This post is all about mom self-care ideas.
Mom Self-care by AGATA
As a mom, you probably take care of everyone else, and let’s be real, neglect yourself a little bit. It is so easy to focus on your family and make sure that they are looked after. Some days it is easier to do everything and others it is not, and the first thing that gets put on the back burner is yourself.
Believe me, I understand the feeling all too well. You are exhausted but you do everything to make sure your baby is nice and tidy. There are days when I have spit up on my clothes, open the door in my pajamas and struggle to brush my hair. But guess what, my daughter is nice and clean after changing her for what feels like the millionth time in a day, the laundry is done and the food is made. Other days are easier, and I manage to fit myself into the mix! Life is messy and I know that there will be days that are better and days that are a bit more messy than expected!
Self-care in general but specifically as a mom is super important! You do not want to burn out!
Why is mom self-care important?
Mental Health UK explains well-being by using the stress bucket. Essentially, we all have stress buckets, my stress bucket is unique to me and is different from your stress bucket and from everyone else’s stress bucket. If we think of the stress bucket on a daily basis, it fills up with all of our stress (e.g., lack of sleep, worrying about your baby’s health, worrying about what to cook for dinner, worrying about cleaning your house, worrying about paying bills, etc.).
Each thing we think about or stresses us out fills up the bucket. Until eventually it is full. If we do not do things that can help us release some of the stress and drain the bucket it can overflow!
When our buckets overflow we have entered the burnout phase!
As a mom, you have so many things to think about and your bucket can overflow quite easily. If you have not taken care of yourself you are adding to that stress bucket!
[Related: 7 Essential Tips for Exhausted Moms]
Mom, you are important too!!!
I have said it before and I will say it again, it is so easy to neglect yourself and look after your family. You are important too! And this is so easy to forget!
You should not feel guilty for looking after yourself!
Think about it this way! If you saw your daughter, mom, friend, or anyone you love and care about struggling or burning out would you advise them to practice self-care?
Yes, 100% you would make sure that they are taking care of themselves. So, you are loved and you are needed so take some time to look after yourself. And importantly, you do not have to feel guilty for looking after yourself!
Make sure you prioritise yourself too! Yes having a clean house, doing your laundry, and making dinner are important but you do not have to do it all!
I have done my fair share of research on this topic and will be sharing my top tips for easy and realistic self-care ideas for moms that I have tried!
Here are mom self-care ideas for you to get started:
EASY SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR MOMS:
- Take a relaxing bath
- Light a scented candle
- Watch a funny video or TV show
- Take a few deep breaths
- Listen to guided meditation
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Make a cup of tea or coffee
- Read a magazine or book
- Get a cozy blanket
- Stretch for a few minutes
- Go for a short walk
- Try a new recipe
- Take a power nap
- Put on your favorite music
- Write in a gratitude journal
- Call a friend for a quick chat
- Take a break from social media
- Do a quick yoga or stretching routine
- Give yourself a facial or do a face mask
- Take a power nap
REALISTIC SELF-CARE IDEAS FOR MOMS:
- Schedule a weekly workout routine
- Attend a yoga class
- Hire a babysitter for a few hours
- Take a weekend getaway with friends or family
- Read a book or watch a movie without interruptions
- Attend a concert or event
- Take a long bath with epsom salts and essential oils
- Go for a long walk or hike in nature
- Book a massage or spa day
- Get a professional haircut or color treatment
- Take a creative class or workshop
- Attend a therapy session or support group
- Try a new hobby or skill
- Have a date night with your partner
- Plan a weekend trip or staycation with your family
- Take a break from social media for a day or more
- Plan a girls’ night out or in with friends
- Treat yourself to your favorite food or drink
- Ask someone to watch the baby while you sleep a little longer
This post was all about mom self-care.
Okay, you may be thinking that lighting a scented candle, watching a funny video, or taking a few deep breaths is not going to do anything. However, there is evidence which you can read on the sleep foundation website that suggests that lavender and chamomile can have a positive effect on sleep hygiene. Further, research shows that laughter can have a positive effect on stress by helping you relax.
I am not saying that ligthing a candle will magically make you less tired, but I am suggesting that doing little things for yourself is the first step of self-care.
Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. By prioritising even small acts of self-care, you can improve your overall well-being and be the best mom you can be.