Increasingly, women in families are asked to wear many hats in addition to being a mother: primary caregiver, cook, housekeeper, breadwinner, nurse, and more. It is essential for anyone in a caregiver role to practice “self-care.” With the busyness of your every day in mind, we want to remind you of something very important: Don’t forget about yourself.
Most everyone agrees that a happy mom makes a happy home. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded from time to time what that takes. When we take care of ourselves (our needs, our dreams, our desires), we are always better able to meet the needs of the people who depend on us and the challenges they present. Below is a list of the top self-care tips from one mother to another:
Down time
Throughout the day, people need your time, energy, and skills. By the end of the night, you may have very little left to give. It is important to have down time to focus inward and recharge.
For most people, this includes time alone. Consider taking a hot bath, read a book, let yourself sleep-in, take a walk on the beach, journal, or get a massage. When you are a mother, this will probably require some planning ahead – but its well worth it.
Adult Conversation
We are social creatures. We need and want the company of others for support, companionship, and fun. Make time to go out with your girlfriends, join a book club, and even schedule some date nights with your partner.
Heath Care
“Self-care” includes managing stress levels, eating right, and exercising.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding stress your body and significantly impact your hormones and overall health.
Stress causes a “hormonal cascade” that can have a harmful effect on our bodies. Constant exposure to stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, affects insulin and sex hormone levels, which can lead to weight gain, decreased immunity, PMS, suppressed thyroid function, irritability, and fatigue.
See your doctor for your yearly checkups. Women must be aware that often what happens on the outside, in our day-to-day lives, has real physiological and hormonal consequences on what happens on the inside, to our physical and mental well-being. For these tips to work, you may need to ask for help. Ask your partner or a friend to take the kids for a couple of hours and prioritize yourself. You are worth it.
Happy Mothers day!
