As a Mum with so many responsibilities, you have little room to focus on your own needs. As a result, self-care is left out as you grind through your duties daily. Most Mums by default put themselves at the bottom of their to-do list or don’t even make the list at all. But dismissing your own needs continually can affect your health adversely.
As the saying goes, you can’t pour out from an empty cup. You may become irritable, fatigued and stressed. So save your health and make time for self-care. When you take care of yourself, you’ll be able to take care of your family as well. So it’s time Mama to put self-care on your to-do list
Are You Wondering How To Start? Here’s How
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Create Time for Physical Activity
Yeah! You have to get your body moving! Choose activities that motivate you to exercise regularly. Because you are almost always engaged with your kids, you can involve them in your outdoor physical activities. Staying fit is a good way to take care of yourself. You can go swimming, cycling or dancing with them. Simple, consistent exercises like squatting can help you stay fit.
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Take Advantage of Early Mornings
One way to create self-care time is to wake up early. You can use that time to jog, meditate, read or have a massage session.
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Put Healthcare on the Schedule
If you are honest with yourself, you probably can’t remember the last time you went for a full body check-up (if you ever have). You need to be healthy to take care of other family members, so don’t joke with this. Make time for dental examination, mammograms, skin exams, pap smears and full body check-up.
Also mind what you eat. Cut down on caffeine intake and take plenty water instead. Eat more of grains, nuts, lean meat, fresh fruits and veggies to keep healthy.
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Get Enough Sleep
Getting adequate sleep should be a priority for you as a Mum. It will help you alleviate stress, improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your immune system amongst others. When you regularly skimp sleep, you risk having impaired cognitive function. It will also put you at risk of having conditions like diabetes and heart disease. So even when you are tempted to do a few more chores while kids are asleep, resist the temptation.
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Feed Your Body Well
Good food fuels your body so make sure you take meals and drinks with quality ingredients. As you nourish yourself with proper food, you are also being a good model to your kids. Take water instead of soda, shop for organic produce and visit a vegetarian once a week.
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Get Connected
Try to schedule some time to connect regularly with family and friends. You can fix a date night every last Friday of the month. You can also choose a Saturday morning to have a coffee date with your friends. Make it a goal to invite your neighbours over for a dinner at least once a month or plan a movie with kids.
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Stay Connected to Yourself
Don’t lose yourself in the day to day routines of family life because you are a mom. Pursue your hobbies, meditate and follow industry trends. Staying connected to your inner-most passions keeps you fully alive and joyful. Taking time to think about yourself will boost self-confidence and trust in your abilities. So make time and settle into the idea that you are amazing!
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Get a Massage
You can’t even argue with this one because you deserve it. The benefits of massage are overwhelming and research shows it reduces stress, anxiety and helps you sleep.
Be realistic when setting your daily goals and assess your priorities regularly. A few tasks to complete during the day is better than listing a thousand and not completing any. And don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. You can ask help from your partner, parent, friend or children. Stop getting caught in the cycle of I should, I will and I didn’t today. Maybe tomorrow, maybe on Sunday, Maybe next Sunday.
9. Plan a Vacation
Plan to take a break from your routine activities and go for a vacation. It will surely boost your happiness and get you refueled.
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Get a Beauty Treatment
As Mums, we take care of everyone else before ourselves. As a result, we forget to shave and even get our hair done. Make out time for a beauty treatment, book for a facial and get your hair done. The most little things can make us feel beautiful again.