Being a parent is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles a person can have. It’s a privilege being somebody’s mum, but it’s not without its difficulties. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day demands and the mental load of motherhood. We’re often so busy looking after other people that we forget to look after ourselves. But self care for mums is essential! Not just for us, but for our children and our partners too! With Valentine’s day just around the corner I’m urging you to spend a little more time on yourself, loving yourself and nurturing yourself.
Why is self care essential for mums?
Like I said, we’re so often looking after other people that we forget to look after ourselves. You can’t turn off being a mum. From the moment we wake up until the moment the kids go to sleep we’re focused on somebody else’s needs.
Self care as a mum is essential as it reduces stress, improves morale and restores energy levels. Not only this but when our children see us taking care of ourselves it sets a great example. It illustrates how looking after our own mental health is so important. What helps us now is helping our children in the future.
Simple self care ideas for busy mums
Self care doesn’t have to be extravagant or massively time consuming. It doesn’t even have to cost you a penny! It could be something as simple as doing a ten minute yoga tutorial on youtube. You could get yourself cosied up with a good romance novel and a kick ass cup of tea to get you in the love day mood. Even just spending a few minutes taking a bit of time out to sit in silence and concentrate on your breathing can be highly beneficial. These are all really simple yet highly effective ways we can recharge our parenting batteries.
How to make self care a priority
Making time for yourself can be challenging. I absolutely understand and appreciate how difficult it can be some days. But it’s important to remember that self care isn’t a luxury item you’d take into the jungle with you, it’s a necessity!
If you’re a stickler for routine you could schedule half an hour to yourself into your day. Pop a reminder on your phone and give yourself time to do those simple self care tasks. Another idea could be making self care a family thing. Sometimes it can be difficult to escape the kids so why not get them involved. Have them do yoga with you, or make a cosy little nook in your home to read together.
Of course self care is more luxurious when you’re alone, but needs must sometimes, and practising together can create a really healthy and positive family environment.
Breaking free from mum guilt
Feeling guilty for taking time for yourself is common amongst mums. Mum guilt is rife! And by far one of the most difficult things about parenting! It’s important to remember however in this instance that self care is impactful not only for you, but for your family too. Mums, you need to feel less guilty putting yourself first.
Self care isn’t all about pampering yourself (although that still counts) it’s about taking charge of your mental health and recharging those emotional batteries. A happier, healthier mum can only be a good thing, right?
Self care is essential for mums. When a mother takes care of themselves mentally it sets a brilliant example to others. It shows they’re trying to be the best version of themselves for their family. So this valentines day, whether you take a relaxing bath, do some simple breathing exercises or get sweaty in the gym, make time for yourself, because you deserve it! Celebrating yourself has got to be better than celebrating somebody else, right?
