Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms: 10 Ways to Remember Who You Are
Here at Oceeto, we know that life with littles can be incredibly hectic. And if you feel like you're drowning as you try to juggle all "the things", we get it. Between the diaper changes, the endless laundry, and the never-ending "M-o-m, can you...?" requests, finding a moment for yourself in all the frenzy can feel like searching for a lost pacifier in a playpen. But self-care is not a luxury – it's a necessity for moms to function at their best, both for themselves and their families. In fact, studies show the benefits of regular self-care for moms include:
- Significant improvement to a mother's mental health, leading to reduced levels of stress and fatigue.
- Engaging in self-care is linked to the use of more positive parenting strategies because when moms take time for themselves, they're more likely to have the patience and clarity to employ nurturing and effective parenting techniques.
- Better physical health outcomes, not just for the mothers but also for their children.
And if you forgot H-O-W to care of yourself, Oceeto has a few suggestions...
- The Five-Minute Breather
Take five minutes to just breathe. Lock yourself in the bathroom if you must and take deep breaths. Inhale the calm, exhale the chaos. It's like a mini spa session for your lungs.
- The Friend Zone
Rethink ways to connect with friends! Record your thoughts with apps like Marco Polo or voice notes on your phone and share them when you're ready. The sound of a friend's laughter can bridge the distance between you. PRO TIP: Short on time? Even a brief message can make a big impact. A quick text like "Thinking of you!" can brighten both your days.
- The Gratitude Moment
Every day, jot down one thing you're grateful for. It could be as simple as a successful potty-training day or a cup of coffee that actually stayed warm! Gratitude is a powerful mood booster.
- The Fitness Fast Break
Schedule multiple short breaks for fitness throughout your day. A twenty-minute cardio sesh, three times a day is a full hour of cardio. PRO TIP: Blend your fitness into the kids' routine. Take a stroll while they play, sneak in sit-ups during their screen time, or go for a brisk walk to lull them to sleep. It's all about making movement a natural part of your day!
- The Quick Stretch
Do some quick stretches while you're waiting for the pasta to boil or the kids to finish brushing their teeth. It's a great way to keep your body feeling good.
- Power Napping
Master the art of the power nap. Twenty minutes can recharge your batteries and make you feel like a new woman. Train your kids to understand that when Mom's napping, it's quiet time.
- The Sip and Savor
Make your daily tea, kombucha or coffee a ritual. Sip it slowly, savor the flavor, and enjoy the warmth. It's a small luxury that can bring a big smile.
- The Closet Retreat
Turn your closet into a retreat spot. Sometimes, just sitting in a space that's all yours, even for a few minutes, can be incredibly refreshing.
- The Aromatherapy Hack
Keep an essential oil roller or a scented candle handy. A whiff of lavender (relaxation), or sandalwood (anxiety) or sage (stress) can be instantly soothing.
- The Water Challenge
Stay hydrated. Challenge yourself to drink a glass of water every hour. It's good for your body and gives you a reason to take a quick break.
As you consider our suggestions for mom self-care tips, remember these tips are only here to guide and inspire you. The goal isn’t to cram your day with more tasks. Rather, it’s to ensure you make regular time for yourself. Because caring for you is just as important as caring for them!