10 Guilt-Free (and Cost-Free) Pleasures for Moms

Whether working or staying home with the kids, motherhood is a tough job because moms have multiple duties of work, keeping house, and taking care of the family. But a stressed out, tired, and irritable mom makes for an unhappy household. That is why moms must take time out for themselves. They tend to put their needs aside in order to take care of everyone else first. And when moms do make themselves a priority, they are stricken with guilt because they feel that they are being selfish. But they don't have to feel this way. Here are some guilt-free, and better yet, cost-free pleasures to help moms bring back their sanity.

1. Take a brisk walk
Get outside and walk. Walk anywhere, around the block or a couple of blocks. Walk to the store or to the park. Not only does walking help with weight loss and gets the heart pumping and endorphins moving, but the outdoors rejuvenates the body and soul after being cooped up in the home or office all day.

2. Stretch
Hunched over the desk or lifting and carrying the kids can really take a toll on the body. Most of the tension that moms experience stem from tightness in the back and shoulder muscles. A five to ten minute stretch brings circulation back throughout the body.

3. Phone a friend
There's nothing more enjoyable than catching up with girlfriends. Moms tend to drown themselves in the daily chaotic routine that it's easy to neglect friendships. Even a call just to say hello lifts the spirit. Girlfriends also help moms to remember that they, too, are women who need just as much pampering and attention as everyone else.

4. Read
Finish that novel. Browse the newspaper. Flip through a beauty magazine. Whatever it is, get lost in a good read. Reading stimulates the brain cells and takes the mind off of work, house chores, and dirty diapers.

5. Surf the internet
Browsing the internet can be very therapeutic. Thousands upon thousands of websites flood the internet with an enormous variety of topics. Want to learn about something new? Google it. Have an urge to delve into people's lives or their thoughts? Search for blogs. Get lost in a sea of "htmls".

6. Listen to music...in the car
Sit in the car, turn up the air conditioner, and blast the stereo. Driving is optional. The point is to enjoy the solitude.

7. Take a bubble bath
Nothing soothes the soul better than a warm, luxurious bubble bath. Light some candles, put on some soft music, and soak away the stress. Don't forget to hang the "Do not disturb" sign on the door.

8. Journal
Journaling is not just for jotting down the day's events. Journaling helps to clear the mind of junk and clutter that collects throughout the day or to gather thoughts and ideas. It also serves as a safe haven for moms to log down dreams and wishes, complaints, pent-up emotions, and whatever else is jumping around inside their heads.

9. Be still
Being still helps to ground and calm the body. Moms often stretch themselves in so many directions, their bodies moving about from one thing to the next. Many times they forget to slow down. Stillness pulls everything back together - the mind, body, and spirit.

10. Take a nap
Napping is the ultimate indulgence that moms don't take advantage of. Just as a car must make a pit stop after driving for hundreds of miles to rest and fuel up so it doesn't overheat or breakdown, the body requires the same. During a nap, the body shuts down, allowing it to recuperate. Power naps that last for ten to fifteen minutes work better than a thirty minute nap because the body will less likely go into a deep sleep, making it easier to wake up to continue the rest of the day.

Most of these activities don't require a huge amount of time to accomplish. In fact, they can all be done in thirty minutes or less if moms don't want to be away from the family for too long. And better yet, they are free of charge. The main thing is that moms make it a point to set aside a block of alone time just for themselves. It doesn't have to be everyday, maybe once or twice a week. Scheduling it and writing it down keeps the family informed ahead of time not to expect mom at a certain time and day. A ritual of guilt-free pleasures makes mom a happy camper!