How To Practice Self Care as a Mom
Self care is not a selfish act. It’s an essential part of being a good mom and taking care of yourself. Repeat that out loud. But that is so much easier said than done! Here are some tips on how to practice self care as a mom even if you are busy every second of every day and night.
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Why Is It Imperative to Practice Self Care as a Mom?
Many of us see taking time each day for self care as a mom to be selfish. After all, you probably wanted to be a mom, you most likely chose to have these tiny humans to care for, nurture, and grow each day. So doesn’t that mean they deserve your full time and attention?
Well, yes and no.
Have you heard the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup?”
It’s absolutely true.
Mothers give endlessly. From the second our eyes open to the time they close (and probably open and close again and again as you are called to your little ones at night too) we are doing everything for everyone.
It is imperative that you take a time out, a break, or even just a breather to care for yourself. But that is so much easier said than done.
So here are 7 simple yet powerful ways to practice self care as a busy mom.
Make time each day for yourself, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes.
We all know how important it is to take care of our physical health. We are inundated with messages about the importance of eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But what about our mental health?
Just as our bodies need regular care and attention, so do our minds. One simple but effective way to do this is to make time each day for yourself, even if it’s just 10-15 minutes, and even if that time isn’t consecutive.
During this time, you can do something that brings you joy or simply allows you to relax and recharge. Maybe you enjoy reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
Whatever it is, find something that helps you to unwind and de-stress. Taking even a small amount of time each day for yourself can make a big difference in your overall mental well-being.
Check out these 10 mindset shifts you can make as a mom to be less stressed and anxious every day.
Take a hot bath or read your favorite book to practice self care as a mom.
There are few things more relaxing than a hot bath. The steam helps to clear your head and the heat soothes your muscles.
If you’re not in the mood for a bath, reading can also be quite relaxing. Curling up with a good book allows you to escape from your everyday worries and enter a world of adventure, romance, or mystery.
Whether you’re looking to relax your body or your mind, a hot bath or a good book is sure to do the trick.
RELATED: How to Self Care with Kids in Tow
Exercise – go for a walk, run, or do some yoga regularly.
The best way to get fit is to find an activity you enjoy and stick with it. For some people, that means hitting the gym hard six days a week. But for busy moms, a more moderate approach may work better.
Studies have shown that even moderate amounts of exercise can have significant health benefits. So if you’re not the type to hit the gym hard, don’t despair. Just focus on finding an activity you enjoy and making it part of your regular routine.
Walking, running, and yoga (check out a yoga with baby/little one routine) are all great options and can be done with a baby or toddler in tow. Plus these activities can be done virtually anywhere, at any time of day. So there’s no excuse not to get started on your fitness journey today.
RELATED: How to Exercise as a Busy Mom
Connect with friends and family to self care- have coffee, dinner, or a movie night.
In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to find time to connect with friends and family. However, making time for social interactions is important for our mental and emotional well-being.
One way to make sure you stay connected is to schedule regular coffee, dinner, or movie nights with your loved ones. This gives you a chance to catch up and enjoy each other’s company. You can get a babysitter, do it after your kids are in bed, or bring them along with you.
You don’t always have to ditch the kids to self care or get a bit of a break. Though it can be nice too, it isn’t always feasible. So don’t let the kids being in tow stop you from taking time to take care of yourself as well.
So whether you’re catching up with an old friend or getting to know a new family member, take the time to enjoy some quality time together.
Get enough sleep – aim for at least 7 hours each night.
According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night. However, almost all moms struggle to get enough rest.
Lack of sleep can have serious consequences, leading to fatigue, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. “Mom brain” is real and its biggest factor is a lack of sleep.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, there are a few things you can do to improve your sleep habits.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed
- Establish a regular bedtime routine
- Create a relaxing environment in your bedroom.
Though it may not solve the broken sleep problem that many moms suffer from due to the waking of their children: by making some simple changes, you can get a lot more of the restful sleep you need to feel your best.
Take breaks throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate.
It’s important to take breaks throughout the day to relax and rejuvenate. This gives your body and mind a chance to rest and recharge, so you can be more productive for the rest of the daily struggles and chores of life as a mom.
There are a variety of ways to take a break, such as going for a walk, taking a nap, or just sitting quietly with your eyes closed, even if it means letting your kids veg out on the tv or tablet for a little bit.
Taking a break can also help to reduce stress, which can have positive effects on your overall health. When you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out, take a step back and give yourself some time to relax. You’ll be glad you did.
RELATED: 20+ Ways to Self Care in 5 Minutes or Less
Wrapping Up How to Practice Self Care as a Mom
Taking a little bit of time for yourself each day is crucial for maintaining your sanity, productivity, and overall well-being. It can be tough to find the time or motivation to do something for yourself when you’re always busy with your kids and family life, but it’s important not to neglect your own needs.
Repeat after me, “Self care is not selfish.”
All of the tips we’ve shared should help make it a bit easier for you to carve out some “me time” on a regular basis. Make it a daily habit. Your family will thank you!
You can even splurge a little on one of these 29 gifts to help you self care.
What do you like to do during your downtime? How do you recharge after a long day? Let us know in the comments below!
