Collaborative Post¦ A mother’s life is defined by constant errands, multiple tasks and forever being busy. Family life is a whirlwind of activities, fast-paced and always on the go. It can be hard to find time to sit down and breathe. But indulging in some self-care and being mindful of your mental health is absolutely essential. While you’re so busy tending to others and keeping everyone else happy, you can easily forget that you also need some looking after. Here are some self-care tips to help you look after yourself and your mental health, so you can continue tending to those motherly duties with the upmost care and attention.
1. Stay Active
After the hustle and bustle of the day, it can be hard to motivate yourself to get up and move, but exercise has so many benefits that it is essential to work some movement into your daily life. Regular exercise boosts your mental health, keeps your body physically fit and actually leaves you feeling energized. You don’t have to go to the gym for hours or run for miles on the treadmill; instead, try and work it into your daily routine. Follow an online yoga class to do at home, stick on some music and have a dance around, take a walk in the park. There are so many ways to exercise that are enjoyable, can be done at home and are easy to slot into your day. You’ve just got to find what you love.
2. Schedule Yourself
One of the most important things for your mental health is taking time for you. It can be hard to find a time when you can schedule in yourself, but if there is an evening when the children are out, or a time of the day when your new-born is sleeping, that is your chance. Pick up your book and read without disturbances, watch what you want to watch on television, cook your favourite meal without anyone complaining that they don’t want to eat vegetables. Whatever it is you want to do with time to yourself, do it. Block out some time each and every week for yourself. It’s important that you remember to look after yourself. Make sure you make time to visit the doctor, Weybridge dentist and the opticians.
3. Meditate
With 101 things to do all the time and the to-do list always growing longer and longer despite you constantly running around, it can be hard to switch your brain off and feel peaceful. Meditating is a way to relax, reset and remove the energy of the day to help you wind down. It has been found to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, help alleviate depression and combat insomnia. With such positive effects on mental health, practicing a short meditation before bed could do wonders for your mental health. If you aren’t sure where to start, there are multiple videos, apps and guides online that can help get you started. Additionally, exploring the world of meditation is a rewarding and enriching experience for many people; for instance, by trying different types of meditation such as those involving healing gemstones. Additionally, the best gemstones for your meditative practice come from good research, for example, there are many gemstones from different places on earth, you can check out Sri Lankan or Brazilian gemstones with images, as they are said to offer positive energy for your journey. Doing this may help you to identify the one that best fits your energy, unlocking vibrant new perspectives and inner peace.
4. Pamper Yourself
Every now and then, every mother needs a good pampering. There is something so relaxing and rejuvenating about soaking your body in a hot steaming bubble bath and letting your worries float away. Get out the essential oils and candles, paint your nails and refresh your body. Take it to the next level and organize a short spa trip with your best friends. Get a massage, use the sauna, take a swim, and enjoy giving your mind and body a break from the chaos of family life. You’re probably dreaming if you think you can get the girls together for a spa day every month but booking yourself in for a quick massage will do wonders for your mental health and your body.
5. Go Shopping
How you feel about yourself can be reflected in what you wear. As a mother, you spend a lot of time at home in sweats and a baggy t-shirt, cleaning, cooking, and doing other motherly things. When you do go out for a meal or meet up with friends, you often get stuck for what to wear. When was the last time you went on a proper shopping trip an bought yourself new outfits? A while ago, right? This is your sign to go clothes shopping. Try on new outfits, find pieces that make you feel amazing and wear them out for your next meetup. Retail therapy works, especially if the outfits you buy have you overflowing with confidence.
6. Love the Mirror
With constant exposure to social media, advertisements and more and more filtered pictures appearing on our screens, there is no wonder many people find themselves feeling a little down about their appearance. Don’t let society fool you into thinking you are not beautiful, because you are. But if you need a little helping hand, that is okay too. When it comes to boosting self-esteem, having the perfect smile is the saving grace. A dreamy smile of perfect pearly whites can light up a whole room and give you the confidence of a movie star. Achieving straight teeth doesn’t mean metal braces and thousands of dollars when you choose clear night only aligners from ALIGNERCO. By using clear aligners you only wear at night you can achieve straight teeth quickly and discreetly, giving you an astounding boost in confidence.
7. Eat Properly
To be able to function at full force and take on motherhood like a champ, you need to be giving your body all the nutrients and energy it needs. Yes, it is easy to order takeout or shove a ready meal in the microwave but take the time to cook you and your family healthy, balanced and nutritious meals that are crammed full of vegetable goodness. Meals that balance the food groups correctly will sustain you for longer, refuel your body effectively and keep your brain ticking over efficiently. None of this skipping meals rubbish; your body needs food to function, so remember to eat properly and healthily. But treat yourself too. There is nothing wrong with indulging in a bit of cake and ice cream every now and then. Food is also there to be enjoyed, so enjoy it.
8. Journal
While meditating is a way of controlling your thoughts, journaling is more a way to get them out, express them and organize your life. There are so many different ways to approach journaling, you just have to find the ways which suit your needs. Some people use it as a release of emotion and like to get all their deepest, darkest thoughts and feelings out onto paper. Others go day by day, or use it much like a diary, including appointments, tasks and to-do lists. Whatever you feel like you need, try journaling it down.
9. Communicate
Everyone gets stressed – it is part of human nature. Everyone needs a break, and it is okay to ask for help when you need it. You’re a mother, not a superhero. If you need some time away, communicate it to your friends and family. They are your support network and are there to help you. Be open and honest with how you are doing and what you are feeling, especially with your partner. You are in this together so communicate with one another to help each other out. Help will always be on hand; all you have to do is ask.
A mother’s life revolves around looking after others; that seems to be there sole purpose. But you cannot fulfil this purpose if you aren’t looking after yourself. Be mindful of your thought and feelings, practice regular self-care and keep going.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post.