The Guide to Self-Care for Moms

What is self-care?

Self-care is essential but often the most forgotten part of maintaining our general well-being. Without it, life can be filled with just more chores on the never-ending to-do list for the day. Being overworked with little to no sleep is the reason we start to forget the ‘why’ for all of our choices and actions.

Self-care is not self-serving, indulgent, or selfish. It actually allows you to be at your best so that those around you can receive the best care and attention possible. At the end of the day, self-care is about maintaining balance in your life.

Self-care for moms

The moment one becomes a mother, they join the legion of the most selfless, resilient, and important people on the planet. Moms are the heroes of every child. But, contrary to what kids may think, moms are human and need to breathe, adjust, and rest. It’s so easy to sideline your own self-care as you prioritize your children’s needs at home, which is why it is important to really be intentional in making time for it.

Needing to take a pause and tend to one’s own needs is not a sign of weakness or a lack of love and interest towards your children. In fact, it is the exact opposite. It prevents parents from being burned out and disconnected. When moms practice self-care it shows that they want to be at their peak performance to help and teach their children. It frees up more of their attention and opens up more of the day for quality time.

Following self-care principles sets a great example for the family of what sustainable living is and how to cope with the stresses of life as an adult. Taking a pause in a busy schedule creates a window for introspection and reevaluation.

Tips for self-care for moms

Self-care looks different to everyone, but there are some basic things to consider when creating a self-care plan.

• Do what you enjoy. If you don’t enjoy it, then it really shouldn’t take up your precious time.
• Monitor your overall well-being. Don’t be afraid of taking a few minutes if the wheels are about to come off the cart.
• Schedule time for self-care. With so many things pulling you in every direction, if you don’t make time for self-care it won’t happen.
• Find what works for you. Consistency is key.
• Make it sustainable. It doesn’t have to be complex or time-intensive.

Ideas for Self-Care for Moms

Here are some ideas of different ways to practice self-care as a starting point:

• Read a book
• Go for a walk
• Get your favorite treat
• Meditate
• Take a quick nap
• Exercise
• Write in a journal
• Call a friend
• Do a craft
• Take your turn to sleep-in
• Serve someone else

The list of self-care strategies is as endless as the different ways people take enjoyment from life.

Make it happen

You may be thinking to yourself, “This sounds look a good idea, but I’m too busy.” Everyone else is thinking the same. If you don’t put effort into your self-care, it will never happen. It’s in the children’s best interest to have their mothers functioning at a liveable standard. Self-care for moms should no longer be a wistful dream but an actionable reality. Make it happen.