This is a sponsored article, and the opinions expressed are my own.
As parents, sometimes it feels like we spend all of our time taking care of our family's needs. I don't know about you, but I've found all that "need" eventually makes me burn out if I don't make the effort to take care of myself, too.
It's certainly a lot harder to fill your little one's emotional needs if your own emotional bank account is on empty.
So it's time to focus more on us! Here are eight ideas on how moms can find that much-needed time for themselves in Chico:
1. Enjoy brunch with a friend
Brunch with a close friend can be a splendid way to refill your cup. You get to enjoy a tasty meal, share some belly laughs, and catch up on all the things life has thrown your way. You'll leave feeling fuller - emotionally and physically!
Beatniks is a vibrant local coffee shop and breakfast joint, perfect for catching up with your bestie. They have a great variety of delicious food and beverage options! I really like their mochas and Bongo Benedict.
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2. Find your "people"
Whether you call it your tribe, village, squad, or girl gang - a support system of women going through similar experiences is essential.
Hands down the best thing I ever did for myself as a mama was join the Chico Mothers' Club!
They offer playgroups based on birth year, craft playdates, field trips, seasonal events, monthly support for pregnant women and baby's first year, Mom's Night Out (MNO), and as you'll see below - an occasional Spa Day!
Join Here! Membership costs $40/year, prorated quarterly, and starts June 1. CMC Membership makes an amazing gift, too!
You can also join a local parenting group on Facebook, like Butte County Mamas, get together with other parents from your child's school, or find a local organization that matches your interests.
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3. Schedule a spa day
Relax, lie back, and feel your everyday concerns wash away with a day at the spa! Evolve Wellness Center is just the place to start feeling like yourself again. They create a relaxing experience from the moment you walk in! It's a refreshing blend of luxury and "come as you are" that us tired mamas can appreciate.
The Chico Mothers' Club recently reserved a Spa Day there and I took full advantage. I spent 30 minutes in the Infrared Sauna, got a dewy glow with a Facial, and then received a much-needed Deep-Tissue Massage. I had a peaceful night's sleep for the first time in weeks!
Those fancy extra touches like charcuterie boards, mimosas, and flowers are not limited to big events like the one CMC had. Brooke, the owner, genuinely enjoys providing the royal treatment for all kinds of occasions! If you're booking your treatments as a group, couple, or even by yourself for something momentous like your birthday or retirement - let her know!
Mention this article and get $10 off any facial. Evolve Wellness Center is located at 56 Hanover Lane, Suite 200.
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4. Spend time outdoors
In 1845, Henry David Thoreau wrote "Walden" while secluded in the woods of Massachusetts. More than 50 years later, many scientists agree that Thoreau's meditation on life and nature is spot on.
Give nature a try; you won't regret it.
Some of my favorite trails for a beautiful meditative walk are found in Chico's stunning Bidwell Park.
Lower Bidwell Park offers lots of shade and flat, paved bike paths for walking or riding. You may even spot people on horseback!
Upper Bidwell Park features hiking trails for every skill level. Hiking up Monkey Face is a great start for beginners (kids, too!), and the view is spectacular!
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5. Try a new hobby or activity
It's easy to get bogged down with all of life's "busyness." Take a little time away and explore an activity or hobby you've always wanted to try.
From individual hobbies like photography or crochet to group activities like paint nights, running, or cycling groups, there's something for everyone.
CARD has a wide variety of classes for every age and stage here in Chico!
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6. Plan a romantic date night
Enlist the help of grandparents or exchange date night babysitting with a friend. Have dinner at your favorite restaurant, enjoy a movie or theater performance, or take a walk outdoors at sunset together.
The Allies Pub is a great option, especially if you want to enjoy live music with your dinner and drinks! They have bands and solo artists performing every Thursday from 6-8 pm and Saturday from 1-4 pm.
They've added Irish Sessions to every first and third Monday at 4:30 pm. These are traditional gatherings where talented musicians play Irish folk music together - a jam session and musical celebration!
Side note: The Allies Pub also has really cool events like Mother's Day High Tea, Paint & Sips, as well as their monthly Bros & Babies (the perfect way for dad to take the kids AND meet other dads while you get some alone time).
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7. Savor the solitude
Spending time alone is good for the soul. Read a book after the kids are in bed or at school, take a walk in your neighborhood alone, or go for a drive to nowhere special. Don't feel like you always have to be doing something "productive."
I've found it helps to make a list of things I'd like to do the next chance I have some time to myself. Otherwise I might use those precious minutes trying to figure out what to do, and then give up and start scrolling on my phone.
If you need to belly-flop onto the couch, do it! But don't tell yourself you're "doing nothing." You are making rest a priority!
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8. Check the Macaroni Kid Chico calendar
There are so many fun family-friendly events in Chico, many of which are also perfect to attend alone, with a friend, or with your partner.
Take a few minutes out of your busy life and charge your emotional battery by doing something you enjoy — even if you don't take the kids!
Taking care of yourself is so important, and not something to be overlooked. I've found that taking care of myself helps make me happier and healthier -- which, in turn, makes me a better mom at the end of the day. When Mama's cup is refilled, everyone wins.
