Five Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms
We all know that being a mom is a full-time job, and it can get demanding to the extent that we put our family’s needs before our own. But as emphasized in Psychology Today’s article on self-care for parents, taking time for ourselves is not a selfish act. In fact, knowing our limits can be a win-win situation for us as parents and our children since we can better figure out how to balance our priorities in life and avoid burnout.
When most people think of self-care, however, they believe it can no longer fit into their daily schedule. Here are five self-care ideas that busy moms can easily incorporate into their routines:
- Practice good sleep hygiene
Having sufficient sleep as a parent can be difficult, no matter your child's age. Newborn babies usually sleep in short bursts throughout the day and night, while older children can have trouble settling to sleep by themselves. Since quality rest can give you the energy you need to take on everyday tasks, don’t take bedtime for granted and practice good sleep hygiene. These practices include unwinding before bed, usually by turning off your devices, reading a book, or listening to calming music. It’s also advisable to avoid stimulants like coffee, soft drinks, or energy drinks around bedtime. They can make falling asleep harder, affecting the quantity and quality of sleep.
- Eat a healthier diet
Eating a well-balanced diet for weight management can get more challenging as we age. But it’s essential to do so to avoid chronic illnesses and achieve physical and mental wellness. As such, moms can look into the weight loss programs on the WeightWatchers app that can be customized so that it suits a specific lifestyle or nutritional need. Not only does it make meal planning and preparation more accessible, but it is also focused on transforming your overall relationship with food by tracking what you eat. For instance, healthy recipes on the WeightWatchers app may inspire you to prepare a home-cooked dinner rather than ordering takeout. A survey by the American Health Association found that 91% of families are less stressed when they share meals, so extending these healthy habits with the rest of the family by eating together frequently can support your physical health, mental wellness, and social bonds well.
- Get moving
A healthy diet must be complemented with regular exercise. Even if you can’t find time to go to the gym, you can engage in moderate to vigorous physical exercise by scheduling outdoor activities with your kids, such as hiking a local trail or riding a bicycle path. An article on CNN about fitness apps and trackers also highlights how tech can be a trusty friend when it comes to monitoring your activity, setting fitness goals, and keeping yourself accountable. You’ll notice how easy it is to get active and reach your daily step count by simply wearing your smartwatch while running errands.
- Take up a hobby
Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to give up other parts of your identity. It’s always beneficial to revisit your hobbies and invest your time in things that interest you. In our previous article on the benefits of ‘Designing Your Garden', for example, we mentioned how this activity is not only for beautifying your home but can also exercise your creativity. Whether or not you have a green thumb, gardening exercises the body, relaxes the mind, and awakens your five senses by simply being in nature. With many resources and online classes available, you can take on a new art or craft like crocheting, pottery, or baking.
- Try out self-care micro-habits
Transforming your lifestyle can also start with small, positive changes. Self-care micro-habits refer to time-saving yet life-changing habits that only take a few minutes, making it effortless for you to sneak them into your routine. These micro-habits can range from five minutes of yoga first thing in the morning or while you wait for your coffee to brew to three minutes of journaling to write down what you’re grateful for at the moment.
Whichever self-care tips you manage to practice regularly, remember that it’s always a process. So take it step by step; before you know it, caring for yourself becomes as natural as breathing.
BIO: Rhea Jane is proud of both her roles as a mom and a small business owner. She is a strong advocate for self-care and sustainability, which she puts into practice through both her parenting style and business leadership.
Image credit: Pexels
Source: https://images.pexels.com/photos/3806953/pexels-photo-3806953.jpeg Image credit: Pexels
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-lying-on-white-bed-5990957/
Image credit: Pexels
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-asian-woman-piggybacking-smiling-daughter-while-exercising-at-home-5094677/
Image credit: Pexels
Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/self-care-isn-t-selfish-signage-2821823/