With so many things dragging at the their time and resources, many moms find it difficult to escape and take care of themselves. If you've fallen into the habit of making excuses and putting off self-care for later, it's time to change your mindset. Caring for yourself makes you better able to take care of your kids, your spouse, and your home--so try some of these simple self-care tips to have you feeling more energetic, more enthusiastic, and more ready to tackle all of the responsibilities on your plate.

1. Make exercise a priority. Sure, you spend all day on your feet, chasing your little ones around--or do you? You need the calorie-burning, energy-building boost of a good, solid workout several times a week. Whether it's a walk around the block with the kids, a quick and easy home exercise routine, or a regular trip to the gym, it's important that you stay active.

2. Drink more water. Have you ever stopped in the middle of the day and suddenly realized that you haven't had anything to drink all day? Hydration improves your energy levels, keeps your skin looking great, and keeps your body healthier--and it only takes a few seconds at a time! If you struggle with drinking enough water throughout the day, try buying a pretty water bottle and keeping it close. You'll be more likely to drink if water is easily accessible.

3. Make yourself feel beautiful. As Dr. Joseph Ajaka acknowledges, feeling beautiful will go a long way toward changing how you view the challenges you tackle every day. If you've struggled to get your body to look the way you want it to, there are a variety of simple cosmetic procedures that can have you looking your best, from a tummy tuck to breast augmentation. More than that, however, take the time to make yourself feel beautiful every day. Put on a little makeup and dress up when you're feeling down. You'll be surprised by the impact it has on your mood!

4. Pamper yourself. Have your nails and toes painted at your local nail salon (hint: some will offer mini-pedis to little ones, if you need to take a young daughter with you!), get your hair cut and styled, or take the time for a relaxing massage. You don't need a full spa day to come out feeling rested, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle the world again!

5. Visit your doctor. You make sure your kids attend doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, and eye exams regularly. If they're sick, you have them at the clinic as soon as possible. For yourself, however, you often ignore minor maladies until they become a serious problem. Instead, engage in a little self care. Visit the doctor before little issues become ongoing problems and watch your overall health improve as a result.

6. Meal prep. Prepping meals--especially breakfast and lunch, which are often grabbed on the go--can make a big difference in the amount of time you have to spend thinking about what you're going to eat. Not only that, pre-prepared meals will make you more likely to eat the healthy food you need instead of the junk food that's easy to grab when you're in a hurry.

7. Indulge a few guilty pleasures. Do you enjoy watching a trashy television show after the kids are in bed? Is crafting a passion? Give yourself permission to indulge some of your guilty pleasures. You'll quickly discover that you feel more refreshed as a result.

Learning to prioritize self care takes time. By starting with many of these simple ways to take care of yourself, however, you'll discover that you're more prepared to take on the challenges the world might throw at you.