How a Self-Care Mind Map Can Change Your Routine

Self-care seems to be a bit of a buzzword these days – especially out there in the Mom world. In every BIRTHFIT Postpartum Series I lead, we have a class devoted to talking about self-care with the idea that you must take care of yourself in order to best take care of others.

We’ve all heard the sayings, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” and “Put your oxygen mask on first, then your child’s.” They totally make sense! But what if we’re missing the mark on what caring for ourselves really looks like?

What generally comes up when you ask a mama what she does (or would like to do) for self-care?

A mani/pedi, is the top answer on the board! Or a day at the spa, a candlelit bath with the bathroom door locked, a night away from the kids (and the husband), splurging on a new handbag, or shoe shopping spree.

While I would find myself thoroughly enjoying indulging in each of these experiences, what happens when it’s over? You’re left with a fresh set of nails, 8-hours of sleep, and a stylish pair of heels. Again, not the worst of things, but we can definitely do better.

If we can start to think of self-care as a daily practice and commitment to ourselves – rather than a momentary indulgence – I think we’ll be better able to connect to our best selves and experience having a larger, filled cup to pour from.

Make a Self-Care Mind Map of your priorities: what do you want to get out of your Self-Care practice? Then create a list of things you can commit to doing that align with your priorities and slowly start to bring them into your days.

This new perspective on self-care can look like:

• Committing to move your body everyday
• Waking up 10 minutes earlier and implement a morning ritual
• Setting a weekly intention
• Connecting with your breath or meditating
• Allowing time in your day to have nothing scheduled
• Flossing your teeth every night
• Preparing healthy meals
• Saying ‘No’ to things when you need to create more time for yourself

Nicole Foster

BIRTHFIT South Bay BIRTHFIT South Bay FB @BIRTHFIT_SouthBay