Motherhood is beautiful but it is also one of the hardest jobs in the world. It takes all of you and when you do have that free time you feel like youre being pulled in 10 different directions just to get everything done in that small window of time before the baby wakes up/comes from nursery ect. In order to find yourself you need that small window of time, even just 30 minutes for yourself. I know right, easier said than done, well here are self care tips for new moms that can help and do not require a lot of time:
ACKNOWLEDGE THE CHANGE:
Accept the fact that youve changed, embrace it. Your priorities shift, you may even need a little more wine than before but thats to be expected.
CREATE TIME FOR SELF REFLECTION:
Finding quiet time for self reflection can be crucial even if it means hiding in your bathroom for 10 minutes and leaving your partner with the kids. Self-reflecting exercises include:
- Journaling .
- Meditation
- Nature walks
RECONNECT WITH YOUR PASSIONS:
Whether it’s painting, reading, dancing, exercising or gardening, dedicating time to your passions is a powerful way to reconnect with oneself. Start by setting aside small, manageable chunks of time each week to indulge in these activities.
SET BOUNDARIES:
As a mother and wife, it’s easy to forget about yourself and prioritize everyone else’s needs over your own, but you need to set boundaries and have some time to yourself. I know, the mom guilt is eating at you when you take time to yourself, but try to push that out of your head and remember your kids will be fine without you for a couple hours
SEEK SUPPORT (OPTIONAL):
Seek support from your partner, friends, or a community of moms. Sharing your experiences and challenges with others can make things easier and also bring to light the fact that we all are facing similar challenges, youll find that your kids is not the only one banging his head on the floor when throwing tantrums.
EXPLORE NEW INTERESTS:
Take a class, learn a new skill, or pick up a hobby you’ve always been curious about is an important tip for self care for new moms. I started exercising and I was not into personal fitness, but I persisted past the painful bit and discovered that I absolutely love it and it made me so much more confident in myself
PRACTICE SELF COMPASSION:
Be kind to yourself during all aspects of life, speak kind words to yourself and try to remember its a journey not a race. Heres my 3 rules: Praise yourself often, Avoid unrealistic expectations and also No negative self-talk.
NURTURE YOUR RELATIONSHIP:
Ensure you nurture your relationship with your partner by spending quality time together even if its date night once a month at Mc Donalds 😉 . Additionally, maintaining friendships and making new ones can be a challenge considering theres only so much time in a day, but even if you just give them a video call once a week, it can help. Who doesnt like a little juicy gossip from their best friend.
EMBRACE YOUR DUAL ROLES:
Remember that being a mother and a wife are integral parts of your identity. Embrace these roles while also making space for your individual self. Balance is key; if you neglect one than they all fall down, its like a game of Jenga.
CONCLUSION:
By acknowledging the changes, setting boundaries, reconnecting with your passions, and seeking support, you can find a harmonious balance between your identity as a mother and your true self. This journey not only benefits you but also sets a powerful example for your children about the importance of self-love and personal growth. Remember, it’s never too late to do anything in life, and no this does not apply to a 65 year old dreaming of being a stripper.
