4 Self-Care Habits Every Mum Needs
Being a mum is a 24/7 job. As well as caring for your little one(s), you also need to look after yourself.
It is easy to let self-care habits dwindle into the background and dismiss a personal care routine. Having a long bath or giving yourself a blow-dry might feel like habits that you pursued in another lifetime. However, we must remember to take care of ourselves too.
We know what it’s like to run on next to no sleep and without-warning-crazy-hormones while trying to take the best care of your little one(s). It’s a challenge, but we do it. Yet, we can do it better when we take proper care of ourselves.
If you want to carve out time in your day for self-care habits, you can. Asking for help isn’t something to be ashamed of. If you need 30 minutes to take a shower and make yourself feel good, friends and family will be more than happy to help.
Let’s get into the 4 best self-care habits that every mum needs to feel better and do better.
Movement
Movement is something that is put on the back burner as a mum. When you get 15 minutes spare while your baby naps, you might wish to rest or have a shower. You need to do what’s best for you in that moment.
However, if you know that movement - whether that be yoga, boxing, running, pilates, HIIT, cycling, or anything else - helps you show up as the best version of you, make time for it.
If you are lucky enough to get half an hour in the morning before your little one wakes up, should you prioritise scrolling on social media or getting a 20 minute yoga session in? The latter sounds best if you want to carve out time for self-care.
When your baby gets a bit bigger, you can get them involved with your exercise. Those who workout at home can put their baby in their play gym with a few toys and do what mums do best - multitask. If it’s manageable, get your baby involved when they aren’t napping if you have enough energy for movement.
Fresh air
Fresh air is good for the soul. Staying inside all day might seem ideal when your little ones routine isn’t quite a ‘routine’ as such. But, what’s good for you is to step outside and into fresh air.
Heading to your local park or coffee shop is great to interact with other parents and/or have a familiar place where you feel comfortable taking your little one.
The benefits of fresh air include boosting serotonin levels, which helps reduce stress and anxiety - two things you might often deal with as a busy mum. Further, it can benefit your physical health in many ways - improves heart health, enhances digestion, and helps to maintain a healthy immune system.
So next time you need to unwind and take a look at surroundings other than your four walls, take a walk and enjoy some quiet time while your little one might sleep in their pushchair or enjoy the surroundings with you.
Relaxing baths
There is nothing more rewarding than a relaxing bath at the end of a long day rushing around making bottles, cleaning surfaces, changing nappies, and more — the list forever continues.
Asking your partner or a friend to watch your little one while you have a half an hour soak in the tub isn’t something to feel guilty for. You deserve it.
Add essential oils and make the most of the down time by dimming the lights and adding some calming candles.
Rest
Rest can be productive. When you are running low on energy and feel mentally and physically depleted, rest is the best self-care habit you can adopt.
When your little one naps, take a nap too. Or, ask your partner or a friend to play with your baby in another room while you get a 30 minute cat nap. Resetting yourself is best if you need to top up your energy and get out of your fatigued funk.
When you get moments of stillness, take advantage of it by tracking your thoughts, mood, and more with our journals. Writing in a journal offers you the chance to self-reflect and unleash any emotions you are holding inside. Feel lighter and calmer with our self-care journal, daily wellness log, and more.
