The Mom's Guide to Self-Care: Why and How to Prioritize Yourself

‘The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness. When you become a mother, you are no longer the center of your own universe. You relinquish that position to your children.’ Jessica Lange

How true is this!

  

A mother takes care of everyone and everything around her. She is that one source that illuminates every nook of the home with her lovely light.

As mothers, we all can relate to late-night wake-ups and endless chores. But the good thing is that we are good at adapting! As Bruce Lee says - ‘be water, my friend.’ We believe a mother’s journey is one such where she is flowing up and against the current to be water, i.e., to be adaptive to every unforeseen situation that unfolds in her life, specially new mums.

We take care of everyone and everything around us except ourselves. Yes, mommies!! we need some care and pampering too.

And… while we are at it, let’s be out with our conditioned belief that self-care is selfish because IT IS NOT! We deserve it.

Showering yourself with self-love is important for your overall well-being. Here are Samridhi’s 5 tips for doing just that:

1. Make time for yourself: As a mom, it can be easy to get caught up in the daily demands of parenting and household responsibilities. However, it's important to make time for yourself, whether it's for a few minutes or an entire day. Find something you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, or taking a relaxing bath, and make sure to schedule it into your day.

Investing time in yourself, and your growth by learning new skills can be a great way to boost self-confidence and self-love. Samridhi suggests asking your partner to share responsibilities so you have time to learn something new. It's important to remember that it's never too late to learn something new, and it can be a great way to challenge yourself and grow as a person, just start small by setting an atomic habit.

2. Practice self-care rituals:

Self-care rituals can be a great way to take care of yourself on a daily basis. This can be as simple as a morning routine, such as guided meditation, yoga, or journaling. Or perhaps you prefer to end your day with a relaxing ritual such as reading a book or taking a warm bath with essential oils

Remember how positive you feel when you have just taken a walk in nature? Taking a walk in nature and talking to yourself is in fact a great way to clear your mind and gain perspective. It can also be a good way to connect with a partner or loved one. Go on feel that freshness of nature! It can help to refresh and revive you.

3. Connect with other moms: Being a mom can be isolating, and it's important to have a support system. By connecting with other moms, you have the opportunity to share your experiences, get advice, and have someone to talk to who understands the unique challenges of being a mom. This can be done through a mom's group, an online community, or a group of friends who are also moms.

Additionally, connecting with other moms can be a way to learn and grow. You can learn from other moms, who have been through similar experiences, and gain new perspectives on parenting and self-care. It can also be a great way to make new friends and form a sense of community.

4. Learn to say no: As a mom, it's easy to take on too much and over-commit yourself. There are many demands on your time and energy, whether it's from your kids, your partner, your job, or other responsibilities. It's important to remember that it's okay to say no to things that don't align with your self-care goals or make you feel stressed.

By learning to say no, you are setting boundaries for yourself and taking control of your time and energy. This can be difficult, especially if you are used to saying yes to everything, but it's essential for your own well-being.

It's important to remember that saying no doesn't mean you are being selfish or unhelpful. It's a way to take care of yourself and make sure you are able to give your best to the things and people that matter most to you.

5. Take care of your physical health: As a mom, it's easy to neglect your own health and well-being in favor of taking care of others. However, it's important to remember that taking care of your physical health is essential for your own well-being and the well-being of your family.

There are many ways to take care of your physical health, including

• Eating a balanced diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
• Staying active: Regular physical activity can help to improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your muscles and bones, and boost your mood.
• Getting enough sleep: Getting enough sleep each night is essential for your physical and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Check out the women’s essentials by Little West Street, designed to deliver ultimate comfort and love.
• Regular check-ups: It's important to schedule regular check-ups with your doctor to ensure that you are healthy and to catch any potential health issues early.

By taking care of your physical health, you are setting a good example for your family and showing them the importance of taking care of oneself. It's important to remember that taking care of your physical health doesn't have to be difficult or time-consuming. Even small changes, such as taking a walk or adding an extra serving of vegetables to your diet, can make a big difference. The most important thing is that you make taking care of your physical health a priority and that you make it a part of your daily routine.

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling roles that a woman can have, but it can also be one of the most challenging and stressful. Whether you're a new mom or a seasoned parent, it's important to make self-care a priority. And take time for yourself, it could be a few minutes or a few hours but the most important thing is to stick to it and make sure you give yourself time to relax and rejuvenate.