As part of my partnership with other parenting bloggers, this is a collaborative post. Together with the original author, we’ve combined ideas and views to offer you quality content about the highs and lows of life with kids and how to take care of yourself so you have more energy to take care of them. This post may contain affiliate links.
Are you prioritizing your wellbeing as a mom? It’s crucial to remember that you are just as important as your children. Neglecting yourself can have a detrimental effect on your physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing, too. You deserve to be taken care of, just like you take care of everyone else. So, let’s explore some practical tips to help you prioritize self-care.Β
If the answer is no one and you are not taking care of yourself, what is going on? Chances are you will become overwhelmed, burnt out, and even temporarily ill. You don’t want that, and your family doesn’t want that. This post will look at ways you can still care for yourself without letting everything fall apart.
Give Everyone an Early Night
One practical tip is to give everyone an early night. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break. If the kids are little, try putting them to bed a bit earlier. Leave the dishes in the sink for tomorrow and enjoy some alone time or just extended downtime. If the kids are older, wish everyone a good night and send yourself to bed. It might only be 30 minutes earlier than usual, but that 30 minutes can give you the breather you need to stop, collect your thoughts, and do something for you, even if you literally do nothing or go to sleep. Remember, you have the power to create these moments for yourself.
Put Yourself First
It’s not selfish to put yourself first once in a while. In fact, it’s necessary for your wellbeing. Whether it’s cooking that meal you like for dinner one night or picking an activity you want to do. You do not have to please everyone all the time. Sometimes they have to adapt to you.
These small acts can do wonders for your soul and wellbeing. You deserve to be treated well just like everyone else, and putting yourself first once in a while is a healthy and necessary part of being a mom.
Treat Yourself
When was the last time you let yourself indulge in something explicitly for you? If you don’t know or it’s been a while, you should change it right now. It might be that you treat yourself to something you need but have been putting off buying, such as these womens thermal gloves from HeatHolders for your winter walks, or something you want, like that donut from your favorite bakery or even a meal out with your friends, whatever it is you’ve been putting off for whatever reason, do it and do not feel guilty.
Use Screens
Screen time for kids can be a contentious issue; however, these digital devices can be helpful for busy moms who need a break. Strategically offering up devices so you can have some peace can allow you to give the kids what they want while giving yourself what you need. Use this time to read a book, reply to those WhatsApp messages you have not had a chance to read yet, have a lie-down, or literally anything. Using screens to help you care for yourself is something you should be doing. And if it makes you feel better, choose educational games so your kids are learning while being glued to the screens, or simply let them relax and have freedom of choice, too.
Lower Expectations
A huge cause of stress for moms is trying to live up to other people’s parenting ideals or trying to be like someone else. We are all individual people, but families are unique. To lower your expectations, give yourself a break, and be ok with everything not being perfect 100% of the time. This doesn’t mean you need to let everything fall apart, but lowering your expectations of what you expect things to be or want them to be can give you breathing space and take some of the mental load off.
Hire People
If you haven’t given anyone around to help you or are struggling with the responsibilities of maintaining your household, hire someone if you can afford it. It can be a babysitter to sit with the kids while you do something for yourself out of the house; it can be having a cleaner once per week, having a personal trainer to help you get fit and support your health and wellbeing, or even just talking to a therapist to help you express yourself as you need to.
Bringing a mom is one of the important roles you will play in your life. Still, if it feels all-consuming, then you need to take some time away for yourself, put yourself first, and remember that you are a person who deserves love, care, and attention, too. So, every now and again, reclaim the attention and care for yourself.
