Real women share: How I pamper myself

Finding some time to pamper yourself is important for your mental health and your overall happiness. Though it can be difficult to find time for yourself, it's certainly essential. We talked to a variety of real women across the country to find out how they pamper themselves.

Mani-pedi

Most of the women that we talked to mentioned a mani-pedi as one of their favorite ways to get pampered.

"Before becoming a mom, I was great at pampering myself," says Laura Willard, SheKnows Parenting Editor. "And then I slipped into that pattern I swore I never would — always putting everyone else before myself. I recently committed to taking care of me again, so I started by going for manis and pedis every two weeks. I don't answer emails or do any work, and I don't have my kids with me. It's nothing huge, but it's an hour and a half of quiet time, and in the end, pretty toes and fingers make me feel better about myself."

Drive time

Several women mentioned escaping in the car. Not for a weekend getaway, but just for an hour or so of peace.

"Every Sunday, I take a trip to the farmers market, which is about a 45-minute drive," says Veronica Garcia, Texas mom of three "It's all about me, playing whatever music I want as loud as I want on the way there. And then of course, shopping for healthy food for my family is a big bonus."

Chicago mom and writer Lisa Steinke agrees that sometimes it's the drive rather than the destination that matters. "I drive an hour to get my hair done. It's as much about the alone time in the car as it is about the hairdresser."

Meditation

It's important for all of us to take time out to relax, reduce stress and recharge our batteries. One of the best ways to do that is with meditation. Meditation provides peace of mind, lowers your blood pressure, decreases muscle tension, reduces anxiety and can even cure headaches.

"I used to have incredible, debilitating stress headaches," says Crystal Davis of Dallas. "Then, one of my friends got me into yoga. I can't explain to you what a world of difference it has made in my life. Now, not only can I function again, but I feel happier and healthier than ever."

Spa day

When you need a break, there's nothing like letting someone else take care of you — even for an hour. Many women enjoy the pleasures of a spa day, or at the least, a trip to the salon for a mini makeover.

"Whenever I'm feeling exhausted or stressed, I head to the spa," says Caryn McMichael of Florida. "Between work, family and everything else, it's easy to get burned out. But there's nothing an afternoon at the spa can't fix. Every month, I get a massage or a facial. And I have a standing appointment at the salon every two weeks to get a mani-pedi and my brows under control."

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