Moms, we’ve got your back. You’ve been taking care of everyone else for so long that you might be feeling a little neglected. And now you have to take care of yourself too? Yikes! We know how hard it is to balance work, kids, and home life. But don’t worry; we will tell you ten ways to take care of yourself as a mommy so you can feel refreshed and ready to get back into the daily grind. So get ready to treat yourself with these ten ways to take care of yourself as a mommy.
Take care of your body
One of the best ways to take care of yourself is by taking care of your body. One thing you can do is sleep more. It might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to lose track of how many hours you need. Not getting enough sleep can lead to health problems, make you feel guilty, and make it difficult to be productive at work or home. Another way to take care of your body is by eating healthier and exercising more. You may not have time for a full hour workout but try doing some work around the house, going for a walk with the kids, or just finding time in your day for some yoga or meditation.
Don’t forget about your skin. Focusing on your skincare can help you stay strong physically and mentally while feeling great. Focus on your favorite Dove or Aesop Skincare products. These are all great ways to give back to your body after giving so much already.
Put your healthcare on the calendar
You wouldn’t let your kids miss their annual checkups—so don’t let your health fall by the wayside! Unfortunately, too many stories of women ignoring their bodies’ signals and neglecting to seek medical attention, resulting in serious health scares. The bottom line? Schedule annual checkups, appropriate tests, mammograms, skin exams, pap smears, flu shots, and vision screenings. And get to the dentist for a yearly exam and cleaning.
Don’t forget to exercise
Exercise is an often-overlooked part of taking care of yourself as a mommy. What mom doesn’t want to feel good in her clothes, look good naked, and have the energy to play with her kids?
Figure out what type of exercise routine you like and set aside some time for it. For example, you might want to go for a jog, sign up for a dance class, or lift weights at the gym. Whatever your style is, make sure you work out at least three times per week. Get creative with your ideas for exercise like playing tag with your children or walking around the block with them on your shoulders. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming!
Get some sleep
Sleep is your body’s way of rejuvenating itself. Without it, you’re going to be more susceptible to getting sick and running down. Getting enough sleep will make you feel much better during the day and give you more energy for everything else in life. Make sure to set aside a few hours each night for yourself, so your body can get the rest it needs.
Eat healthy foods
You know that when you’re feeling sluggish, one of the best ways to perk up is by eating healthy foods. Of course, it’s always good to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. These foods can give you energy without all of the extra calories.
Take care of your time
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, it might be time to take a day off. That’s right—a whole 24 hours just for you. So permit yourself to take time yourself to recharge your batteries. Moms, we know it can be difficult when the responsibilities and expectations of being a mommy still exist on top of all the other things in life that need our attention but don’t forget to take care of yourself too!
Below are some ways you can give yourself permission:
-Set boundaries with your family by saying something like, “no ____ today, this is my day to do what I want.”
-Start small with one hour of uninterrupted work or fun and slowly grow from there.
-Schedule a pedicure or massage appointment, so you have someone else pamper you for a change!
This is your time – take care of number one!
Spend time with your partner
Spending time with your partner is a great way to take care of yourself as a mommy. You deserve this time, and it will give you energy for the rest of the day.
Take care of your mental health
It is essential to take care of your mental health. You deserve it! Whether it’s reading, going for a walk, or meditating, make sure you are taking the time for yourself. If you don’t take care of your mental health and take time for yourself, you might feel more overwhelmed and eventually be at risk for burnout.
Make sure to factor in what’s important to you into your schedule, whether playing with your kids or doing something relaxing. Then, when you start feeling like things are getting out of control and too stressful, step back and evaluate what’s happening in your life.
When we’re busy taking care of our children or managing a career, it’s easy to forget about ourselves. However, if we don’t take care of ourselves first, we can’t take care of anyone else.
Plain and simple, ask for help
Healthy people ask for what they need. If you don’t have extended family around, barter with friends or find surrogate grandparents who would be willing to help. Avoid the trap of believing others are too busy to help you.
Get Outside
It can be getting a bit nippy in some areas of the country, which means we tend to stay indoors more. Try to make it a habit to get outside at least once during the day, either alone or with your kids.
Saying No
Sometimes there are things on your to-do list that are just not critical to the life of your family. Your needs come above laundry, endless phone calls with needy friends, or making it to the store to get the latest deal on laundry soap to save $.50 with the coupon. Give yourself permission to focus on what’s important. Eliminating the unessential responsibilities off your list will not only create some extra time and space it will also lighten the burden you’re feeling to keep up with it. Feeling overwhelmed will quickly put any mom into orbit.
Keep Connected
Friendships are essential, and when our busy schedules get overloaded, those times of chatting or having coffee with friends dwindle. Isolation can quickly creep in. So make sure you are purposeful in engaging and relationship-building.
Have Time Alone
Make sure to get at least 30 minutes of alone time each day. This time could be during your lunch break, before bed, or in the morning before everyone else gets up.
Find Time Saving Meal Strategies
You’d have a month’s worth of menus plotted out with shopping lists made in a perfect world. But that takes time, too, right? Time you don’t have. Busting out the slow cooker is a quick, easy way to have a hearty dinner ready with minimal prep. You can also try making double batches of meals and build up a freezer stash for those incredibly hectic days.
If you have a partner at home, perhaps you can take turns meal-planning, grocery shopping, or cooking. Many stores have grocery delivery services available. Even if it’s not in your budget long-term, taking advantage of such services during bustling stretches can ease some burdens.
Conclusion
The best way to avoid burnout is to ensure that you are taking care of yourself. There are many ways to do this, and many people to help you. But it’s up to you to take care of yourself first and foremost.
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