Self-care is the act of caring for oneself and doing things that make you feel more like YOU. Self-care is more than pampering. It is a daily act of kindness and compassion that allow us to live well and care for others.
Why self-care is important.
As mothers, we continually give. We give time, energy, love, encouragement, and even give physically through birth and breastfeeding. Eventually, we will burn out. We will become worn out, fatigued, and mentally unavailable. Self-care is extremely important because it is the only way we can continue our roles as mothers and continue to give to others, by taking care of ourselves first and foremost. As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup.
I believe that self-care is an integral part of your wellbeing.
10 ways for moms to give themselves self-care:
Simply put; whatever works for YOU. There is no “one size fits all” for self-care, regardless of what society or social media has led us to believe. Simplicity is key for self-care in motherhood. Tiny moments of self-care can make all of the difference!
Here are some examples of small, simple acts of self-care that can be integrated into your daily routine:
- Take five deep breaths.
- Seek support by delegating a chore to your partner.
- Turn your phone on do-not-disturb for 20 minutes. (First thing in the morning works great for me!)
- Take a 5-minute walk outside.
- Choose a time at night after which your only job is to rest, everything else will wait.
- Unfollow or mute any accounts on social media that make you feel inadequate.
- Intentionally brush your hair for a few minutes.
- Pick one day a week to sleep in.
- Stretch in your chair or before you eat a meal.
- Rub lotion into your hands and give yourself a mini-massage
The bottom line: self-care is an individual and unique practice. Explore what makes YOU feel good, and once you identify it, make sure it is something you prioritize daily.
