As a busy mom, you might feel like you don’t have time for self-care. But the truth is, taking even a few minutes out of your day to focus on your well-being can make a world of difference. How can you be able to take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself?
To be the best mom you can be you need to look after yourself. Here are 11 self-care ideas for busy moms to help you relax, recharge, and be your best.
1. Get enough sleep
This one might seem obvious, but it’s important nonetheless. Moms need around 8 hours of sleep per night, but many of us only get 6 or 7. If you’re not getting enough sleep, you’re more likely to be irritable, have trouble focusing, and get sick more easily.
Ensure your kids retire to bed at a reasonable hour so you can get a full night’s rest. Create a bedtime routine and stick to it as much as possible. This could include winding down for 30 minutes before lights out, reading a story together, or taking a relaxing bath.
2. Get Some Fresh Air
One of the best things you can do for your health is to get some fresh air every day. Fresh air helps you to clear your head, improve your mood, and boost your energy levels.
If you can’t get outside for a walk or a run, open the windows in your home and take some deep breaths. You’ll immediately feel more relaxed and refreshed.
3. Eat a Healthy Meal
When you’re constantly on the go, it’s easy to let your diet suffer. Eating healthy foods is essential for maintaining your energy levels and keeping your mind sharp.
Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Limit processed food and sugary snacks, which can give you a quick energy boost but will make you feel tired and sluggish later on.
And when you do have time for a proper meal, sit down and enjoy it without distractions. You’ll be surprised how much better you feel when you’re not rushing through your food.
4. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also do wonders for your mental well-being.
When you exercise the body produces endorphins, which have mood-boosting and pain-relieving properties and as a result can help to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase energy levels.
Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare, use that time to get your heart rate up and break a sweat.
If you find it hard to fit in a workout at home, try joining a gym or taking a class at a local community centre. Alternatively, you can also go for a walk or run with a friend or family member to make it more enjoyable.
5. Set Aside Some “Me Time” Each Day
It’s important to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself, both physically and emotionally. So set aside some time each day (even if it’s just 10-15 minutes) to do something that makes you happy. This could be reading a good book, meditating, taking a yoga class, or simply taking a relaxing bath at night before bedtime.
You can also use this time to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, take a few deep breaths and try to focus on the positive things in your life. This simple exercise can help to calm your mind and put things into perspective.
Guard your ”me time” jealously and don’t allow anyone or anything to intrude on it. This is your time to relax and recharge, so make the most of it!
6. Make Time for Friends and Family
It’s easy to get so caught up in taking care of your family that you forget to nurture your other relationships. But spending time with friends and loved ones is an important part of self-care.