Self-Care as a Mom- Where Does One Even Begin?
Moms today are expected to balance it all while still taking care of themselves. With an inevitably busy schedule, it can be challenging to nearly impossible to prioritize self-care. Between working (either out of the house or at home), household chores, and taking care of your children, it can feel like there is never enough time to take care of yourself. However, self-care is essential for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Here are some tips to help you improve self-care despite a busy life.
Set Realistic Expectations
The first step to improving self-care is to set realistic expectations. Understand that you may not have the same amount of time for self-care as you did before becoming a mom, or even as much as some of the other moms around you seem to have, we all have a different schedule and capacity. However, this doesn't mean that you should neglect yourself entirely. Set achievable goals and be kind to yourself if you don't meet them. I like to recommend starting small and building from there as you get a good momentum/routine going. Don’t forget to celebrate your wins too! Finding a way to make time for yourself with everything going on is an accomplishment and you deserve a pat on the back for your efforts.
Schedule Time for Self-Care
Just like you schedule time for work, household chores, and other obligations, you should also schedule time for self-care. This can be as simple as setting aside 30 minutes each day to read, go on a solo drive, catch up with a friend, or practice yoga. By scheduling self-care time, you are more likely to prioritize it and make it a regular part of your routine. I recommend actually putting it in your calendar, on your phone, your daily schedule or checklist- whatever you use to keep yourself organized. This keeps it fresh in your mind and makes it harder to ignore or put off for another day.
Prioritize Sleep
Sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. However, it can be challenging to get enough sleep as a busy mom. Many of us try to fit things in after the kids get to bed or want to stay up later than we should in order to get that “me time,” which is fine sometimes, but not sustainable if you aren’t getting the sleep you need on a regular basis. Try to prioritize sleep by establishing a bedtime routine and sticking to it. Avoid using electronic devices at least twenty minutes before bed, as they can disrupt your sleep. Keeping a dark space and a comfortable sleeping temperature will help maximize restful sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider using techniques such as meditation or deep breathing exercises.
Ask for Help
As a mom, it's easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own. However, this can lead to burnout and neglect of your own needs. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your partner, family, or friends. Whether it's watching your children for an hour while you do something for you, or helping with household chores, asking for help can free up time for self-care. If you have a supportive partner, this can be a collaboration between the two of you where you can work together to ensure that each of you have time for self-care, socialization, etc. Sometimes those around us don’t truly realize this need unless we ask for help and many people are ready and willing if we just ask.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice that involves being fully present in the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help you reduce stress, increase self-awareness, and improve your overall well-being. Try incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, such as taking a few minutes to meditate, go on a nature walk, or practicing deep breathing exercises. Mindfulness not only helps increase relaxation but will also enhance your ability to be in-tune with your own needs- something that is easy to neglect when you spend your day looking after others.
Self-care is something that is often talked about but sometimes sounds like a luxury that is just unattainable for moms in certain phases of life, but improving self-care is essential for your overall well-being. By setting realistic expectations, scheduling time for self-care, prioritizing sleep, asking for help, and practicing mindfulness, you can prioritize your own needs and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish, but rather an important part of being a healthy and happy mom. If you feel you’d benefit from extra support in learning how to bring balance to your life as a mom, feel free to reach out and we can talk about how therapy or coaching sessions might help you better reach the level of balance you need.