I wrote this post on behalf of BeautyEncounter.com. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I personally love the site.
One of the major changes that has occurred for me in the new year is that I am focusing on ME more each day. I was feeling like I was living in yoga pants (not always a bad thing, mind you) and messy hair. I was beginning to feel that my home was this place that I could just hibernate at times. Being a SAHM (stay at home mom) or WAHM (work at home mom) doesn’t mean that you have to be frumpy. In fact, I think that the simple act of getting up and getting myself ready as if I were going to go out into the world each day makes me feel better. It is so easy to get used to waking up and rolling out of bed without taking time for yourself. Here are some simple things I am doing each day to make myself feel more awake and alive!
1. I wake each day and change clothes. It would be such an easy thing to stay in pajamas all day but I think it is necessary to get out of those clothes and into something more presentable. The only person I may run into is the mailman but I still want to be looking like I am awake, not rolling out of bed. A pair or yoga pants is a fine thing sometimes but I also try to put on some comfy jeans too. They just look better and make me feel more put-together.
2. I put on makeup. My makeup is not always a big deal… a little powder and mascara can make a drastic difference in my appearance. I have to admit that this is the one I struggle with the most but I am trying to make a little bit of primping a daily necessity. I feel better when I do it.
3. I put on some perfume or body spray. For years I have avoided wearing any perfume because of carrying babies. Well, those days are over and it is time to smell good again, instead of like baby food. Don’t be put off by this one. You can find some great discount perfume and not break the bank! Having a few different scents to use, depending on my mood that day, is a fun way to switch things up. I have even allowed my girls to have some kid perfumes because they find it fun to use too.
4. I stay moisturized. Something about dry skin really makes me feel just awful. Using a nice lotion a few times a day makes my skin soft and smooth and that makes me feel good. I keep it on my desk to use as often as I feel I need it. Shuffling papers and typing really do dry out your hands.
5. I fix my hair. This is a huge issue for me because I am in the grow-out phase and there are times I seriously consider putting on a hat instead of fixing my hair. I find that having my hair looking great (or at least fixed) makes me feel a hundred times better about myself.
6. I use essential oils. I find that using a few special essential oils boosts my moods and makes me feel amazing. I keep them right on my desk, in plain sight so that I remember to use them. If I start feeling down, I will grab one or two that always help and apply them. It takes seconds and works wonders.
7. If I can, I make a trip out. It may be to the gas station or grocery store, but I try to get out once every few days for more than school pickup. Just being around other adults really does make a huge difference in my moods.
What are some tips you have to get yourself feeling good if you stay at home all day?
Which essential oils do you use? I’ve been thinking about getting some.
Virginia, I use doTerra oils (you can see more about what we do on the navigation bar). The ones that I keep on my desk are Elevation, Balance, Wild Orange, and Lavender. Depending if I need a mood lift or need to calm down, they are all there ready to use. They really help me. I also have In Tune at my desk for the times I struggle to concentrate or get my mind settled.
Let me know if you have any questions about doTerra. I would be happy to talk with you about them!
As a work at home mom my stay at home days are frequent. I have started applying makeup lately as a pick me up.
I don’t do most of this list on a daily basis, but I should. It’s amazing how a little bit of effort can really make you feel better!
It is so important to take care of ourselves. I definitely like to put on something to smell good and do some primping in the morning as well, it makes me feel human! 🙂
Personally, I haven’t been a fan of makeup since high school and getting dressed in nice clothes since I got married (long before I had my daughter), so I’m going to have to agree to disagree with you on this one. lol It does make me feel better getting out of the house whenever I can, though.
I love your post. I try to get out of my pajamas early in the day but it is so hard not to just stay comfy all day.
i need to get a haircut. it has been a year! WOW.
I’m not home 100% now that my big one is in school, but it’s definitely important to change things up. I always try to at least get dressed, makeup is the next step.
You are so right about the lotion. When my skin is dry I feel just awful. Same thing about the hair. I don’t feel confident when I know my hair is jacked up.
Definitely get dressed, brush teeth, wash face, put on a little moisturizer and read your Bible – before the kids get up. I have to have quiet time before anyone else is up – it makes my day just – well, better.
My biggest no-no is that I start working right away in the morning and next thing I know its 11:00 am and I haven’t showered or even eaten breakfast. I’m trying to do better with that this year!
I’m so terrible about just throwing on yoga pants and tying my hair up in a messy bun. I do feel better when I get ready for the day. Even if that just means putting on my nicer yoga pants!
This year I am trying to wear more eyeshadow.. sounds weird right? I’m trying to make a point that I can dress up and fix myself up daily. Who wants to wear eyeshadow in jammies.. not me! LOL
I used to take a lot of time with my clothes, hair and makeup. Even when I started having kids. But now, after just having my fourth, I’m guilty of turning into the SAHM. You know. The one who doesn’t care about her appearance. Unless I’m going somewhere special. Thanks for the kick in the pants!
Ugghh!! I am in the same boat. I love, or loved to look nice and now Im all blahhh!! I must adopt your plan haha!
I love my lounge pants too much to dress up when staying home. I do make sure to put on fresh clothing and fix my hear each morning so that I feel better and am more productive. I shower at night though because I usually wouldn’t have time to do it with two kids at home with me!
These are really such great tips. It’s amazing how much better I feel when I take good care of myself.
I so NEED to start doing this! I’ve gotten in a real drag since the winter set in and I need to do something to make myself feel good! D+G Light Blue is my favorite BTW!
I am so use to my sweats and looking like a bum at home. I made a promise that once a week I would take my computer and go up to starbucks or panera so I can feel useful and get some life in me.
I am a firm believer that you should get completely dressed & made up each day. When we feel good about ourselves, we are more productive and happier.
I definitely agree with all of these! I love a good pj day but when I’ve been at home for more than a couple of days in a row, I have to make myself look pretty or I just feel so unconfident in myself!
Hahaha, does waking each day, showering and putting on new jammies count?
lol I was just thinking the same thing!