Why should I worry about self-care as a mom?
Many of the things I did before I had a baby, I would have never considered self-care. However, now that I can’t do those things or do them much less frequently, I realize just how important they were to my mental well-being. And I am talking something as simple as sitting in my car after my daily commute. No people, no sounds, no hurry to get things done – just me and some peace and quiet.
Although you may have heard the term “self-care” used quite often, you may still be unsure of what it means and how it applies to moms. While the concept does involve taking care of yourself, it actually goes much deeper. Keep reading to learn what self-care for moms is, why it should matter and how to get started doing it.
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Why is self-care so important for moms?
Self-care for moms covers a lot of areas with regard to caring for yourself. It involves nurturing your body, mind and spirit. It allows you to rebuild yourself, so you don’t become run down and burnt out, so you are able to continue to care for others.
Basically, self-care for moms is treating yourself as good as those you care about. It requires you to show yourself some compassion and grace, while also encouraging you to be vulnerable with others by asking for help you when you need a break.
There are lots of benefits to practicing self-care as a mom. Embracing this concept can be difficult, especially for women who’ve always placed emphasis on caring for others. However, giving all your energy to those around you without filling your own tank will leave you feeling empty. But you can’t run on those fumes forever.
Instead, spending time (even 5 minutes a day) and effort on yourself rejuvenates and energizes you. Taking time to indulge in your own interests allows you to regain your self-worth and improves your self-esteem, while giving you a better outlook on life. It teaches you a lot about yourself and provides you with insight into what you need to be the best version of yourself.
Self-care helps you better cope with stress and prioritize what’s important to you. You’ll be better able to take care of others when you take the time to meet your own needs.
What are some examples of self-care for moms?
There are countless ways to add self-care into your daily mom routine. The key is to choose activities that you enjoy (think of all those hobbies you once had) and provide the most benefit. So, what exactly does that look like?
- Taking a walk in nature is great for those who enjoy the outdoors.
- Practicing exercises like yoga, running or going to the gym work well.
- Spending time with friends can be rejuvenating, especially for extroverts.
- Treating yourself to a favorite indulgence like a movie, manicure or ice cream cone are good examples.
- Taking a bath or meditating can be relaxing.
Saying no is also a form of self-care for moms. Allowing yourself to decline invitations or favors when you don’t feel up to it is a big part of caring for yourself. You don’t have to be the chair of every PTA event, if it means losing a piece of yourself each time. You’re still a good mom!
Now that you know why self-care for moms is important and you have some ideas of how to get started, you’re well on your way to adding this useful practice to your everyday life.
How do I practice self-care everyday as a busy mom?
Like any new habit, adding self-care into your life can seem kind of tricky, especially if you’re short on time. You’re probably wondering how you’ll manage to find time to practice self-care as a busy mom, let alone how you’ll actually remember to do it.
One of the best ways to get started is to build your activities into the time you already have available in your day and be sure to add it to your calendar. In order to make something a habit, it has to happen regularly. Here are some tricks to making self-care for busy moms a regular part of your life.
1. Make It Personal and Enjoyable
The first thing that will help you in sticking with your self-care routine is to choose activities that are meaningful to you and that you enjoy. This is your free time, so you want to be sure it’s something you actually want to do to get the most benefit from it.
Make a list of things that help you to feel relaxed, peaceful, excited or happy. These activities should be able to be done in a short amount of time and easily fit into your life without extra equipment or tools. When you first begin to practice self-care as a busy mom, the things you choose to do should be as simple as possible.
2. Fit It into Your Busy Mom Schedule
You should add your self-care activities to the most convenient parts of your day. Choose times that are already somewhat flexible so that incorporating something new into that time will be less stressful. Many people choose to practice self-care right when they wake up or before going to sleep each night.
However, maybe designating your daily lunch break or your kiddos nap as your self-care time might work better for you. Consider activities like writing a gratitude journal entry before bed, listening to music while having your morning coffee or going for a short walk on your lunch break. It might take some time to find what works for you but keep at it until you find the perfect time to call your own every day.
Related: How to Make Extra Time in Your Busy Day
3. Be Flexible When Things Don’t Work Out
Once you have a self-care routine, it’s best to stick to it as much as possible. Committing to a schedule creates a habit and ensures that you get the self-care you need. Because how easy is it to give up something after not having done it for a few days? (I’m looking at you morning exercise routine!)
However, remember to cut yourself some slack. This is self-care and the point is to not have to stress over it. Some days are just more hectic than others. You may not be able to fit in your self-care activity, and that’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day, and you can try again. If you find a self-care activity you love, you’ll be more likely to want to do it, and getting back on track will be easy.
Getting into the practice of regular self-care as a mom doesn’t have to be difficult. Making a few adjustments to your existing schedule can free up some space in your day. Choosing things that will refresh you and are easy to accomplish will make getting started a breeze.
How can a stay-at-home mom practice self-care?
I feel like lots of people get the wrong idea about self-care for moms; thinking it has to be something extravagant, expensive or time-consuming. Sure, spa days are nice (I’ve enjoyed them from time to time), but when you have low funds or limited time, they’re not all that convenient. The truth is self-care for moms doesn’t have to cost you anything. And some of the most relaxing self-care routines really don’t cost much.
Self-care for stay-at-home moms (and all moms really) is something you deserve! It not only benefits you, but everyone in your family. You can’t take care of your kiddos, spouse or aging parents when your own well-being is suffering. So, let’s find some free and low-cost ways you can practice self-care as a stay-at-home mom.
1. Give Yourself a Time Out
Sometimes you just need some alone time to feel better. When you have tiny people following you around all day (and see those fingers peeking under the bathroom door), it’s easy to become burnt out (and touched out).
So why not give yourself a short break? Lock yourself in your room with a cup of tea and some quiet music. Or just sit and think for a bit. Make sure your kiddos are safe beforehand or wait until naptime. But take time to walk away and catch your breath.
2. Waste Some Time
As moms, we often feel pressured to be productive all the time: do the laundry, clean the kitchen, entertain our kiddos. Being busy can be a sign of worth, and we all know just how much there is to be done. However, some days you just need to kick back and do nothing for a while to get a little recharge. Spend time binge watching your favorite show, read a book, take a well-deserved nap, or just sit and enjoy some quiet.
3. Do Some Writing
Maybe you’re not going to write the next great novel; however, journaling can be a very therapeutic activity.
Something as simple as writing down what you’re grateful for has been proven to be beneficial to one’s well-being. It can also be refreshing to do a brain dump, where you write down everything that is floating around in your head: doctor appointments, PTA meetings, dance practice, etc. Writing down your dreams or goals for the future might motivate you to take action. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to start your own blog.
I suggest setting a timer the first few times you write, in case you’re nervous or need some inspiration. It should relieve some of the pressure if you’re really unsure how to do it. But it does become easier and more natural the more you do it.
4. Connect with Old Friends or Find New Mom Friends
As an introvert, I’m much more comfortable spending time at home with my kiddo. But there comes a point when even the most introverted momma needs some socialization. Call or visit some of your old friends. Or find a mom group and meet some new moms with kids the same age as yours. Meet at a local park or a coffee shop to see if you hit it off.
I know after all this isolating from Covid, even I’m ready to start seeing people again.
5. Change Your Perspective
A change of scenery can be a wonderful source of renewal, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Heading out for a walk in your neighborhood might help when you feel like you’ve spent too much time indoors. If you can afford it, a staycation to a nearby location for a few days is a fun way to switch things up. You’ll be surprised what some time away can do for your mood.
Related: How to Budget for a Staycation
How do I practice self-care when things get stressful?
Beneficial habits like self-care for moms often go by the wayside during stressful times; like caring for a newborn, potty-training a toddler, or starting pre-K. It can be difficult to focus on anything but the bare minimum when life gets hard. The fact is that these are the days when moms need to take care of themselves the most.
One way is to create a self-care toolkit to help you out during these instances. Having a list of tried-and-true self-care routines can make it easier for you to implement them when life gets hectic. Check out some of the tricks I use to practice self-care as a busy mom.
1. Make a List of Ideas
I love making lists, and this is the most basic part of your mom self-care toolkit. Make a list of at least five self-care activities you can easily fit in your schedule during the most stressful periods. Check out some winter self-care ideas for that hectic holiday season.
Having a reminder on-hand will give you the benefits of caring for yourself without added worry. Your list can include simple reminders like go to bed early so you get enough sleep, eat nourishing food to keep your energy up or ask for help when you need it. These are all things we need reminded of when we’re dealing with so many other issues. During times of distress, the basic foundations of self-care can be the most important.
If you need some ideas to get you started, check out Self-Care for Moms that includes over 150 unique self-care ideas.
Related: Self-Care for Moms Who Only Have 30 Minutes to Spare
2. Make a Self-Care Package
Another way to boost your chances of performing self-care for a busy mom during hard times is to prepare a care package ahead of time. Get yourself a small, decorative box and include some of your favorite indulgences. Things like a favorite book, herbal teas, facial mask, fuzzy slippers and good music are all good items to include. But don’t be afraid to include anything that brings you joy. Having this self-care package readily available when you’re stressed and can’t think of any good ideas can make a world of difference to your mental health.
Be sure to replenish the package before your next round of self-care. And change it up! It doesn’t have to always include the same items. Change it every season or even monthly for a fun surprise each time.
3. Rely on Your Village
When things are at their worst, you may need some help to get back on track. That’s why it’s a good idea to reach out to trusted friends and family now to enlist their help for the future. Talk to your nearest and dearest, and let them know you would like them to encourage your self-care routine when they see you need it.
Share the benefits your self-care activities have provided you in the past and tell them you’d appreciate their assistance if they see you aren’t caring for yourself as well as you should be. Sometimes those who know us best can see things we don’t.
This is especially true when talking about self-care for new moms! Whether it’s baby blues, full on depression, or just complete exhaustion, you need the help of your village to get through. Talk to your spouse, family and friends to get the support and rest you need.
What can I do to take care of myself today?
Creating a habit of practicing self-care makes it easier to stick with your new routine. Another way to keep things interesting and make you want to continue is to try new things you’ve always wanted to do. Adding new or unique experiences to your self-care routine is a great way to stay motivated to care for yourself as a busy mom.
1. Pamper Yourself
Taking physical care of yourself in a pampering way makes us feel good. Pampering is a go-to for many women when it comes to their self-care routine. In this case, think of something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t even have to be expensive. A small act of indulgence can recharge you just as well as an extravagant one.
Consider scheduling a manicure or pedicure if you’ve never had one. A bubble bath with candles can be soothing if this is something you don’t do very often. A spa day with a friend could rejuvenate your body and spirit if your budget allows.
2. Celebrate Today
Most women (especially moms) don’t buy presents for themselves or even give themselves treats very often. You can change that starting today. Think of something you’ve been wanting for a while now. Then, go ahead and give yourself permission to buy it!
Maybe it’s a new pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on, a cell phone upgrade that would make your life easier, or even the supplies to start a new hobby. Giving yourself one gift, no matter how small, can be the boost you need to keep going.
3. Enjoy the Little Things
Self-care for moms really doesn’t have to be anything expensive, especially if you don’t have unlimited funds. Even the smallest treat can be a way to recharge and indulging in free or low-cost activities allows you to spoil yourself more often.
Think of some little things you’ve never done for yourself that you can add into your self-care routine today. Buying a beautiful bouquet of flowers will give you a boost every time you see them. Treating yourself to a favorite food (ice cream or specialty chocolates) could make one day a week a little more special. Starting a new hobby like reading, crocheting or painting will get your creative juices flowing. And you might just find out something new about yourself along the way.
Conclusion
Now that you know why self-care for moms is so important, now is the time to implement a new self-care routine. Use the examples above to find time to relax and recharge every day. These are just a few of the countless ways you can indulge in self-care without spending much money, but it might just be the jumpstart you need to begin exploring this concept. You truly do deserve to spend time, energy and effort on your own well-being, especially when you have so many others to care for.
Have you started your own self-care routine? What does it look like? Let us know in the comments.
Related Articles for Self-Care for Moms:
- Self-Care for Moms with No Time
- How to Have a Successful Self-Care Sunday
- Best Gifts for First-Time Moms
Why Self-Care for Moms is So Important in 2024
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