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As a mom, you know time is valuable and the days just never quite seem long enough. It’s likely you have a running list of tasks to accomplish in your head and it’s even more likely that self-care falls at the very bottom. While putting your family, career, and home first comes naturally, if you fail to make yourself a priority, you may be doing more harm than good.
In honor of Stress Awareness Month, which is celebrated during the month of April, we’re highlighting some ways in which busy moms can fit self-care into their daily routines in order to avoid stress, burnout, and even illness. Keep reading for some tips on How to Practice Self-Love and start treating yourself with the same care you treat your family!
Fitting in a run or an hour long gym session may be impossible these days, however, that doesn’t mean you can’t incorporate ways here and there to get active. Breaking a sweat leads to countless health benefits that stretch far beyond decreasing a number on the scale. Getting physical helps release feelings of negativity and stress. Exercising causes chemicals called endorphins to flood out into your body. These endorphins interact with receptors in your brain and nervous system causing you to feel happier, naturally. If you’re pressed for time, a simple walk around the block will get your heart rate up and your blood pumping. If you’re fortunate enough to carve out some time in your day, consider a group class such as Yoga or Pure Barre.
As a mom, it’s easy to feel a sense of guilt when you do something that doesn’t involve your kids. However, investing in you every once in a while will actually help you to be the best version of yourself, which in turn benefits your kids and everyone else around you. If you’re fortunate enough to find a sitter, or have a partner who’s happy to get some alone time with the kids, spend a night out on the town enjoying dinner and drinks with your girlfriends. If you’re more of a homebody, opt for DIY spa night at home complete with a warm bubble bath followed up by your favorite face mask. If you’re looking to splurge, order yourself a prescription anti-aging night cream that’ll give you that “I slept all night” look, even if you’re lucky to average about four hours!
While this may seem like the most obvious tip, it can actually be the most overlooked. One of the hardest parts of becoming a mother is asking for help when you need it and taking it when it’s offered. Let’s face it, motherhood is exhausting and it truly takes a village. For some reason, society has created a perception that asking for help, especially as a mother, is a sign of weakness. The reality is, asking for help when you need it is what truly helps you to be a great mother! Whether it’s a family member looking after your baby while you run to the grocery store, or your partner helping you with bath time at night, accept the help when it’s offered!
Motherhood is one of the most rewarding, yet selfless journeys you’ll embark on. You will learn something new about yourself and your children everyday. The important thing to keep in mind is that although your family is your first priority, you can’t care for them in the way they deserve if you don’t care for yourself. Don’t think of putting you first as being neglectful. Instead, think of it as providing yourself with the opportunity to reset and recharge in order to be the best mother you can be!