5 Things I Used To Do Before The Mom Life

Haven’t showered in 5 days and on my 4th cup of coffee.

#themomlife

That hashtag. It reminds me to smile in the moments I want to pull my hair out.

Got distracted. Forgot to text back. #themomlife

Messy bun. Again. #themomlife

I can deal with all of those but the one I can’t handle…

I was chatting with a friend lately and we started talking about the last time we did something intentionally for ourselves. The consensus? Barely, if ever. #themomlife?

Boo! I don’t think the mom life should mean we back-burner ourselves, but it’s really hard not to.

I pour myself into my husband, job and kids and by the end of the day I fall into bed without even a moment for myself.

I decided to take my life back. I made myself a list. A list of things that I enjoy. Things I used to do all the time before I had kids.

You should make a list too! Your list might look a little different. Borrow a couple of mine and add a few of your own favorites. Turn it into a checklist and then do them throughout this week.

5 Things I Used To Do (Before I Was a Mom)… That I’m Starting Again

1. I used to exercise. 

I used to head to the gym and use the equipment or meet my friends at the trails and run. While I’d love to do that again, realistically my life doesn’t have time for that right now so instead I started a squat challenge with my sister-in-law. It’s super simple, it only takes a couple of minutes and I can do it in my living room. Win-win.

2. I used to read.

I used to read and when I did it wasn’t a children’s book and it wasn’t out loud. I used to start a book, get absorbed and barely sleep that night. While I’d love to read until 4 in the morning again, I now have children who wake me up depressingly early. So instead I’m squeezing it in wherever I can. A little before bed but mainly in my driveway, after errands, when my kids are out cold in their carseats.

I’m trying out Playster, their monthly service offers unlimited books (and music, movies and games) and it’s all on a tablet which is easy to carry with me and holds a zillion books without added space or weight.

Browse their books, find a quiet moment and enjoy! Playster is the only service currently offering unlimited audiobooks and ebooks. And another one of my favorite features, you can save as many e-books as you like to enjoy offline.

There’s something so therapeutic about reading, taking a moment to unwind and let someone else’s words and thoughts fill your mind.

3. I used to paint my toe nails.

This is one of those little things I used to do every week in the summer time. It just made me feel… happier. Pink one week. Grey the next. It only takes 5 minutes so I’m starting it again.

4. I used to listen to music. All the time.

While I cleaned. While I cooked. Music was always on. Honestly, I don’t know why I stopped doing this, it literally takes 2 seconds to turn somethign on. So, I’m starting to turn music on again, which can also be done on Playster, while I clean, while I cook.

5. I used to spend money on myself.

Have you seen the meme circling Facebook, where the mom goes shopping to get herself a shirt and comes home with 10 things for the kids and nothing for herself? That is me. Every time.

So, I’m giving myself a little spending money but this time with one rule. I can buy anything I want but it has to be for me.

Make it Happen

Make your list, then tape it to your fridge so you really make it happen. Do the things you used to do and love.

Playster is also offering a free 30-day trial for our Realistic Mama readers!! Just click here to go check it out!

More About Playster

Playster is the world’s first all-inclusive online entertainment portal, bringing together music, movies, books, audiobooks and games in one convenient, easy-to-use subscription.

Are you looking for…

• … entertainment unlimited?
• … endless possibilities?
• … and great value?

Playster is home to the world’s most diverse digital catalog, filled with entertainment in all its forms. All of your favorite titles are now at your fingertips, wrapped up in one simple monthly subscription.

I’m currently reading One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury. What about you?

Giveaway

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The giveaway ends July 31st at 11:59 p.m. central time. To enter, follow the steps on the Rafflecopter above. Must be 18 years or older to enter and have a valid US mailing addresses. Winner will have 24 hours to respond and claim the prize, so please watch your email!

One More Thing

Ready to de-stress + spend more quality time with your kids?

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 Want more great posts?

• 29 Hilarious Truths About Moms
• 8 Ways to Get Out of a Funk
• Why Moms Love Stitch Fix

This post is sponsored by Playster but all opinions are my own.

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