Being a mom is rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. With endless responsibilities, it’s easy to feel burnt out. That’s why it’s crucial for moms to give themselves space for self-care. As moms, we often put our families’ needs before our own, but we can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care is not selfish; it’s a necessity. It’s about prioritizing our physical, mental, and emotional health.
Self-care is not only beneficial for you but also for your children and your entire family. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of your family. Prioritizing self-care allows you to be more present and engaged with your children, and to show up as the best version of yourself.
Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself; it’s essential for your overall well-being. As moms, we need to give ourselves space – physically, mentally, and emotionally – to prioritize our self-care and recharge our batteries.
Three ways you can create space for yourself
1. One important aspect of self-care is creating physical space. Designating a space in your home that is just for you can provide peace and solitude. It can be a corner in your living room or a spot in your backyard. Having a physical space where you can relax and unwind can help you recharge and replenish your energy. It can be a sanctuary where you can escape the chaos of motherhood, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day.
Setting boundaries with your time, energy, and commitments can help prevent burnout and create a healthier balance between your responsibilities as a mom and your own needs.
2. In addition to physical space, it’s crucial to give yourself mental space. Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools to create mental space. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, clear your mind, and be present in the moment can help reduce stress and overwhelm. It can also help you gain clarity and perspective, allowing you to approach your daily tasks with a calm and centered mind.
3. Setting healthy boundaries is also an essential part of self-care. Learning to say no and not feeling guilty about it is okay. It’s important to prioritize your needs and say yes to yourself. Setting boundaries with your time, energy, and commitments can help prevent burnout and create a healthier balance between your responsibilities as a mom and your own needs.
I failed self-care 101 and nearly wrecked my car
My kids were really bad sleepers when they were babies. Like, really bad. There were months on end when I never got more than an hour or two of uninterrupted sleep at a time. While my hubby was wonderful and supportive, I always felt bad about waking him up because he had work in the morning. So, I didn’t. I pretended that everything was fine and that this was just part of being a mom.
That was when I had a huge reality check. I was driving home from preschool and reached a busy intersection. All I had to do was turn right, but for the life of me, I couldn’t remember which way to look to check for oncoming traffic. There were cars lining up behind me and I felt frazzled and just wanted to get home. It wasn’t until I’d pulled into traffic that I realized which direction I should have been looking.
Thankfully, it was at a time of day when there wasn’t much cross traffic, or else I would have been smushed. It was after that I started prioritizing getting enough sleep so I could stay safe.
Self-care is vital for moms to prioritize their well-being and prevent burnout. By creating physical and mental space, and setting healthy boundaries, moms can take care of themselves and show up as the best version of themselves for their families.
Reference: For more tips on self-care for moms, check out this article: “Self-Care is Not Selfish”
Discussion question: What are some practical ways you can create physical and mental space for self-care in your daily routine as a mom?
