Tell me if you can relate. It’s dinner time. This is the only time of the day that the whole family is together. It’s the end of the day. I am tired, cranky, and ready for my kids to go to sleep so I can sit in silence for a bit. Have you been there? I know I have many, many times, and I just thought it was “part of it.” Normal motherhood. This is my life, and I will rush to put my kids to bed like everyone else because I am a grouch. I’m here to tell you that it does not have to be this way. Today I am going to share 3 easy ways to practice self-care today that will help you feel better for the times that matter most to you.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read self-care books and self-care posts and thoughts, “Excuse me. That isn’t self-care. That’s necessary to stay alive.” How is someone going to tell me that breathing and drinking water is self-care? Oh, maybe it is when I’m not taking the time to do it! 🤚  And if I were a betting woman, I bet you aren’t being intentional with these “self-care” practices either. This is why I am writing a post about this. Drinking plenty of water, intentional breathing, and going for a simple walk are 3 things that can totally change your mood and the way you feel.

Drink Water

If you’ve drank more coffee than you have water today, you’re dehydrated. And water affects more than you may realize. According to Harvard University, water does the following things (just to name a few):

• carrying nutrients and oxygen to your cells
• flushing bacteria from your bladder
• aiding digestion
• preventing constipation
• normalizing blood pressure
• stabilizing the heartbeat
• cushioning joints
• protecting organs and tissues
• regulating body temperature
• maintaining electrolyte (sodium) balance.

A common denominator in all of this is that it keeps you healthy and feeling good to do the things you really want to do (like have dinner with your family and not be a total grouch!)

Breathe (easiest way to practice self-care today!)

As a child, I was never taught to take a deep breath unless I was so upset that I was literally hyperventilating. I can’t help but think if I were taught to take a deep breath before I got to that disastrous state, I could have avoided that melt-down altogether. Deep breathing is for more than just people who do yoga (although I highly recommend yoga as well, but that’s for a different time.)

Let’s take a breath together. Breathe in (1-2-3). Hold it. Breath out (1-2-3). I want you to try that real quick (I’ll wait.) Try to be intentional about doing this throughout your day. It is hands-down the easiest ways to practice self-care today

According to an article I read on Urban Balance, deep breathing lowers stress and increases energy. Ok, sign me up. Of course, we don’t have to think about breathing… so we don’t think about doing it well. Taking a deep breath (especially when you are stressed, tired, or not in the best mood) can help you feel so much better.

Go for a Walk

Get outside, and take a walk. I don’t care if you are a physical trainer by profession or work at a desk all day, a simple walk outside for 30 minutes can drastically change your mood. A great way to decide when to take your walk is to notice when you are feeling your worst. I am a morning person. I love mornings (but don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee.) When 6 pm hits, I’m done. I’m tired. I am over it. That just so happens to be the time that my family needs me the most, and we are all together. Fantastic. But this information has been super important to know because I’ve learned to take my walk right before I start prepping dinner.

You can go for a walk alone or with your family. Just try to get your heart rate up a bit, and enjoy some fresh sunshine. This practice changes my mood entirely and gives me the energy I need to *gladly* get through the meal with my family- and not feel so much like a chore that I want over as quickly as possible.

These 3 things you can try today will no doubt help feel better so that you can be fully present for the moments that really matter to you. Even better, be mindful about doing all 3 on the same day! Snap a selfie of you practicing the 3 easy ways to practice self-care and make sure to tag me on Instagram (@kaylabrint)!