New moms might find it challenging to practice self-care. But it’s a critical practice. You might have many self-care needs in mind, making it more crucial to prioritize them. It’ll also be helpful while caring for your newborn and dealing with significant life changes.
Unfortunately, self-care is challenging. Here’s a self-care guide for mothers, teaching you what self-care means and how to care for yourself when necessary:
Defining Self-Care
Most people think that self-care only involves premium salon appointments, 90-minute massage sessions, or elegant bubble baths. It can include spa treatments, but its scope doesn’t stop there. It’s about ensuring you meet your social, emotional, and physical needs. In short, it’s about taking time off to care for yourself and your well-being. Your goals include one of these things:
- Eating enjoyable, well-balanced meals
- Getting the required amount of sleep and rest
- Taking time off for meditation or reflection
- Consulting your primary healthcare providers
- Building your career, passion, or hobby
- Taking time off to find your meaning or purpose
- Making your bed, ironing your clothes, getting a haircut
- Talking to family and friends, both offline or online
Doing some of these might sound simple, but it can turn into a difficult one once your newborn arrives. It might be a major challenge to find the time to care for yourself.
6 Self-Care Hacks
New moms find it tough to prioritize themselves. That’s because they solely focus on other people’s needs instead of theirs. But new mothers will still need a helping hand from time to time. Keeping yourself well-taken care of is the key to maintaining your overall well-being and your kid’s overall health.
Here are six tips that will teach you about caring for yourself.
Get Your Body Moving.
It doesn’t have to be an intense workout. It can be a simple habit that will shake up your daily routine or a new exercise routine. Look for activities that will keep you motivated to move and exercise consistently — for example, joining a yoga class. Or a 5K race. Or Tai Chi. Or doing Pilates at home. Hire a trainer to get your body moving. It’ll be best to add a fun element, like going roller skating or having parties at home with your kids.
Get Connected.
Don’t let your busy schedules stop you from hanging out with your family and friends. If weekly meetings aren’t possible, try scheduling one regularly. For example, you can take time off for a date night every month. Or schedule coffee dates with your friends. It can also entail inviting them over for dinner monthly or planning a game night with everyone’s kids so you don’t feel the burden of thoroughly entertaining them.
Get Enough Sleep.
New moms tend to get stuck in mundane routines, so pay more attention. Mothers still need the required amount of sleep and rest. One study done by a PR agency found a connection between chronic sleep deprivation and adverse conditions. Those who consistently lack sleep might experience increased appetite, which leads to weight gain.
It can also make them more vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases, depression, and diabetes. Before going to sleep, you should avoid stimulants, emotionally upsetting discussions, or alcohol and food. It’ll also be best to find a relaxing bedtime routine.
Know Yourself.
Being a new mom entails easily getting lost in your day-to-day chores: cleaning, paying bills, preparing meals, doing the laundry, running errands, and more. Before you know it, time passed by, and you’ve already forgotten your old self. Keep updated with the latest industry trends while you’re not working. Meditate. Make a journal. Find a hobby.
You can also list down self-reflection questions that might ease your mind. Over time, that might change, but it’ll still be a good starting point. Bear in mind that you’re also changing, so staying connected with yourself is what will keep you feeling joyful.
Talk to Your Doctors.
Don’t ignore your overall well-being and comfort. Most new mothers ignore their bodies’ signals and reactions and neglect seeking medical assistance, leading to severe health conditions. It’ll be best to schedule vision screenings, flu shots, pap smears, skin exams, mammograms, annual checkups, and appropriate medical tests. Don’t forget to schedule an annual dental cleaning and examination.
Eat the Right Meals.
Eating well-balanced meals will fuel your body, so make sure you drink and eat quality ingredients. New mothers tend to prioritize their children, but they’ll also have to nourish their bodies with the proper meals. Your kids should see your example of caring for your health and living a well-balanced life. Eat vegetarian meals once a week.
Or shop at the farmer’s market to get natural produce. It’ll also be best to avoid sugary beverages. Drink water instead. Make your meals from scratch more frequently. Find the time to plan what you’re putting in the fridge so that you can make easy, healthy meals.
Being a new mom entails taking care of your newborn and yourself, making it tough to rest and care for yourself. But it’ll be crucial for your and your baby’s health. Know how to pamper yourself, give it your everything, and seek your family and friends’ help. It’ll positively impact your body.
