"Self-care" is a big topic lately and everyone supports the need to look after yourself well, especially if you are a busy mama raising young children.
You need to recharge, feel refreshed and alive to give to others. If your cup is empty you won't be able to provide much to your family.
My first years in motherhood I struggled a lot to find quiet time for myself but a couple of years ago I made the commitment to make self-care a non-negotiable part of my days.
Self-care = self-love, self- responsibility, commitment to listening to your body, connecting with your mind and spending time in the present.
The time when I considered self-care a luxury and an indulgence in expensive treats, or even a manicure, massage is gone.
- uplift my mood
- make me feel grounded
- keep up my energy and my sanity
- contribute to my wellness and happiness
Self-care practices exist by the small purposeful actions
I take during the day to love myself.
- I wake up before everyone else and enjoy the silence
- I stretch my body 5 minutes and say a prayer before starting my day
- I greet myself in the mirror and say 'I love you, you are doing great, keep going!'
- I drink hot water with lemon juice and drink it slowly
- I eat at certain times - without skipping meals
- I cook most meals from scratch and in bulk
- I drink lots of water throughout the day
- I practice deep breathing 9 times, 2 to 3 a day
- I listen to my Spanish music or local radio and dance when I can
- I take fresh air, sun and breeze every day for at least 10 min
- I go for a brisk walk at least once a week
- I meet with my sister weekly and Skype with my parents as often as I can
- I have a quick catch up with hubby after girls are sleeping
- I watch an inspirational movie instead of watching the news or normal TV
- I listen to an audio book or podcast while I clean the house and do the laundry
- I am true to myself, my beliefs, and doing what I feel is right
- I do less and live more
- I connect with my dreams and goals daily by using visual reminders
- I read my self-care manifesto every morning and night
Today I want to gift you a pdf copy of my Self-care Manifesto for Busy Mamas. I wrote it initially to heal my journey as a mum. Now, I want you to have it, own it and declare it so you start living it! 
Simply click on the image above to get yours. This manifesto is a great daily reminder for you to make wise choices and give the best to yourself because you are worth it.
And before you go please share in the comments below what actions you take regularly to look after yourself, and how you are willing to upgrade your self-care routine.