutely deserve it.
Now, when I say "treat yourself," I don't necessarily mean go out and buy yourself a brand-new Tesla every few weeks. But there's no harm in spending a little money on yourself and buying things that make you happy from time to time. Spending a lot of money isn't tantamount to showing yourself a little love. Here are a few affordable ways to take care of yourself after a hard week of momming. You'll get the benefits of feeling like you're being rewarded, but it doesn't have to give your partner a coronary when the monthly credit card statement shows up!
Ask Your Family To Cook Dinner for You
Chances are you spend a lot of your time in the afternoon/evening shopping for, prepping, and cooking meals for your entire family. If that rings true, why not ask your family for a special favor? Request a special "mom dinner" that you have nothing to do with until the eating part.
Your partner and the kids can all pitch in for shopping, meal prep, and cooking. It doesn't have to be complicated, and they might even enjoy it. You'll get a much-needed break, and they'll be forced to learn some life skills in the kitchen!
Have a Home Spa Day
Head to your bathroom and start collecting all of those beauty samples you've amassed from department store shopping excursions and online ordering. It's time to test them all out. Next, head to the kitchen and chop cucumbers for eye pillows, boil water for a steamy home facial, and maybe try making this DIY sugar scrub recipe for your dry, cracked lips!
Grab a Sandwich and Go See a Matinee (By Yourself!)
You've dropped off the kids at school, you got your morning workout in, and you're about to get started on kitchen cleanup, but maybe the scrubbing bubbles can wait this morning? Check your local theater for what's playing, and choose a film that you'd like to see. No need to consider your partner or the kids; it's mom's choice today!
Hop in the car, stop off at your local sandwich shop and pick up a turkey and brie on whole wheat (or whatever floats your boat), and head to an afternoon matinee. They're generally cheaper than evening flicks, and more often than not the theater is close to empty, so you can use that chair next to you for purse storage and woman spreading!
Take Up an Old Hobby
Did you enjoy painting before the kids came along and every activity became about them? Maybe you used to be a chess aficionado? Why not pick up one of your favorite hobbies and pastimes and try it on for size again? See if there are any local groups, classes, or meetups in your area, or organize one yourself!
Take Advantage of Free Trials
You know those free trials from meal plan delivery services you get in the mail every single day? Why not try one — or a few of them — out? Some of the offers are as good as a free week of meals for signing up, and you can always cancel after the free week. Coming up with what's for dinner is something you're going to have to do every single night until you die (crazy, right?), so why not take a week off?
Try That Boutique Fitness Class
Having the time and physical ability to get in a bit of exercise every day is absolutely a privilege. But it doesn't always feel like that. Dragging yourself out for a run or to the same old workout class you've been taking every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for the past three years can get a bit dull.
Treat yourself to a boutique fitness class every once in a while. Generally, they cost around $20 to $30 per class, but the energy you get from feeling fancy while you spin, HIIT, or kick-box is well worth the price tag every once in a while.
Groupon Massage Is Your Friend
A massage seems like an indulgence many of us don't think we can afford, but because Groupon offers so many deals on spa packages, wellness, and beauty, it actually ends up being cheaper than you might think. You can absolutely find hour-long massages for under $30. Plus, Groupon is constantly offering $5 here or 20% off there, and the number of establishments trying to get new customers is staggering at this point. Why not take advantage?
Get a Good Ol' Mani-Pedi
Tried and tested, a mani-pedi is a surefire way to feel pampered. Spending an hour in a salon while other people soak your feet, shellac your nails, and generally tend to you while all you have to do is make sure you don't accidentally smudge your freshly painted tootsies is a good thing, mom, so go for it!
Binge an Entire Season of Television in One Day
Would it absolutely kill you if you skipped one day of doing all of the things a mom does in a day and, while the kids are at school, you just popped on a season of Downton Abbey or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and let your eyes glaze over? Would that be absolutely horrible? Actually, it just might be the recharge you need to feel ready to face the rest of the afternoon and evening head-on. And you don't have to tell anyone that's how you spent your morning. That can be our little secret!
Take Yourself on a Lunch Date
When was the last time you put on a cute outfit in the morning, swiped on some makeup, and took yourself out to a local bistro you wanted to try? The lunch menu is traditionally cheaper than the dinner menu, and you're only paying for one! Bring a book to enjoy while you sample the homemade pasta and enjoy peace, quiet, and people watching. And one glass of wine is a must!
