Self Care Ideas For Busy Moms
Moms, the reality is the struggle is real. It's hard. You often put yourselves last, making everyone (and everything) else a priority before you even think about tending to your own needs.
Even though this may feel like the right thing to do, your cup is eventually going to run out, and routinely dismissing your own needs can have effects on your overall health.
We want to remind you just how important your health is: mental, emotional, and physical.
You are a necessity. By taking time out for self-care, you are not just meeting your own needs but those of your family as well.
Where to begin? Follow our simple self-care strategies that you can start following right away:
Ask for help
This may sound obvious but is one of the best ways to free up some time for self-care is by asking for help. Let your in-laws bring dinner one day a week or call a friend to grab a few things from the shops for you, put the washing on, or take your dog for a walk.
Create your sanctuary
So much time is spent creating sacred spaces for our children that we forget to carve out a space just for ourselves. Create a place in your home which is yours and is the space where you can relax and unwind. This doesn’t have to be an entire room; it could be a favourite chair or sun-filled corner of your garden (also great for boosting those Vitamin D levels!).
Focus on your health
When was the last time you went for a check-up? Your health and wellbeing are just as important as that of your family. Make time for things like dental exams and going for annual check-ups that include important tests like a pap smear. Also, be mindful of what you put in your body. Load up on whole foods like grains, nuts, lean meats, fresh fruits, veggies and drink plenty of water.
Connect with your people
Taking the time to connect with your family and friends can be just as therapeutic as time spent alone. It is important though to choose to connect with the people who ask, ‘how are you?’ and truly care about your answer. This is also your time to enjoy adult conversations about things other than school homework, diaper changes and feedings.
Tune in to your favourite podcast
Podcasts are a great way to learn something new or just simply to be entertained. There are so many brilliant podcasts out there, you are bound to find a few that resonate with you, no matter what your interests are. Download your favourites, pop your headphones in, or even just let them play on your speakers and enjoy.
Some of our favourites are: That New Mom Life and The Mom Hour.
Make sleep a priority
Moms are notorious for not getting enough sleep and this can harm your health and well-being. Even if you can’t sleep, get off your feet and relax on the couch without any distractions, your to-do list can wait!
Enjoy a simple cup of coffee or tea
Yes, really. Make yourself a cup of coffee or your favourite tea and sit down and drink it. Don’t get up for anything. Drink it while it’s still hot, not one that has been reheated in the microwave.
If you are on the go, keep your drink of choice freshly brewed in one of our many reusable coffee cups or tea infuser flasks. Say goodbye to microwaved coffee or tea!
Listen to your favourite songs
Whether you listen to hip hop or jazz, music is good for the soul. As moms, you don’t always get the opportunity to listen to anything other than Cocomelon or the Paw Patrol theme song, so any chance you get, block out the noise around you and listen to your music.
Go for a walk
Our favourite thing about walking is that it doesn’t feel like work. Take in the fresh air, clear your mind and boost your mood. Walking also doesn’t require a gym membership or any expensive equipment, and can be done in your own time at your own pace.