Love Yourself Right Now: A Guide for Stay-At-Home-Moms

Everyone needs a pick-me-up every now and then. More often than not a blue mood comes on at the worst possible time; before a big presentation, while cramming for a huge test, while getting ready to go out on a date. No matter the occasion, you need to love yourself right now!

As a stay-at-home-mom, you need to take the time to love yourself. So often we find ourselves putting our children, husbands and activities above all else. Take a few minutes to love yourself everyday. These tips are for a quick pick-me-up but they can also be practiced everyday to improve your overall love of yourself.

Love Yourself Right Now Tip #1

Turn up the radio! Throw in a favorite upbeat CD or tune into a favorite radio station. Close the doors, take a drive, or walk with your iPod and sing. Forget the world around you - just tune it all out except for you and your music.

Many studies have been performed on the effect of music on brain waves, heart patterns, and mood. Most experiments show that upbeat music with a strong rhythm increases endorphins which make people happy. So go, sing and dance like no one is watching!

I love to throw in upbeat music while I'm cleaning the house. It keeps me motivated and my daughter and I can sing as loud as we want and dance as we pick things up. Keep a small boom box in the bathroom too, this way while you are showering or cleaning you can escape to your world.

Love Yourself Right Now Tip #2

Get dolled up! Take a shower, get dressed up, do your make-up, curl your hair even if the only thing you're doing tonight is taking your boys to Scouts. You will know you look good and usually you'll get a few complements that will do nothing but help you love yourself even more.

Sometimes I get all fixed up just to go grocery shopping. I have learned that when I am dressed up, I am friendlier to people and am able to make small talk with people while waiting in line.

Love Yourself Right Now Tip #3

Talk to Someone. Doesn't matter who. Call your mom, friend or start chatting with the people in line at the post office or grocery store. It can be scary but if you start out small, it will get easier. If you can't think of anything here is a trick my husband taught me: Pick-up a magazine (preferably Globe, Star or the Enquirer) read the headline out loud, add your own comment, and then make eye contact with the person closest to you. They will feel as if they have to respond with something. It may be awkward at first but you will soon get the hang of it.

Love Yourself Right Now Tip #4

Get out of the House! Take the kids and just go to the grocery store, park, or the new boutique you keep thinking about stopping at. McDonald's Play place is NOT a good place to go. Remember this is for you, not for your kids. Go somewhere where you can still enjoy yourself and maybe even make some small talk with someone.

When I just want to get out of the house I go for a walk with my daughter in a stroller or visit the library, thrift stores and discount warehouses. I may not purchase anything but if I do some impulse buying at least it will be cheap!

Love Yourself Right Now Tip #5

Make an Appointment. Pick up the phone right now and schedule a hair appointment, nail appointment, doctor appointment, sign-up for a class, or get information on a club or group you want to check out.

I realize this sounds a little strange but stay-at-home-moms always put off things for themselves to fit in activities for the kids. Make the decision to schedule an activity for yourself! Even if it is just a doctor appointment - it is YOUR appointment. Find a sitter for the kids and go by yourself.

Many communities offer classes that are free to the public or free to members of their club or association. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce, Library, Parks & Recreation Department, Hardware Stores, Craft Stores and Lawn Care Centers to find information, and then go for it.

Love Yourself Right Now Resources:

Practical applications of music: the effects of music on mood, anxiety, pain, and

Productivity by Ian Boswell