Letting Go of Mom Guilt: Why Self-Care Is Essential for Well-Being
Motherhood is the ultimate multi-tasking job. It brings with it loads of joy, and a fair share of challenges. Getting time for self-care feels as easy as convincing a toddler to eat their veggies.
With the mental load of motherhood comes the demands of raising children, managing a household, and sometimes working outside the home. It often seems impossible to carve out time for yourself. However, taking care of yourself as a mother is like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others in an airplane crash. Not only does it help you breathe easier, but it can also make you better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood.
Have you asked yourself, how do moms find time for self-care or how do you balance self-care and the mental load of motherhood?
Many mothers ask these questions. Whether you have a newborn, toddler, teens or somewhere in between, being a mom is hard. You probably don’t have hours a day to rest, but start small. Even dedicating a mere 15 minutes to self-care everyday can produce long-term benefits that can positively impact your mental, physical, and emotional health.
Here are 7 tips on the importance of self-care for moms and how to make it happen:
1. Prioritize self-care: Make self-care just as important as any other task on your to-do list. Try scheduling it into your daily or weekly routine, whether it is reading a book, a yoga class, your favorite Netflix show, or a taking bubble bath. Maybe you choose to sit in the car for 10 minutes before your drive home or before you go into the house and just blast your favorite song!
2. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to stress, mood swings, and negative health outcomes. Make it a priority to get enough sleep each night by setting a bedtime routine and sticking to it as much as possible.
3. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness practices such as meditation or deep breathing, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Try practicing mindfulness for a few minutes each day to help improve your mental health. Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, doing the laundry, washing dishes, taking a shower, or during your morning coffee. The idea behind mindfulness is to focus on ONLY the present moment without judgment.
4. Connect with others: Social support is critical for our mental and emotional well-being. Make time to connect with your friends or family members, even if it's just a phone call, video chat, or a quick coffee date.
5. Exercise regularly: Exercise or move your body regularly. It is not only beneficial for physical health but also for mental health. Even a quick walk around the block can help reduce stress and improve mood. If you don’t like the treadmill, try dancing. It’s healthy and fun! And kids love this one too.
6. Indulge in your hobbies: Do you have a hobby that you enjoy, whether it's painting, gardening, cooking, going to the movies, sitting in nature, or reading, make time to indulge in your passions. Doing something you love can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
7. Seek support when needed: Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Whether it is reaching out to a friend, hiring a babysitter for a few hours, or hiring someone to clean your home once a month, asking for help can give you the time and space you need to recharge.
In conclusion, self-care is crucial for any moms well-being. So, don’t hesitate to take some time for yourself. It's not only good for you, but also for your kids and family. A happier and less stressed mom, equals a happier home. Even if you start small…START.
Go ahead and indulge in some self love!
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”
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