As a new mom, you likely aren’t getting much sleep or time to relax. Fitting in any time for self-care seems impossible. But self-care isn’t just about waiting until you can block off time to go out and do something that helps you destress. There are little things that all moms need to consider doing for themselves throughout the day.
This is a guest post written by THIS MOM IS ON FIRE. Nadia and Ivana help busy moms by sharing ideas for fun family and kid’s activities, great food and tips to help mom life go a little smoother.
Eat Proper Healthy Meals
Always start your day with a healthy breakfast, especially if you have been nursing at night. Its extremely important that you keep yourself well nourished. When you are tired and busy tending to your kids, it’s easy to pour yourself a convenient sugar bowl of cereal or even just skip breakfast all together.
But that is not going to help fuel you through the day. A large part of self-care is eating proper meals and snacks. Over time, a lack of nutrition can result in low energy levels, mood swings and can even negatively affect milk supply.
High protein and healthy breakfast options are even more attainable now! There are many recipes available that are quick and easy. We share ‘no-bake’ and ‘one-bowl’ recipes such One-bowl Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies and Chocolate Energy Bites to help busy moms make a grab-and go breakfast with as little time and mess as possible.
Another great option is to be able to throw everything in a blender and mix it up, such as muffin and pancake batters. For lunch and dinner, look for recipes that are 30 minute meals, sheet pan ideas and one-pot options. Keep these recipes in your arsenal as you will need to go to them regularly to help give you the fuel you need to get through your busy day.
Listen While You Work
The list of chores to tackle always feels like it is never ending. When the kids are occupied or napping, it’s the only chance we really get to tackle the cooking and cleaning. So how do you fit in time for any self-care? Remember, self-care is not just about pampering the body, but relaxing the mind as well.
Since finding time to curl up on the couch with a good book seems impossible, listening to a good audio book or podcast is a good alternative and a great way to unwind. I often find myself so immersed in a storyline that it becomes a nice little escape from the regular stresses in life.
There are many podcasts that are available for free online. From true crime stories to comedies, there are tons of podcasts out there to suit your mood.
You can also look for podcasts that are more relatable and address your current situation in life, health or feelings. Podcasts are not just for providing entertainment. Discussing issues that affect you as well can help provide some information and support.
Of course, there’s always the option to just listen to music. Many studies have concluded that music helps with improving your mood and reducing stress. Create a few playlists and clean away. Its guaranteed to help cleaning go a little faster and maybe feel less annoying than it usually does!
Fit in Small Beauty Routines
When it feels like you haven’t slept in days, it’s hard to think about even putting makeup on. Especially when you can barely find time to wash your face. But the little things like applying a nice colorful lip gloss or whipping up and applying a natural DIY face mask while working can really help brighten your look as well as your mood!
Keep Connecting with Others
Yes, you will probably be lucky to fit in an uninterrupted three minute conversation. But every mom can use a small tribe. Whether its your siblings, a tight-knit group of friends or a mom group on Facebook; anywhere you can find like-minded, positive friends to help lift each other and laugh through life’s ups and downs, are the best tribe to have.
Find a Small Creative Outlet
A creative outlet is doing an activity that helps explore your creative side as a means to channel your energy and also acts as a distraction to help you reduce stress.
This activity doesn’t need to be elaborate or something that you especially excel at. It needs to be something that you enjoy doing and feels calming while doing it. It can be as simple as building with Lego, filling a journal with your thoughts, sketching, knitting, painting – there are so many activities to explore. Whatever form of expression you chose, it should be an activity that you have fun doing and doesn’t feel like work.
Self-care doesn’t need to be extravagant. It’s the little things done regularly that are more likely to help keep moms healthier – body, mind and soul.
This was a guest post written by THIS MOM IS ON FIRE. Nadia and Ivana help busy moms by sharing ideas for fun family and kid’s activities, great food and tips to help mom life go a little smoother.
Conclusion
Congratulations on your new baby! It is such a blessing, and I am so happy that you are educating yourself on what to expect. Preparation brings a level of confidence that is so important to new parents. Remember that you can always check out our BABY ACADEMY for all of our prenatal resources for new parents. Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help!
Free Prenatal Class
Enjoy a free prenatal class from the comfort of your own home! This is a course that I wrote based on a decade of professional and personal experiences regarding everything from childbirth to newborn care. This is a self-paced course that you can watch anytime and anywhere you want! You can sign up HERE. I look forward to connecting with you! – Rachel
Exciting News!!
Did you know that many insurance plans include FREE prenatal and postnatal consultations? See if you qualify by filling out this form: INSURANCE AUTHORIZATION FORM. Consultations can be virtual, in home, or in office with no out of pocket costs.