Five Important Self-Care Tips for Moms

Five Important Self-Care Tips for Moms

Most moms struggle with self-care because we are naturally inclined to sacrifice our needs for the sake of caring for our children’s. Moms are so busy handling all the parenting responsibilities, we rarely put ourselves first, but we really need to take care of ourselves for the sake of our own health and well-being. It’s a challenge to do this, I know. I have often sacrificed my own health and wellness on this parenting journey, because my gosh, there’s just so much we must do!

I’m slowly learning how to take better care of me, despite the crazy schedules my kids have with their sports and extracurricular activities and the constant duties I must execute in order to have an organized and *somewhat* clean household. I want to share with you a few things I’ve learned. ALL of these tips are still hard for me to do, but I’m working on them every day.

1. Schedule those doctor appointments and GO.

I know they take precious time out of your busy schedule. I know even calling to schedule them is just one more thing you don’t want to add on your ‘to do’ list, but you must. Remind yourself you are investing in your health for the sake of your family and sacrificing this time is worth it.

Make sure you see your Family Physician, your OB/GYN, and your dermatologist for skin checks regularly. Also, make sure you take care of your teeth by scheduling those six-month cleanings. If you have any other health issues, please tend to them! Those aches and pains, that bump you found near your breast, that weird skin rash, whatever is out of the ordinary for you, PLEASE go get it checked out. It’s so easy to put these appointments off, but we must be responsible for our health.

2. Set limits according to your own physical health and emotional well-being.

Another difficult practice for us all, right? How many times do we go to that game when we aren’t feeling well or volunteer at that party when we are already a frazzled bunch of nerves? Moms, we don’t have to do it all. It’s okay to say no, to cancel, and to let things go when we are completely overwhelmed. Don’t feel guilty for taking care of yourself! You can always find replacements, and if not, rest assured the world will not end with you absent from it. (What a relief, right? 🙂 )

We feel so much pressure to always show up, but I’m learning sometimes it’s truly not worth the strain on my own health. We can be intentional with what we sign up for and what we show up for too. No parent has a perfect record. We often feel like we have no option, but there is always an option. If things get a bit messy because of our choice to set limits, that’s okay too. Sometimes putting you first will let others down and there are times when your health is worth it.

3. Make time for your favorite activities and friends.

We need to refuel our own tanks by doing things we love and spending time with people we love too. What things give you respite and restoration? Do you love to paint? To read? To bake? To hike? Make time for those activities that nourish you. If we deprive ourselves of our own interests and needs, it will surely take a toll on our inner peace and well-being.

We also need to carve out time to spend with other people we trust and enjoy being around, so we can feel encouraged and connected. If we isolate ourselves in the busy life of parenting, we can begin to feel lonely and detached. Reach out to that best friend and invite her over for coffee or go for that walk. Plan a lunch with an old friend you haven’t seen in years. Show up for that dinner, that prayer group, that moms’ night out, no matter how much you have to do. You will come back rejuvenated, restored, and relaxed.

4. Get to bed!

This one’s so hard, I know. I have learned how a lack of sleep can do a number on both your mental and physical health. Every mom knows this. Obvs. We are the queens of sleep-deprivation from the moment we take our newborn bundle of sleepless joy home. We all know that when we get the sleep we need, we are better human beings all around, yes? Yes. But if you’re like me, it’s late at night when I get that random spike of energy to get things done around the house or I’m craving the much-needed downtime watching Netflix and eating that big bag of chips. (Who’s with me on this?)

5. Take your vitamins.

With our demanding parenting schedules, not only do we have to shop for food, prepare meals and feed our children- we have to feed ourselves too. And often, we don’t get the nutrients we need in our diet. I’m guilty of last-minute meals and not investing enough time and energy into what I’m eating, which is why it’s so important to take supplements. I’m at that point in my life where I must take the power-packed Multi-vitamins for “Mature” people who are 50+ years old. Ah, aging is wonderful, isn’t it? Actually, it really can be, if we keep taking good care of ourselves, moms!

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So, moms, it’s time we invest in our own mental and physical health! Please consider these tips and I will join you in the challenge of self-care because we all need to stay healthy and happy for our kids- but more importantly for ourselves.