When the “soft life” trend started cropping up on my social feeds, showcasing picturesque moments of comfort and joy, I had mixed feelings. I mean, who wouldn’t? I found myself staring at those flawless momfluencers gliding through aromatic kitchens in silky robes, effortlessly making avocado toast between yoga sessions and lounging in their immaculate, toy-free living rooms. For many of us, that world feels a million miles away. The reality? A recent study reported that 65% of working parents experience burnout, and let me tell you, I could relate to that statistic on a deep, personal level.
Deep in the whirl of back-to-back births, with each day blending into the next and my trusty dry shampoo my only ally, I spent almost four blurry years navigating through endless appointments, sleepless nights, and packed schedules. Then, something started changing within me. I didn’t just want softness; I desperately needed it—real softness, the kind that nests in daily rituals rather than curated social media moments. If you’re also yearning for a gentler rhythm in your hectic mom life, here’s how I’ve begun to sprinkle in self-care, one small step at a time.
1. The Quickest Nail Fix
Let’s face it: popping over to the nail salon feels as doable as scoring a solo getaway these days. Yet, there’s something reassuring about glancing down at well-groomed nails that can instantly boost my mood. I discovered pre-glued press-on nails, and honestly, they’re a game changer. The newer styles aren’t flimsy or hard to work with at all. My absolute go-to has become Impress Press-On Nails. I can’t even begin to count the number of compliments they’ve earned me! They take less than a minute to apply, and even with all my usual mom tasks—diaper changes, dishwashing—they stick around for almost a week. Every time I look at them, I feel like a brand-new version of myself.
2. A Pilates Workout I’ll Actually Finish
Don’t even get me started on how challenging it can be to restart a workout routine; I hold a presidency in that particular club! But after my body started feeling “crunchy”—the kind of stiff where just turning over in bed feels like an Olympic sport—I knew it was time to change my approach. I stopped chasing the hour-long workouts I once had time for and took a friend’s advice to check out Bailey Brown’s YouTube channel. She offers month-long challenges with a couple of 5-8 minute workouts that can still get my heart racing, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since. Just embracing movement in ways that feel right for me has really lifted my spirits.
3. Sipping My Sanity With Tea
Coffee was once my emotional lifeline, but recently, I’ve swapped out my second cup for a soothing afternoon tea. Let me tell you, tea feels like that calm, wise friend who doesn’t blink at your snack choices or your need to escape to the bathroom for five precious minutes of silence. It’s seriously underrated! Sipping tea forces me to slow down, to take my time and appreciate its flavors. If you’re diving into the world of tea yourself, be prepared for the overwhelming choices! Personally, I can’t get enough of the peach mango variety from Lipton. It’s fruity and comforting, and on scorching summer days, I love pouring it over ice with a drizzle of honey for a little “spa moment” in my mason jar.
4. 3-Minute Red Light Therapy
The theme of time scarcity continues! Yet, one luxury I’ve managed to incorporate into my routine is a red light therapy mask. My all-time favorite is the Dr. Dennis Gross’ DRx SpectraLite. I know it’s a splurge, but the benefits truly make it worthwhile. It offers three modes to tackle acne, fine lines, and redness— all in just a few minutes. The best part? I get a chance to unplug. I sit there with my eyes closed, away from screens and emails, just soaking in that soft, glowing light. It’s like finding a secret moment of tranquil bliss, making me feel rejuvenated.
5. A Podcast For The Moms
Back in the day, my car rides and chore time were spent mentally trying to figure out my next move, but now I press play on a podcast that brings me back to my center. One of my absolute favorites? “Mom Friends.” Co-hosted by fitness influencer Remi Ishizuka Pontious and her doula best friend Laura Gimbert, it’s full of honest discussions about the trials of motherhood, along with gentle wellness tips that feel like a warm hug. It’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in this journey.
In the end, these little rituals serve as a gentle reminder that peace and presence can coexist with the chaos of motherhood. Just remember, the way you define that balance is entirely your choice. You’re not alone in wanting a softer, gentler life—make it your own!
Image Source: Unsplash
