Remember the carefree days of being a single woman without a child, where your biggest worry was maintaining your looks and emotional health? Ah, those were the days! Let’s take a nostalgic journey to see how our self-care routines have changed from then to now.
Vacation
Then: Picture a week in Cancun with your best friends. You stayed in a luxurious resort, soaking up the sun by day and dancing the night away. You returned home with vibrant souvenirs, a sun-kissed glow, and scandalous stories you swore would remain secret.
Now: It’s a rare two-hour dinner at a chain Mexican restaurant, courtesy of the grandparents babysitting. The wildest part? Enjoying a couple of margaritas and impulsively buying a pack of smokes for ten bucks. What a thrill!
Shopping
Then: Countless hours spent browsing stores for chic career outfits, trendy casual wear, and the perfect little black dress.
Now: While grabbing diapers at Target, you casually toss random clothes into the cart, hoping something will fit.
Salon Visit
Then: Every six to eight weeks, you’d indulge in hours of foil highlights, Brazilian blowouts, and trendy cuts, often accompanied by a glass of wine or endless coffee.
Now: Scissors are hidden in the maxi pad box, and you take matters into your own hands by trimming your bangs during nap time. For special occasions, you splurge on boxed dye.
Mani-Pedi
Then: Every other Saturday, you and your bestie would hit the nail salon for acrylic fills and adorable nail art.
Now: You celebrate small victories when your husband pushes the stroller, giving you a moment to breathe.
Spa Day
Then: A day spent with friends enjoying massages, facials, and infused water was the ultimate indulgence.
Now: After your toddler resists nap time, you buckle him into the car seat, switch on the Spa channel on Sirius, and drive around until he dozes off. You park by the river to catch up on magazines until he wakes up, which is usually in about 30 seconds. No yoga today, but you do find some stale cigarettes in the glove compartment from last year’s “vacation.” And a quick chug of Vitamin Water on the way home has got to count for health, right?
Spoiling by Your Partner
Then: Your boyfriend would treat you to a spa day with friends, a fancy dinner, and a night of romance.
Now: The highlight is that rare occasion when your husband lets you enjoy four beers from the six-pack and actually allows you to pass out in peace.
Killer Workout
Then: You’d spend an hour in a cycling class followed by a half-hour ab session.
Now: Your workout routine consists of day two of the Three Day Potty Training method.
Massage
Then: Whether it was Swedish, deep tissue, or hot stone, you were pampered in calming surroundings.
Now: When your toddler throws a tantrum, you expertly drape him over your shoulder, using those little fists to target that hard-to-reach knot between your shoulder blades. “I’m sorry, Sweetie, but can you aim a little to the left?” Now that’s satisfying!
Therapy
Then: You’d delve into your past with a skilled therapist, addressing your issues and emerging stronger.
Now: There’s no budget for therapy, so instead, you just block those Facebook friends who need to tone it down.
This article originally appeared on July 22, 2012. For more insights, check out our piece on home insemination at this link. And if you’re looking for expert advice on artificial insemination, Cryobaby has you covered!
In summary, self-care as a mom may look different now, but it’s just as important. Whether it’s sneaking in a moment of peace or getting creative with your own pampering, every little bit counts.