Parenting is not an easy job. Taking care of your child can be emotionally and physically draining. In order to be as present as possible in your home life, you need to prioritize your own wellbeing, moms!
We need to be mindful of the weight we put on mothers and ask ourselves when it comes to the moms in our lives, how can we help them?
When we talk about taking care of ourselves, this can mean a variety of things. And for each mom, what self-care looks like will be different. Below are some ways to prioritize yourself and take the much-deserved alone time to recharge, refresh, and refocus.
Guide to this post:
Give yourself an hour
It might mean waking up earlier or sleeping later, but giving yourself time in your day to have that coffee, read a book, take a walk, exercise, or meditate can make you feel more in tune with your body and mind. When your baby is sleeping, seize the opportunity and give yourself a chance to breath and be yourself outside of your role as a mother. With a proactive smart baby monitor such as Cubo Ai’s, you can enjoy that me-time with some peace of mind.
Find a support system
Turn to the people in your life when you need help. Whether that is a parent, friend, or babysitting service, it is okay to ask for support when it comes to raising your child. The truth is, some other mother has been there before, so know you are not alone! Connect with fellow mamas, ask their advice, or just vent when you need to. If you have a partner, make sure they are giving as much as you are to your baby. Even if you are a single mom, there is support to be found.
Turn to the people in your life when you need help.
Reach Out to Mental Health Services
In the same vein, seeing a therapist or finding other mental health resources in your area can be helpful for mothers. Even if you do not struggle with a mental illness, you could still benefit from counseling just to check in with yourself. Google mental health resources in your area, discuss with your physician, or find your local helplines if it is an emergency situation. Help is there and every mama is worthy of it! Free or low-cost resources are available as well as many beneficial apps if in-person counseling is not available to you.
Moms, this is your call to take care of yourselves and not just your babies.
Your self-care journey is yours: find activities, resources, and ways to better your health. Lean on your support system or find one to assist you. Communicate with your partner when you are exhausted and need time to recharge alone. You should not feel guilty for needing space and time for yourself. This does not make you a bad mom. Instead, it makes you a better mom as you are showing your child that their mental health matters too.
About the writer
Meghan Nelligan is a freelance writer and creative storyteller based in the United States. She is passionate about mental health, creative writing, and social media. She also manages an Instagram account and a portfolio site for her poetry where she shares weekly readings, personal writings, and favorite works. Check it out here: https://gempoetry.squarespace.com/
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