If you’re a mom, it can often feel like you’re the glue holding the household together. Balancing kids, a career, household chores, and errands can be hard. A common complaint busy moms have is that there aren’t enough hours in the day. If this sounds familiar, then there’s also a good chance you rarely, if ever, take the time to put yourself first. With so much to do, who’s got the time to relax and put their feet up? The problem is that when you run yourself ragged, everyone suffers — including your kids.
If you find yourself trapped in the never-ending cycle of putting everyone else’s needs before yours, it’s time to rethink your approach to life. We’ve put together a list of practical self-care tips that are ideal for moms who rarely slow down, just like you.
Don’t Block Off Large Amounts of Time for Self-Care
Let’s start with one of the biggest misconceptions about self-care. Busy moms protest that there isn’t enough time for them to relax or slow down in a day. While that can seem true on the surface, experts suggest taking a less intimidating approach to slowing down. Rather than blocking off a significant chunk of time, give yourself 10 to 15 minutes here and there. These small increments can do wonders for your mental and physical well-being. That can give you enough time to have a coffee or a tea, eat a little snack, read a chapter in a book, rest your eyes on the couch, or even catch up on social media.
Because it can be difficult to remember to take breaks, a good tip is to set a timer on your mobile device. Each time the timer goes off, take your break and then reset the device again. Eventually, small breaks will become a habit, and you’ll no longer need the timer.
Listen to Something Relaxing While Getting Your Chores Done
Combining mundane chores with relaxation may sound impossible, but it just takes a little bit of effort and imagination on your part. The next time you are vacuuming the house, cooking dinner, folding laundry, or gardening, why not pop in your earbuds or wireless headphones and listen to something that relaxes you? You could listen to a podcast, an audiobook, your favorite music, or even white noise and relaxation sounds.
Casual Online Gaming Can Have Positive Mental Health Benefits
There is a lot of focus on quiet activities as a way to slow down, but that may not be your cup of tea. Evidence shows that casual gaming can be a highly effective way to relax and detach from everyday stress. Even if you only have time for a few short games, that may be all it takes to reset and reenergize yourself. Whether you’re checking out trending video games or finding new casinos, pick something that speaks to you and feels fun. This type of casual gaming can be enjoyed solo or online with others. It depends on what you’re in the mood for.
The other great thing about gaming is that it can be done on your mobile device. This means any time you have a few extra minutes, you can fit in a short game. Maybe it’s while you’re waiting in the school parking lot to pick the kids up, sitting on the train as you commute to work, or even in the waiting room at an appointment.
Find a Hobby That Interests You
Did you know that hobbies can improve your overall mental health? Hobbies encourage you to slow down and put your energy into a task that feels fun and rewarding. People of any age can enjoy hobbies, and there is no requirement for previous knowledge or skills. In fact, not knowing much about the hobby can be half the fun. You get to learn something new!
Some hobbies that are known to promote self-care and relaxation include:
- Meditation
- Drawing
- Painting
- Scrapbooking
- Yoga
- Journaling
- Birdwatching
- Puzzles
Another great thing about hobbies is that they don’t need to be expensive. Many require very few “tools” or gear to get you started.
Exercising Is a Form of Self-Care
Few activities can deliver as many benefits as exercise. Exercise helps keep you fit and at a healthy body weight. It also improves flexibility and strength, which is important as you age. Besides the physical benefits, working out is also an effective way to combat stress, anxiety, fatigue, and even mild depression.
Always Leave Time for a Digital Detox Before Bed
As great as your digital device is for getting your mind off stress and acting as a mental break, be mindful of when you use it. Using your digital device too close to bedtime can make it difficult for you to sleep. To avoid overstimulating your mind before bed, it’s a good idea to put your digital device down at least one hour before bedtime.
To help with your digital detox goal, experts recommend avoiding having a television in your bedroom. Once again, it can be too stimulating to the mind.
Self-Care Takes a Conscious and Continuous Effort
For many people, self-care doesn’t come naturally. For moms who are always busy and worried about their children’s needs, self-care often gets put on the back burner. The problem is that by not prioritizing your own mental health, you may begin to feel overwhelmed or depleted. When that happens, your kids also suffer. To be the best mom possible, you need a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle that includes time to slow down. By doing this, you’ll also set a great example for your kids
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