As a mother, it might be difficult to put your own needs first. You never seem to get ahead of the game, and the day is never long enough. However, prioritizing self-care is essential to achieving lasting fulfillment in life. Here are 5 helpful ways for moms to relax and recharge without feeling guilty.
Mothers have a history of consistently putting their own needs on the back burner. When did we last prioritize our own needs among those of our family, our homes, our work, and everything else that comes up in between? The typical response is “never.”
But this simply makes us more exhausted, anxious, and unhappy in our roles as mothers. So, if you’re a parent who’s always exhausted, it’s time to put your own needs first for a change. You owe it to yourself and your children.
The Importance of Putting Yourself First
If you take some time off to focus on your own needs, you’ll come back to parenthood with renewed vigor and enthusiasm. Your view on life and general disposition will also improve.
Consider how your parenting and relationship with your children could suffer if you were chronically exhausted, anxious, and unhappy. Take care of yourself and make time for yourself, and you’ll be a happier, more present mother your children will adore.
In addition, prioritizing self-care demonstrates to your children the value of doing the same. You’re showing them the way and instructing them in the importance of self-care, both in terms of their bodies and their minds.
Tips on Recharging Your Batteries
As a mother, you may recognize the value of “you time” but feel at a loss as to how to make it a reality. So now you’re probably wondering, “How do I make time for myself?” Or at least how to do it without being overwhelmed with mommy guilt.
Fortunately, below is a list of 5 useful methods to make time for yourself as a mother:
1. Know that you deserve it
This is the very first and crucial stage. You must give yourself permission to indulge in some much-needed self-care. If not, your guilt will persist.
You don’t automatically lose your right to rest, rejuvenate, and focus on your own needs just because you’re a mother. In fact, as a mother, it is even more crucial that you prioritize self-care.
Reminding ourselves that we deserved it is a common strategy for reducing feelings of guilt. That’s what we’ve earned. But there’s no price tag attached to taking some time off to recharge, improve yourself, and indulge in your personal passions and interests.
You can’t get everything done that you want to today. Thus, you will always feel guilty for taking some “you time” if you persuade yourself that you must first “earn” it. Instead of relaxing and taking advantage of the time, you’ll be preoccupied with all the things you should be accomplishing.
Self-care time is not a commodity. It’s the energy source that allows you to function normally. Take it, you and your loved ones are going to need it.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Assistance
You’ll burn out fast and feel overwhelmed if you try to do everything by yourself. And that’s when the feelings of motherly guilt begin to surface.
The first thing to do is to ease up on yourself and accept the fact that you need assistance. Creating a family is a team effort. Trying to handle everything on your own will just increase your levels of tension and worry.
If you have a spouse or significant other, take advantage of their presence by asking them to watch the kids while you go out for a while. See if any relatives or friends can babysit for you if you don’t have a partner.
In other words, if you need assistance, ask for it!
3. Establish a Routine
When there is so much to do and the kids constantly demand your attention, it can be challenging to find time for yourself. Having a set pattern each day can be game-changer in your household.
4. Establish Order
Some mothers may find this one more challenging, but it’s well worth it. Taking the time to get yourself prepared can lighten your load and reduce the amount of tension you feel as the day progresses.
Taking time off to relax won’t help if you keep worrying about falling more behind when you return to work. Which is why it’s not useful in any way.
As a mother, you can benefit from many different methods of organization, such as:
- Creating a household schedule
- Food Preparation
- Set up a cleaning routine
- Make your children do regular chores
- Build a schedule you can stick to
- Meet as a family once a week to discuss the upcoming week
When you have your life in order, you can relax and enjoy some time off without feeling bad about it because you know that everything is being taken care of.
5. Get a Babysitter or Part-Time Nanny
Lastly, if you’re having a hard time finding time for yourself and/or your mental health is suffering, it may be time to consider hiring a part-time nanny or babysitter.
This can make you feel much less stressed and less like you’re always on the clock. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it can help alleviate some of that, too.
You've Got This
Motherhood is a demanding profession. You are selfless, always putting the needs of others before your own. However, remember to care for yourself as well.
You can’t be a good caregiver if you neglect your own needs. You shouldn’t feel bad about pampering yourself now and then. Ultimately, it’s to everyone’s advantage.