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A Girlfriends’ Guide to Refilling Your Cup

We’ve all be there. That day that you feel like your whole world is crashing in because you are DONE. So often, as women, we take the world on to our shoulders and give until there is nothing left. Focusing on yourself and what you need to feel whole is not selfish. In fact, it is imperative if you want to be able to continue to be there for your family.

I am blessed with an amazing community of bloggers that I love, respect and consider friends. I asked them to tell me what they do to fill up their cup. Below are their responses. I hope this gives you a few ideas for how to take a bit of time for yourself and an introduction to wonderful bloggers that you should definitely know.

“I go somewhere that truly makes me feel like myself, usually either Toronto or New York and remind myself who I really am.” ~ Elizabeth of Rolling Spoon

“I give myself a full manicure – moisturizing soak, cuticle oil, and a sparkly polish. It always makes me feel good when I’m having a rough day.” ~ Samantha of Blissful Domesticity

“I take the dog for a walk by myself – no husband, no kids, just me and my iPhone, which I use to really look around me and take pictures of things I notice. It helps me to focus on the present and all the rest fades away.” ~ Robin of Farewell Stranger

“I drop everything and do something totally unexpected with my kids – impromptu ice cream, movie night with popcorn for dinner, trip to the beach or dance party in the kitchen. That surprised look they get when you suggest something so clearly kid-friendly and off routine, followed by a bursting smile when they realize you’re serious. It warms my heart every single time and reminds me what’s truly important.” ~ Maija of Maija’s Mommy Moments

“I plan two nights a month that are bookmarked for dinner with girlfriends. I also do yoga weekly, either at home or in a studio.” ~ Alisha of Learning From My Kids

“I do what I love. Alone. The bookstore. Pedicure. A movie. Treats. When I’m happy my people are happy.” ~ Catherine of The Dabels Divulge

“Strawberry sundae from DQ and a pedicure. After I’m done my ice cream I close my eyes and just focus on the silence I’ve created. I leave feeling better with prettier toes. Oh and if I’m in a really bad place I go to hot yoga, the hardest sweatiest class I can find and compleat focus on that 90 mins and how good it is for me, it’s not uncommon for me to end up crying in class but only because I’m finally letting everything go.” ~ Kim of Two Bugs and a Blog

“I take time to soak in the tub and read a book. It’s the most selfish thing I can do on a regular night. Physically taking care of my body and mind when I usually put myself last on the list of people to look after and pamper makes me feel whole again.” ~ Heather of Home to Heather

“I take a loooong bath with a glass of wine and a good book. This is kind of embarrassing but I also do puzzles. When I’m feeling overwhelmed its usually because my brain is in overdrive and puzzles relax me. I just finished a 500 piece map of the world this weekend.” ~ Melissa of Family Fun Calgary

“A good road trip fills up my cup. I dont know whether it’s the drive, or just getting out of my usual space but a few days away from home give me a chance to recharge and relax.” Erin of Mrs. Brits

“A hot bath, a good book and diet coke. I also do hot yoga or drive to walk around a new shop or store I could never visit with my kids.” Brooke of Brooklyn Berry Designs

“When I feel like this its either because I’ve had too much time alone or not enough time alone. Which totally doesn’t make sense except the solution is usually the opposite of why I need refilling. And never underestimate the healing powers of a good ugly cry. I feel so bad when I’m sobbing that I inevitably feel better afterwards.” ~ Voula of Family Fun Canada

“I watch coronation street. Or sit in the sun with a cold drink and something to read. Or sleep in until 1pm.” ~ Leslie of Ruff Ruminations

“I go to a yoga class. It’s 60 minutes where I can tune out the world and just focus on breathing. It makes me feel better physically as well as emotionally. It’s like a reboot for my brain. Which reminds me I really need to go to a class soon.” ~ Amy of Up Mommy Creek

“I put on my favourite pick me up songs and I hula hoop or go roller skating if I need a physical outlet. I also send kind notes to friends who might need their own pick me up, or do something good for someone else. That never fails to remind me of the big picture world out there beyond my tiresome little concerns.” ~ Sarah of Doing All The Things

“A long shower where I can cry my eyes out and then a playlist of my favorite songs blasting at top volume. Music fills me up. Comfort foods are a must! A bowl of macaroni and cheese. A cup of Early Grey with some buttered toast and honey. Hugs! I grab Max when he is mellow, or even after he is asleep, and snuggle. It reminds me of what I have that is so pure and precious. It reminds me to be grateful.” ~ Misty of Life Where We Are

“I love to drive and blast my music. I get a coffee and browse bookstores or other quiet interesting places. I go to the mountains. I work out. I connect with people who know me inside and out and still love me. I make someone laugh.” ~ Jen of Little Miss Mocha

“Making my kids laugh!  Wandering through a bookstore by myself is heaven.” ~ Erin of Working Mother Chronicles

For me, there are a few things that fill me up:  having great friends that I can count on to make me smile, cry with me or just listen, traveling to places I love and enjoying a coffee while reading a good book.

What fills up your cup and refreshes your soul?

Jody Robbins

Thursday 18th of July 2013

Great suggestions. Sometimes it's hard to see the forest through the trees.

Crystal

Wednesday 17th of July 2013

Visiting with my girlfriends totally recharges me. Now that everyone has kids some very little, it's harder and fewer between, but all it takes is one night. M blessed to have such great friends.

Katie

Wednesday 17th of July 2013

I love this! It's so, so important. I've found that even when I don't have a lot of time, if my husband can give me half an hour when he gets home, I can surf Pinterest or read a book, alone. That helps a lot.

Dana

Wednesday 17th of July 2013

I like to read a book or have a bath or both. I always feel more ready to take on the world have a little time to myself.

Shan

Wednesday 17th of July 2013

Love this post. I go for a run or disappear with a book. My mental health professional tells me I need to take 30 minutes to myself everyday. I don't always find time for that, but when things start to go sideways I make sure I do.