20 Emotional Self Care Ideas + Free Printable
Emotional self care ideas are important for busy moms to consider. We spend so much time thinking about everyone else — when is it time for YOU? Take the time to browse this list of self care options. Schedule at least a couple into your week.
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What is Emotional Self Care?
In order to take care of ourselves emotionally, we must stop and think about what it is we are feeling. Once you have identified these feelings, self care allows you to move forward in a way that will promote health and wellbeing.
If emotional self care needs aren’t met, you may suffer from unresolved feelings of anger, grief, and hurt for far longer than you should. You may even develop strong feelings of confusion, overwhelmed and burn out. The latter can make the situation way worse that it was before.
Thankfully, we have some simple emotional self care ideas to practice on a daily basis that helps with our feelings. When you start to take care of yourself in this manner, you’ll notice you feel better, have more energy, and have more a more optimistic outlook on life.
20 Simple Emotional Self Care Ideas for Moms
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1. Respect your emotions
Rather than ignoring them or pushing them to the side, address your emotions. Allow yourself to feel them and deal with them so you can really learn to let go. Remember this little motto, “Feel. Deal. Heal.“
2. Learn to say “NO”
Prevent overwhelm and sadness by declining invites you don’t really want to participate in. Think about your schedule, and whether or not the invite will enrich your life. Remember, if it’s not a “Hell Yes!” then it’s a “NO.”
3. Use only positive language when talking about yourself
Get rid of the negative self talk in your head or that comes from your mouth. Stop being so hard on yourself. You are your own worst critic. Replace these words with the love and respect that you show others. You can do this with some powerful self love affirmations.
4. Write out your emotions in a self-care journal
A journal is a great way to unload your emotions and get them on paper. Once they are out, you may immediately feel lighter and less burdened. You can also use the journal to reflect on your feelings and become better at dealing with them.
5. Forget the need to explain yourself
As you learn to say “No” more often, stop feeling the guilt of explaining yourself. This is YOUR life, and no one needs to understand why you make the decisions you do. You’ll feel better without that extra need riding on your mind.
6. Develop a good sleep schedule
Our mind needs plenty of rest each night to recharge and take on the day. Work out a good sleep schedule for yourself that gives you 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
7. Try meditation
Practicing meditation regularly can be a beneficial emotional self care activity in a number of ways. It can help you battle stress more effectively as you start to gain a new perspective on the situation. It can also help release negative emotions and build your self awareness.
8. Practice deep breathing
Deep breathing is a great way to calm your mind and refocus on the emotions coursing through your brain. When you are feeling anything less than great, take a break. Close your eyes and focus on taking long, deep breaths.
9. Harness the power of daily affirmations
Reciting positive statements can help reshape your ways of thinking. Daily affirmations are great for this, as you learn to only speak or think positively about yourself.
We have some daily affirmations for anxiety, if that’s a problem for you, as well as self love affirmations that work well for anyone. We even have some great affirmations for kids!
10. Find a new hobby that you enjoy
Sometimes, just getting out and doing something new to revive your positive emotions. Take a cooking class, meet a friend to walk in the park every evening, or join an online course for photography. As you learn new skills, you’ll feel better about your talents and abilities.
11. Speak with a life coach or therapist
If you find your emotions difficult to deal with, seek help and advice from a professional. This doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong for getting the assistance you need. They can guide you in the right direction at providing yourself with good emotional self care habits.
12. Ask for help if you need it
Moms tend to forget that they are only human. With so many tasks to do every single day, it’s no wonder we are all exhausted! Don’t hesitate to ask your spouse, family, or friends for help.
Raising kids isn’t always a walk in the park, and just having a babysitter or mother’s helper watching the kids for a few hours a day can help you relax and finish your to-do list.
13. Accept compliments with a simple “Thank you.”
Believe what the person has said about you. There’s no need to play it off or try to turn the attention away from yourself!
14. Create an uplifting music playlist
Good music feeds the soul. Make it upbeat, happy music that will put you in a good mood. If you are listening at night, you may prefer some classical tunes that help you relax and prepare for sleep.
15. Do something creative every single day.
Being creative takes your mind off your current stress and replaces it with a fun activity. It’s a great way to express yourself to the world or keep it private in your own home.
Write poetry, doodle in a journal or paint as your creative outlet.
16. Practice gratitude every day
Even the smallest things are a call for gratitude. Think about what you have, not what you don’t. Express gratefulness for your food, shelter, and loved ones.
17. Schedule fun outings and activities
All work and no play can quickly lead to emotional burnout. A great way to practice emotional self care is to make time to laugh and enjoy the company of friends and family. See a movie, visit a park, or just hangout and binge Netflix with those closest to you!
18. Set boundaries for yourself
Just like learning to say “no” is important, so it setting boundaries for yourself and those around you. If you aren’t feeling it and need to rest, don’t tell your co-worker you will take on her shift.
The same goes for family members and friends too. If you need a break, don’t tie up more of your time – respect the boundaries you set for yourself.
19. Identify emotional triggers
Learn how to spot triggers for your emotions and how you can better respond to them. If possible, stay aw
20. Take a sick day
There’s nothing wrong with taking a “mental health day” from work or other obligations. It can sometimes be the best way to rest your mind and take a break. Do it without guilt!
Want to Learn More?
If you are interested in learning more about emotional self care, we recommend the following books below. Hopefully they can help you on your journey to a happier mind, body and soul while being a busy mom.
FREE Emotional Self Care Printable Checklist
Download our free printable to help you practice more self care every day. Check off new items as you try them. Jot down notes about what works, what doesn’t and how you want to make this list your own!
