Self-care is essential in everyone’s life, but it is crucial for busy moms.
We know what you are thinking: with a long to-do list of household chores and kids shouting “MOM!” every five minutes, how are you going to take one day a week to pamper yourself?
When you're taking care of other people, it's easy to forget about yourself. But bear this in mind: if you don't stop a minute to satisfy your own needs, you won't be able to take care of anyone else.
No matter if you are a new mom or a veteran, it seems like parents never have enough hours in the day to get everything done. They’re constantly juggling work, household responsibilities, and caring for their kids.
In this blog, we will discuss ideas on how to practice self-care as a mother. We will also talk about why practicing self-care is so important.
So, leave your kid with your partner, fill that empty cup with coffee *or something stronger*, and let’s start talking about how can you show yourself some well-deserved love:
Self-Care for Stay at Home Moms
Often most people think that being a stay-at-home mom is easy because you don’t have a tight schedule, but the truth is, it's harder because the work doesn’t stop when the kids wake up and go to school.
In fact, what outsiders don’t see is the everyday struggle these busy moms have to face when taking care of the family and the baby, doing the chores, and managing the household. This sometimes results in burnout, anxiety, and depression. Some women handle it well, some don't, especially when they are single parents.
But what can you do to pamper yourself without ignoring motherhood?
Self-care Guide For Moms
This practice provides a lot of benefits. As a mom, you're always looking after others and often put yourself last. However, this has to stop for your own good!
With that said, here are some of the best self-care tips you can start doing. From listening to your favorite music to writing a journal to let your feelings out, there is something for everyone!
#1 Get enough sleep.
Sleep is important for your well-being and overall health.
Yes, we know that with kids, sleeping is more like a luxury, however, if your kids are keeping you up at night, try to nap during the day when they're sleeping.
You can also ask your partner, a friend, or family members for help with nighttime duties so you can get some extra ZZZs.
#2 Eat healthily.
Eating nutritious food will help you feel your best. Be sure to eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. By eating healthily, you get to feed your body the nutrients it needs and give you enough energy.
You can also try meal prepping so you have healthy food ready to go when you're short on time. This way, you won't be tempted to order unhealthy takeout.
#3 Exercise.
Exercise is a wonderful form of self-love. It elevates your mood, stamina levels, and sleep. Additionally, physical activities also release endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects and improve your health.
You don't have to go to the gym or spend hours running on a treadmill. There are plenty of exercises you can do at home that are short and effective.
#4 Make time for yourself.
Now you must be like: time? I have a tight schedule taking care of my little one, I can’t spare a moment for myself!
But you need to bear this in mind: it is important to make time for the things that you enjoy and that make you feel good. This can range from journal writing and listening to your favorite song to doing yoga or just closing your eyes and thinking.
“Me-time” allows you to recharge and manage anxiety. The best part? You don’t have to do it every day, you can choose a day of the week when your children are out or busy doing other things.
#5 Spend time outside every day.
Going outside can do wonders for your health and overall well-being after a busy day. Being in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels, improve moods, and boost creativity.
Connecting with the outside also allows you to take a breath and step out of your comfort zone *aka, your house*.
You can find time to do this when you take your child to the park!
#6 Connect with loved ones regularly.
Having a solid network of supportive people is crucial for anyone, especially mothers. A friend can provide an essential sense of community, offer practical support, and make you feel good.
Stay connected with your loved ones or other support systems by spending time with them regularly, whether it's over coffee, dinner, or a walk.
Looking to meet awesome moms for your network? Check out Beau & Belle Littles Brand Ambassadors Program!
#7 Take the time to meditate.
Yoga and meditation can be great for improving your mental health. Yoga can help increase flexibility, strength, focus, and balance, while meditation can help you learn to control your thoughts and emotions.
Try to practice this at least once a week to start seeing benefits. Doing deep breaths while exercising can also help you sleep better.
#8 Get a spa day.
Motherhood can be stressful, and sometimes you need to take a break. Why not treat yourself to a day at the spa? When was the last time you went to one?
Take an hour, pamper yourself; go get a haircut, get your nails done, and take some time for yourself. You deserve it!
#9 Read a book.
Reading is a great way to chill and escape from your life. It can also be educational and inspiring. Find a book that you're interested in and take the time to read it.
Some of the best books we can recommend include:
- "The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want" by Sonja Lyubomirsky,
- "The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts" by Gary Chapman,
- "The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are" by Brené Brown.
These books are all about self-care, relationships, and happiness, which can be helpful for mothers.
#10 Listen to music.
No, the Cocomelon soundtrack your children love doesn’t count here!
Music has a powerful ability to affect our emotions and reduce anxiety. Listening to calming music can be a great way to relax. There are many different types of calming music you can hear, so find one that you enjoy and make time for it each week.
If not calming music, dance to the groove. Dancing is a fun way to get your body moving and release endorphins. It can also be a great way to connect with friends or family.
So turn up the music, and let loose!
#11 Go on a shopping spree.
We know that after buying a gazillion baby or kids clothes you must be tired of shopping, but you totally deserve the dress you saw last week at the mall, so treat yourself!
And if you are one of those busy parents, you can do online shopping. Believe us, this will be amazing for your health and self-esteem!
#12 Find a new hobby.
A new hobby can be a great way to improve your mental health and learn something new. It can also be an amazing way to meet new people. Whether you're interested in painting, hiking, or knitting, finding a new hobby can be a great form of self-care.
If you have a tight schedule, you can do it at night before bed or once a week. Don’t pressure yourself!
#13 Start your day with a positive affirmation.
Affirmations are positive statements that happen to you change the way you think about yourself. By starting your day with a positive affirmation, you can set the tone for the rest of your day.
Some examples of affirmations include:
- I am worthy of love and respect.
- I am strong and capable.
- I am worthy of success.
Choose an affirmation that resonates with you and repeat it to yourself each morning. You may even want to write it down and post it somewhere visible.
#14 Have Confidence.
Simply, have confidence in yourself. As a parent, you are doing an amazing job. You are strong, capable, and loving. Remember that next time you're feeling down about yourself. Not only that confidence makes you feel better about yourself, but it also allows you to appreciate yourself more.
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Why Self-Care Is Important For Moms
A mother is the backbone of the family. They always have to be vital for their children and often put their own needs last. Usually, this can lead to moms feeling burned out and overwhelmed — without them knowing.
As a mom, you go through a lot, don't you? That's why taking a little time for yourself will do wonders for you. And this doesn’t mean you have to neglect your children! You can take as much time as you can, it could be 5 minutes, an hour, or the whole day… It depends on how you manage your schedule!
Self-care for moms is essential, it helps them be the best. When you take care of yourself, you can have more energy to care for your family and help you do more with your parenting techniques.
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You May Ask
How do stay-at-home moms take care of themselves?
It seems like there is never enough time in the day to do everything that needs to be done, let alone takes care of yourself. But if you don't take care of yourself, you won't be able to take care of your family.
You don’t have to take the day to show yourself some love! Choose a moment, it could be after going to bed or early in the morning, and do whatever you want: dance, sing, laugh, or just sleep
How do I balance my self-care as a mom?
There is no right or wrong answer to this question, as every mom's situation is different. Set realistic goals for yourself. Don't try to accomplish too much in one day, as this will only lead to stress
Is Skincare part of self-care?
Absolutely! Taking care of your skin is important, as it is the largest organ in your body. Be sure to use sunscreen, even if you don't plan on spending time outside. Apply a sleep-in face mask one time a week and massage your skin to increase blood circulation.
As busy moms, it is also essential that you take the time to better care for your skin as well.
Are you looking for some skincare goodies to treat your skin? Visit Asian Beauty Essentials for all-natural skincare products that would do wonders for your face!
Final Thoughts
Self-care is not selfish. It is necessary in order to take care of our families and ourselves. Implementing some self-care tips into your daily routine can make a world of difference for you and your loved ones
Yes, you are a parent, but you are human too and you deserve that time for yourself as well.
With these few ideas and tips, you can get started on your journey to better self-care without stop parenting. Follow us for more tips like this!