I know many of you reading this are wives and mothers who put their all into their families.  For many of us, it becomes more difficult to spend time on ourselves as our families increase in size.  Even those women without little ones become busier as they get older, leaving less time for themselves.  During busy times like the holiday seasons, it becomes extra important to reserve time for yourself.

Doing things for yourself, no matter how small they are, can positively affect your mood and outlook on life.  You feel refreshed. You feel loved. You ARE both refreshed and loved by spending your precious energy on you.

This includes doing everyday things that we often forget, such as taking vitamins and eating right, to things that are considered primping and make us feel pretty. You may, after something like a manicure or mini-facial, feel prettier or more attractive.  This, of course, makes you feel better about yourself, which shows from the inside, even if the signs of your recent facial are not visible to others.

Whether you’ve been neglecting yourself due to lack of time, lack of money or lack of energy, it is extremely important to take little moments to yourself to read, take a soak in the bath or to do your nails.  Whatever makes you happy.

If time and/or money are the issue, a home pedicure can be as gratifying as one at the salon. You can be in the comfort of your own home, taking your time.  Even doing something as small as lighting incense and simply breathing for a few moments can help you re-center yourself.

There are some really great bath and beauty recipes, both in this blog and other places online, that use ingredients you can find in your kitchen to produce spa quality results.  Tyrika’s sugar scrub is to-die-for and there are some really great ideas for aromatherapy (another inexpensive mood-lifter) as well.

Anything you can do for yourself (by yourself, moms!) has the potential to heal and decompress some of your stress.  The holidays can be notoriously stressful, for many different reasons.  No matter what those reasons may be, it is especially important to take care of yourself while trying to make everyone else smile during the season of giving.  As my brother in law says…”If Mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy!”

I am revving up my skin care routine…What are the things that you will take the time to do for yourself this season?