It took me a LONG time to realize, understand, and practice the subject of this post. When I became a mother almost 4 years ago, I was made to believe that ANY time I left my child was selfish. Not by any one person in particular, but I just feel like society as a whole. The more I grew into my new role as a mama, I was also completely rebranding my photography business, as I was (before kids) a motherhood + birth photographer. Once I had Asher, I could not longer do births do to the uncertainty of the schedule. Insert my interest (and insane passion) for wedding photography!

So there I was, am, a stay-at-home-working-mother. I have all the same responsibilities that I had before kids, now with kids, and now with a full time business that generates an income that I AM SOLEY RESPONSIBLE FOR. Whew! Life can get pretty stressful sometimes and for me, I NEED time away. I need time to myself and I also need time with my friends. I need time to take a hot shower. I need time to enjoy a dinner out that I didn’t have to shop for, prep, cook, or clean up after. And guess what? All of those things make me a better wife, mother, friend, and business owner. READ THAT AGAIN.

Self care is not selfish, friends. It’s your divine right as a human being to take care of yourself. My kids and my husband deserve a happy mom. My clients deserve the happiest, the most creative, the most motivated version of myself— and I simply cannot do that when I am taking time too care for everyone else other than myself.

So today I wanted to share a few small things that I do that help me TREMENDOUSLY in the world of self care and balance…

1. Listen to a podcast. Yes. Business podcasts have been my jam as of late. I find myself putting in my AirPods and listening any chance I get. The Jasmine Star show is my current obsession, but I am also dabbling into some motherhood podcasts as well. Amy Kiefer just released a new podcast called HERself and it’s amazing!

2. Go out to lunch. Alone. Y’all- this used to be my biggest fear before kids. I used to HATE going to a restaurant by myself — it was always the weirdest feeling for me. But now? PSHHH. I crave it. To eat a hot meal by myself is a dream, and also a rarity. But when I do get the chance to sneak away for some soup and salad at the OG? It’s the best.

3. Treat yourself to a pedicure. I tend to do something like this about once every 2-3 months. For me, I love having my feet looking (and feeling) great. I sometimes pick up my favorite Starbucks drink to enjoy along with it 🙂

4. Go out with friends. This can be anything you want- whether it’s meeting for a cup of coffee, a drink for happy hour, or happy hour that leads into dancing til 2am. DO IT! Going out with friends is one of my favorite ways to destress. Knowing my babies are either at home with their dad or having a sleepover at Grandma’s and I can GUILT FREE go out and be social is so much fun.

5. Plan a night in. Order take out. Take a hot bath. Catch up on your recorded shows (or Netflix!) and just be alone. I did this New Years Eve and it was the most enjoyable time that I decided I’m doing it once a month!

The best part about any of these things is none of them are expensive. They are so easy to do and schedule into your monthly planner and routine. Take the time, friends. I PROMISE you, you are worth it and you will be a better woman for it.