As a mum, you are constantly giving to others. You are there for your kids, your partner, your friends and more. But it’s important to remember that you need to give to yourself too. Self-care is not selfish. It is essential for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
When you are in the thick of it, it can be hard to make time for yourself. You may feel like you don’t have enough time in the day to do everything you need to do, let alone take some time for yourself. But it’s important to make time for self-care, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day
What is self-care?
Self-care is anything you do to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. It can be anything from taking a few minutes for yourself each day to getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to handle stress, make good decisions, and be present for your family and friends.
“Self-care is not about indulging in expensive spa treatments or taking long vacations. It’s about taking the time to do things that make you feel good, both physically and mentally.” – Brené Brown
Mums are at risk for burnout, stress, and depression. Self-care can help to prevent these problems and improve your overall well-being. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to handle the challenges of motherhood and be the best version of yourself.
How to practice self-care
There are many ways to practice self-care. Here are a few ideas:
- Set boundaries. Let your family and friends know that you need some time for yourself each day. This may mean saying no to requests or setting aside specific times for yourself. I know his can be difficult, especially if you’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own. But it’s important to remember that you deserve time for yourself too
- Be honest with your family and friends about your needs. Let them know that you love them and want to spend time with them, but that you also need some time for yourself each day.
- Be specific about what you need. Don’t just say “I need some time for myself.” Instead, say something like “I need an hour each day to read in peace.”
- Be willing to say no. If someone asks you to do something that you don’t have time for, it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to explain yourself or feel guilty.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling to set boundaries, ask your partner or a friend for help. They can offer support and encouragement.
- Delegate tasks. If you have a partner or other family members, ask them to help out with some of the household chores or childcare responsibilities so that you can have some time for yourself.
- Take breaks throughout the day. If you can, take a few minutes each day to step away from your work or other responsibilities and do something that you enjoy. This could be reading, taking a walk, or listening to music.
- Exercise regularly. Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Eat a healthy diet. Eating a healthy diet gives you the energy you need to get through the day and helps to improve your mood and overall health. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Get enough sleep. When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to handle stress and make good decisions. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
- Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath.
- Spend time with loved ones. Social support is important for your mental health. Make time for the people who matter most to you, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
- Do something you enjoy. It’s important to make time for activities that you enjoy. This could be anything from reading to taking a yoga class. Doing something you enjoy helps you to relax and de-stress.
The ripple effect of self-care
Prioritizing self-care not only benefits you but also has a positive ripple effect on your family. When you prioritize your well-being, you model self-love, resilience, and healthy boundaries to your children. You also show them that it is important to take care of yourself, which can help them to develop healthy habits as they grow older.
Remember that you are deserving of love, care, and attention, just as much as your family. By embracing self-care, you nurture yourself, maintain your sense of identity, and cultivate a happier and more fulfilling life. Start small, be gentle with yourself, and celebrate each step you take towards self-care.
Join our community of like-minded mums at Mummy & Co, where we support and inspire one another on this journey of nurturing ourselves amidst the beautiful chaos of motherhood.
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“Self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity.” – Audre Lorde
