Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a working mom, here are 4 tips to take care of yourself without feeling guilty:
1. It’s time to make the time.
First, recognize that taking time for yourself is not a selfish act. Practicing self-care is crucial for your health and happiness, and ultimately benefits your family as well. When you take care of yourself, you’re better able to handle the demands of motherhood and to be present for your children.
2. Scheduling time for you.
Next, make time for yourself a priority. Set aside specific blocks of time for self-care and stick to them. This could be as simple as taking a few minutes to meditate in the morning or reading a book before bed. Schedule time for activities that are meaningful to you even if you can’t do them as often as you might like. Perhaps you can schedule a regular outing with friends or a date night with your partner.
3. Easing the load.
If finding time for yourself is a struggle, consider asking for help. This could mean enlisting the support of a partner, family member, or babysitter to watch the kids while you take some time for yourself. It’s okay to ask for help and delegate responsibilities in order to make time for a self-care night. Also, consider using tools such as the Headspace mobile app to help you give a little more attention to your well-being.
4. Giving yourself permission.
It’s also important to let go of the guilt. You take care of everyone else, mom! Remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. You hold yourself accountable for meeting your many responsibilities to others, but you forget that personal care is a responsibility. Let go of the idea that you need to be constantly available and “on” for your family. Trust that they will be okay without you for a little while, and allow yourself to relax and recharge.
In conclusion, finding time for yourself as a mom is crucial for your well-being. Prioritize self-care, ask for help when needed, and let go of the guilt. Taking care of yourself fuels your health and well-being and it also allows you to be a better mom!