Written by: Alexis Hall
Becoming a mom is a challenge you may never feel fully prepared for. It’s one of the most important and life-changing adventures you can experience. Whether you’re still in the planning stages or just became a mom, a well-laid foundation can mean facing motherhood self-assured and with peace of mind.
Seventeen minutes. How much time out of your day do you need for yourself? According to Psychology Today, the average mom gets just 17 minutes per day to herself, and on top of that, she works an average of 98 hours per week! It’s vital as a mother to take care of yourself. Without participating in a good self-care plan, you risk damaging your health and your relationships. If you’re exhausted and stressed, you can’t give your best to anybody, including your baby. Good self-care promotes your overall wellness by tending to your body, mind, and soul. Try doing these simple activities to nurture your physical and mental well-being:
Play music. Turn on something uplifting and upbeat.
Do some journaling. Put your thoughts onto paper for around 20 minutes a day.
Schedule girlfriend time. Spend an hour with a beloved friend enjoying lunch, chatting or sipping coffee.
Spread kindness. Send an uplifting, handwritten note via snail mail, or go on a 20-minute spree of writing encouraging notes on social media.
Eat right. Your self-care plan should include nutritious meals.
Exercise. Spend time walking or hiking in nature, preferably near water or in the woods.
Sleep. Ensure you are getting enough sleep so you have energy, can focus and stay healthy.
Say “no.” Don’t overcommit your schedule.
Enrich. Participate in worship or mindfulness activities. One suggestion is to spend time in prayer or meditation each morning.
Reach out. Especially at the beginning of motherhood, you may find it’s necessary to ask for help in order to manage a good self-care routine. If you are stressed and anxious, that will carry over to how your child feels. North Dakota State University notes it’s important to develop a positive, proactive approach in your relationships right from the start of parenting. Connect with your partner and others who can play an active role in your and your baby’s life. Have Dad watch your little one while you snag a nap or attend yoga class, or see if your neighbor would like to go for a stroll with you in the mornings. Maybe your best girlfriend and your kiddos can go for a playdate. Be creative and take steps to involve your support network in your self-care plan.
Safe at home. Even if your little one is still just a twinkle in your eye, it’s not too early to prepare your home. Waiting until your baby arrives, or even until you’re experiencing morning sickness, can mean waiting until you already have so much on your plate that time and energy are at a premium. A typical house is full of dangers to infants that can cause injury or even death, so baby-proof your home for peace of mind. Make sure large items like televisions and bookcases are secured to walls, secure rugs to floors, install covers on outlets, and pad sharp and hard edges to prevent injuries. Buy baby gates to safely enclose areas, remove sharp objects and flammable materials, and eliminate strangulation and suffocation hazards such as cords and wires. If your home was built prior to 1979, you should consider checking for the existence of lead paint in your home and having it removed. Also ensure your home’s smoke detectors are installed appropriately and functional.
Confidence and peace of mind. Becoming a mom is a daunting challenge, but with smart preparations, you can face motherhood with confidence. Engage in self-care and take measures to provide peace of mind. You’ll be a great mom with these thoughtful strategies in place!
Alexis Hall is a single mom to three kids. She created SingleParent.info to provide support and advice for the many families out there with only one parent in the household. She works as an in-home health nurse. When she isn’t working or spending time with her kids, she enjoys running and hiking and is currently training for a triathalon.