10 Healthy Indulgences for Mommies

Sometimes being a mom and worrying about everyone else first doesn't leave you with many moments to focus on yourself and your own well-being. But making sure you stay mentally and physically healthy carries even more weight when you're responsible for others' lives, so it's essential to do some things for yourself and your happiness now and then.

Of course, you may have little time and money to spend on yourself while running a household, but there are some simple and easy ways to indulge and relax.

Take some of these ten ideas for healthy indulgences into consideration because, as the saying goes, when mom's happy, everyone's happy!

Soak it all in

With a bubble bath, that is. This may seem like a far-off pleasure for a busy mom, but it is a simple and easy way to feel like you're treating yourself.

Finding some time to draw yourself a hot bath using your favorite scents or bath salts can help you relax and become centered.

Taking care of yourself should be a priority because you will be a happier, more patient mom when you feel like you've done something for yourself.

Pamper yourself

There's nothing like getting a professional massage, facial, or mani-pedi, but you don't have to go to a salon for an expensive treatment to enjoy such indulgences. Sometimes an easy at-home pampering session can do a world of good.

Take some time to grab a do-it-yourself facial treatment at the drug store, and apply it to sit for 20 minutes in the quiet at home. Your skin and your stress levels will thank you.

Or you could pick a new color nail polish and give yourself a manicure or pedicure. Simply feeling like you're put together with painted nails can boost your mood, and picking a bright color will improve your state of mind as well.

In terms of a massage, get the hubby to give you a rub down before falling asleep and promise to return the favor another time.

Reading for pleasure

You may not be able to remember the last time you read anything that wasn't a book for your child's school, but reading for pleasure is a simple indulgence that you can pick up and put down whenever duty calls.

Find a book you've wanted to read, or snag the latest issue of your favorite magazine and curl up with it somewhere comfy.

Getting wrapped up in a good read can give you the sense of getting away for a little while and will help you relax and enjoy some me-time.

Tea or Coffee

Sometimes the simple act of sitting down with a mug of hot tea or coffee can allow you to indulge instantly.

Tea is one of the healthiest beverages for our bodies, and with so many different varieties, you can certainly find one that tastes delicious. Green, black, chamomile and peppermint are just some to name that will ease the tension associated with being a mom.

If you're a coffee drinker, treat yourself to a delicious latte or frappuccino. Doing this every day might not be a good idea, but now and then, a great cup of gourmet coffee can be an indulgence that is irreplaceable.

Move it

Even if you don't have time to go to the gym for an hour every day, a small amount of exercise can boost your mood and well-being.

Indulge in a little alone time while getting your heart going by getting out for a brisk walk or run or moving to an online workout video. This is your time to improve your health and clear your mind.

Exercise has been proven to fight stress and anxiety and release the feel-good chemical serotonin in the brain. A little bit of exercise is one of the healthiest things you can indulge in as a mom.

Your favorite scent

And no, I'm not talking about the laundry detergent. Many people underestimate the power of scent, which is the sense that is most strongly connected to the way we feel.

A very simple indulgence to help you relax for a moment's peace is to light a candle or fill a room with potpourri.

Certain aromatic herbs, like lavender, can lift your mood naturally. Aromatherapy candles or a spritz of your favorite perfume can trigger feelings of calmness, tranquility, and serenity.

Meditate and stretch

Stretching, meditating, and focusing on your breathing can make a huge difference in your mood, stress, and feelings of self-indulgence.

Stretching helps ease tired muscles and increase circulation within your body to soothe stress away. Meditation and focusing on breathing can allow you to become aware of your body and your thoughts.

Take this time to center on what makes you happy and what you appreciate in your life, and you can instantly feel happier.

Doing this outdoors can increase your mood by connecting with nature, basking in the sunlight, and breathing in the fresh air.

Favorite food

Turning to food every time you want to feel better is not the healthiest thing to do, but it is a great indulgence to enjoy every once in a while. Whether you pick up a nice piece of fish to cook for yourself, try a new recipe that involves some of your favorite ingredients (not just the ones your kids' love), or nibble on a piece of chocolate, some of your favorite foods that you don't eat very often can feel like a simple pleasure in a hectic world.

A sporadic splurge here and there on a juicy steak or creamy milkshake can make you feel good, as long as you don't overdo it.

Watch a movie

Nix, the cartoons and Disney characters, to watch a movie that you've wanted to see. Whether you love romantic comedies, action movies, or documentaries, watching a movie when you have the time is a simple indulgence that many moms don't get to enjoy as often as they once did.

If you need a pick-me-up, pop in a comedy and allow yourself to enjoy all of the health benefits that come along with a good laugh. Studies have shown that laughing can improve blood flow, stabilize blood pressure, pump up immunity, and lower stress levels.

Call a friend or loved one

When most of your conversations are with your kids, you can feel like you don't have much time to talk about what’s going on in your own life.

Phoning a friend or family member can help you get everything that’s on your mind off of your chest.

Having someone there to listen and have a casual conversation can make you feel happier and more at ease. Catching up with someone you haven't spoken with in a while can keep you on an even keel as well.

How do you spend quality me time?