7 Self-Love Activities Every Mom Needs In Her Life!

The Importance of Self-Love For Moms

“Self-Love” is a popular term that we all hear on social media, on T.V., or in our day-to-day lives. But what is self-love, and why should you incorporate a self-love activity into your routine.

Well, I decided to go on good-ole Webster’s Dictionary for the official meaning!

On the Merriam-Webster (huh… I never knew the full name, lol) website, self-love is defined as: “an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue” and “proper regard for and attention to one’s own happiness or well-being.”

Furthermore the Bible reminds us that:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16, NIV

How beautiful and powerful is that?! God loved US so much that he made the ultimate sacrifice for us!

So showing yourself love is a form of appreciating the life that God has given you. Self-Love is not about inflating your ego. It is about treating yourself with kindness, grace, and reminding yourself that Jesus died on the cross for YOU, for a reason.

You are special. You are loved. You are worthy.

Also, as moms, we need to model self-love for our children. When your little humans observe you prioritizing self-love, they will see themselves as valuable and wonderfully made children of God, and carry themselves as such.

Now let’s get into some practical ways that you can incorporate self-love into your routine!

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1: Make A “Self-Love” List Of Your Top 5 Qualities That Make You Uniquely YOU!

I have found that most women, like myself, tend to wait to feel good about themselves before thinking they deserve to express self-love. I want to challenge that mindset!

You. Deserve. Self-Love!

This world can be petty and hard. We do NOT need to wait for external validation, to feel that we have now earned self-love. We can praise ourselves. It’s not easy being a woman. It’s not easy being a mom.

Love on yourself sometimes. Remind yourself that you are Smart, Kind, Resilient, Creative , Strong and SO, SO much more!

1: Spend 10 Minutes Alone As A Self-Care Activity- No Interruptions! 

My day-to-day life is BUSY. I have a never-ending to-do list on my phone and on my planner. As I shared in a previous post, my husband and I have a large blended family, with 6 children between the two of us. 5 of them live at home with us. So yeah…life is busy!

When I first became a parent 20 years ago (yup, I’m a veteran mom lol ), I truly believed that a “good mom” had to spend every hour dedicated to caring for, feeding, and entertaining her child. By the time my last child was born, I had gained more clarity about how this unrealistic “perfect mom” myth was actually sabotaging me.

There is NO PERFECT MOM, which is wonderful thing! We need uninterrupted time to ourselves to recharge, clear our minds, and RELAX. This isn’t always easy to do, especially with really little ones to care for. You have to be incredibly creative and open to what alone time looks like. If you spend time in the shower without any interruptions, I want you to say ” I just had some time to myself,” and let you mind and your s

I now take time to just sit alone. Even if it means staying up a little later after my kids go to bed, just so that I can use my coloring app. It’s MY TIME. I need this time for self-love, and so do YOU.

Utilize this self-care activity to recharge, which will in turn show love to yourself and your children.

And that is being a Great Mom!

3: Use The Act of Praising 3 People Today As A Self-Love Activity

It seems contradictory, right? Compliment others to express self-love?? Please let me explain.

I am a firm believer of God. I’m filled with awe for the sacrifice that God’s only son, Jesus, made for us. What has always resonated with me about the life of Jesus, was how he loved on others. One of my favorite Bible verses is:

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

Jesus not only advocated loving each other, but he also modeled it with his words and his actions. For me, showing love to others, is a true testament of my love for Jesus, who loved me to the point of sacrificing his life for me.

I use the self-love activity of loving on others, as a form of expressing my appreciation to God for His gift of life. Compliment someone today.

4: Engage in a Physical Activity for 15 Minutes 

I know, I know…you’ve heard it before. We all know that there are many benefits to engaging in regular physical activities. I am NOT here to preach. I am a work in progress myself!

No matter how annoying it can be to constantly hear this, exercising regularly helps us in a multitude of ways. In their article on the benefits of physical therapy, the Mayo Clinic shares the ways in which exercise helps you to feel better, increase energy and add longevity to your life.

The Mayo Clinic’s article really stood out to me mostly because all of the benefits that they listed made me think of Self-Love!

As moms, it takes a lot to carve out time for taking care of ourselves. We spend our days (and nights!) taking care of our children, our spouses, and our homes. Dedicating regular time to take care of our bodies is a beautiful self-love activity that you should incorporate into your routine.

*** ALWAYS, consult with your doctor before engaging in any form of physical activity. Please stay safe!

5: Intentionally Smile 5 Times Today. Set Alarms If You Need To!

Have you ever heard the phrase, “smiling is contagious?”

When I see someone smiling, even if I’m in a bad mood, it shifts my mood. Or when a stranger starts laughing, I burst out laughing myself, and I don’t know what they’re even laughing about!

Your spirit gets lifted from smiling! It’s like a little message goes out to our minds, bodies, and soul. A message reminding us to enjoy life and to enjoy being YOU. Enjoying life is a great way to promote self-love.

In the article, There’s Magic in Your Smile, Psychology Today contributor, Ronald E. Riggio Ph.D., describes the various benefits of smiling. It’s amazing how the act of smiling actually releases neurotransmitters that lifts our mood, and can even offer pain relief.

I mean, can you think of a simpler self-love activity that actually brings joy?! 🙂

6: Show Self-Love By Ending Each Day With Listing 5 Things You Did Well

Documenting your wins for the day is a practical self-love activity to remind yourself of all that you’ve accomplished! Yes, every item on the to-do list was not checked off by the end of the day. It’s not supposed to be. Don’t obsess about the running list. It’s part of life, and that’s okay.

Therefore remind yourself of all that went well: the kids ate today, you made it on time for pick up, you followed at least one of the tips above (hint, hint,) or maybe you managed to not scream out the window at the person who cut you off this morning.

Give yourself a break and write down 5 things that went well today. No matter how big or small it may seem. The world is hard enough on us moms, you don’t have to be. Give yourself credit…okay? Either way, I’m giving you credit: Great Job Momma!!

7: Talk To God Today

Prayer is an incredible way to show God’s appreciation for the gift of Life. Communicate with God through prayer, worship and reflection. He does not need to hear scripture from you to connect with you. He just wants you to seek him out.

Take time to connect with God as a self-love activity that expresses love to God, while also caring for your soul. Connecting with God, helps me to feel less isolated, brings me hope, and ignites joy.

Talk to God to remind yourself about the blessings in your life. You will feel the strength of his presence grow, as you commit to communicating with Him consistently. Furthermore, as a mom, you can model this special relationship with God to your children.

Do you have a tried and true self-love activity that brings you joy? I’d love to try out some new ideas 🙂

Take care!

~Val

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?

1 Corinthians 3:16