Why is it important to enforce self care for moms?
Self care for moms is often too easily overlooked. As a caregiver, it can be hard to feel justified about carving out space to nurture your own needs and wants. How can you afford to set time aside between juggling the schedules and responsibilities of the rest of your family and possibly a career on top of everything?
While it may seem virtually impossible that self care for moms could take precedence, enforcing that time for yourself is healthy. Not only does it allow you to have a break, but it allows you to perform everyday tasks more efficiently. Without time to relax, you are more prone to become frustrated and lose energy.
By default, by restoring your energy levels, you are not only doing yourself a favor, but you are helping out your whole family. After spending time alone, you will feel rejuvenated, be able to improve your concentration and unwind. Self care for moms is essential.
How to enforce self care for moms?
Our advice for new moms is not to put off self care, but to enforce it early on. This early integration sets a standard of routine and normalcy that can be expected by you and your family. Ultimately “mommy-time” becomes second nature to all. Of all the benefits associated with prioritizing self care for moms, once the practice becomes a habit, you will start to notice improvements in how you experience those little moments that might otherwise feel stressful or difficult.
Our first piece of advice for new moms is to eliminate or reduce unnecessary tasks. Cutting down the amount of time spent on daily activities can be very beneficial. For example, making a list of what needs to be done during the week and what on that list can be outsourced such as using an app for grocery shopping, or asking for help with cooking, cleaning or laundry can contribute to more valuable personal time. Being practical and reasonable about your time is just as important. Perfectionism does not exist, and rather than feeling obliged to keep the house spotless or prepare an elaborate family meal nightly, give yourself the benefit of using moderation to allow yourself more free time.
Once you have eliminated a few things from your day, it is time to schedule in self care. Don’t just think about self care, write specific times and activities down in your planner. This may seem unnecessary, but if you decide when to enforce time for yourself, it is much more likely to happen. Additionally, if you want to work with a personal trainer or spend time with a friend, schedule it in advance. By looping in another person, you create accountability for self care. You can also partner with another mother and plan your self care time together. Instead of a workout buddy, find a “self care buddy.”
What are the benefits of self care for moms?
Some benefits of self care for moms include stress release, increased clarity of thoughts and improved emotional health. These benefits lead to healthier relationships amongst your family, and by allowing your physical body to relax, you can prevent chronic stress and improve your quality of sleep. In addition, you will find yourself feeling less irritable, meaning you will be able to more thoroughly enjoy time spent with your kids.
By enforcing time for yourself, you start to build a support system. It is important for your kids to interact with a variety of different people. Try leaving the kids with their dad or a grandparent when possible while you enjoy a spa day with your girlfriends or hide away with a good book. This creates variability in your children’s lives. Self care for moms is a win-win; Your kids are happier because their momma is more joyful and present, and you are happier because you are giving yourself the gift of balance.
Next time you begin to feel guilty or uncertain about carving time for your own self care, remember that everyone benefits: you, your partner and your kids. Our best advice for new moms is to be aware that your needs are intertwined with your children's. You can’t fully care for another unless you care for yourself. Be an example for your family and display self care.