Self-care is paying attention to your feelings and making your own choices. It can result in reduced stress and an increase in happiness and satisfaction. Self-care is important in maintaining physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and cognitive well-being. It is not necessary to have a fixed self-care plan, as the needs can be changed over time and it is okay to update your self-care plan depending upon how you feel.
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Self-Care Tips for Moms
Moms generally keep themselves as their last priority and try their best to do everything by themselves which leads to exhaustion. A busy working woman is always juggling between the demands of parenting and working which also causes sleep deprivation. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, people struggle to prioritize their own needs for a lot of reasons. Moms might focus so much on meeting their child’s needs that they forget to care for themselves.
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Parents must provide care and love for their children while caring for themselves. They should remember that they are also worthy of the time to care for themselves because it is not selfish to practice self-care and self-love. According to a study, 78 per cent of women said that they often put off taking care of themselves due to taking care of their families. Apart from getting your nails done or just soaking in the tub, self-care tips for moms can also be :
1. Daily Needs: Moms should first take care of their daily needs which are the core of self-care. These are sometimes overlooked. The needs include
- Getting 8 hours of sleep
- Eating 3 meals a day
- Drinking a lot of water a day
- Washing face, taking shower and brushing teeth
- Getting fresh air
- Getting out for a walk
- Self-care routine
2. Following a Schedule: It requires a mother to follow a schedule along with handling kids but there are benefits too. She then gets enough time to get ready in the morning, for eating meals on time or the bedtime routine. She doesn’t feel like she is constantly in a hurry and can create time for herself.
3) Simplifying Meals: It is believed that meals should be complicated and time-consuming, but that is not necessary. By preparing and eating simple and nutritious meals, moms can squeeze in more time for themselves and get less workload.
4) Using screen time in breaks: There are a lot of options besides Netflix or YouTube, with a variety of educational games and more to choose from. Moms can be an engaged parent who plays with their children but even makes screen time an essential part of their day. When a mom gets a break, she comes back with a better version of herself.
5) Keeping a journal: Putting thoughts on paper can help in checking with yourself and processing overwhelming feelings. Taking even 30 seconds to jot down how you feel on your phone or laptop’s notepad can be helpful.
6) Taking a nap: Moms should give themselves permission to rest or sleep when they want to. Working the whole day can be exhausting for a housewife as well as for a busy working woman.
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7) Exploring new hobbies: Trying various activities and making them a hobby can be a fun way to make more time for yourself. If you like dancing or listening to music, start searching for new artists or a new choreography. Or if you like aerobics or exercising, start searching if there are free aerobics or fitness classes near your house or download a fitness app as that can be helpful.
8) Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness refers to focusing one’s attention on the present moment without any judgment. It means being aware of your thoughts and feelings. By practising mindfulness, you can learn more about what is going on inside you and become aware of your thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness meditation involves deep concentration that makes you unaware of the outside world and makes you reach a different state of consciousness.
9) Other Self-Care Tips: In the whirlwind of motherhood, moms need to prioritize self-care. This can include fashion and skincare, connecting with loved ones, finding inspiration in self-care Sunday, DIY manicures, spa days, reading, writing, getting haircuts, wearing favourite outfits, scheduling annual checkups, planning vacations or solo trips, and decluttering. These activities are vital for maintaining well-being amidst the demands of motherhood.
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Benefits of Self-Care for Moms
Investing in self-care isn’t just about pampering oneself; it’s a journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. By prioritizing activities that boost self-confidence and self-worth, such as fashion and skincare routines or setting and achieving personal goals, mothers can cultivate a more positive outlook on life. This optimism becomes a catalyst for better mental health, fostering resilience in the face of challenges. As moms nurture their well-being, they also lay the foundation for fulfilling interpersonal relationships, fueled by the confidence and positivity they radiate. In embracing self-care, mothers not only prioritize their happiness but also become beacons of strength and inspiration for those around them.
Moms are the heart of the family. Just as they shower their family members with love and care, they should not forget to shower themselves with a little love and care too. For maintaining mental and physical health, eating healthy, exercising and getting proper sleep are all important but sometimes it gets hard to follow everything for a mom. But they should know that their primary goal is a healthy balance and not a perfect routine.
References +
- Agnihotri, A. (2023, June 23) Mindful motherhood: Essential self-care ideas for modern mothers to prioritize mental health. https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/mindful-motherhood-essential-self-care-ideas-fo r-modern-mothers-to-prioritise-mental-health-101687508491561.html
- Arora, N. (2022, April 20) 9 Doable Self-Care Ideas For Working Moms https://www.piggyride.com/blog/9-doable-self-care-ideas-for-working-moms
- Christine (2022, June 5) 25+ Self-Care Ideas for Busy Moms https://www.jaroflemons.com/guide-to-self-care-mom
- Dutt, T. (2023, May 14) Mother’s Day: Self-Care Tips For Busy Moms For A Healthy Lifestyle https://zeenews.india.com/health/mothers-day-self-care-tips-for-busy-moms-for-a-healthy-lifestyl e-2607972
- Garg, P. (2023, May 23) Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms: A Guide to Nurturing Yourself. https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/self-care-tips-for-busy-moms
- Jena, H. (2023, May 1). 18 Self-Care Ideas for Moms That Aren’t Just Take a Shower. https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/you-and-your-health/self-care-ideas-moms
- Libby. (2023, July 15) 10 Self-Care Tips for Moms with little to no support system. https://diaryofanhonestmom.com/blog/10-self-care-tips-for-moms-with-little-to-no-support-syste m/
- Pachaury, K. (2023, August 25) 10 Things You Can Do to Take Care of Yourself As A New Mom https://letsallter.com/blogs/green-parenting/take-care-of-yourself-as-new-mom
