Why Self-Care Matters for Mothers

These days, most mums’ lives revolve around juggling the needs of others day in and day out, which often results in them putting themselves last. However this pattern isn’t sustainable because it’s not long before they start to feel overworked, stressed, utterly exhausted and burnt out. In fact I’m sure we’ve all been in this situation before haven’t we?

“In the event of an emergency, please put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others.”

This is a familiar flight attendant announcement we hear on planes isn’t it. This saying doesn’t just relate to flying though, as it’s an important reminder for us all in our everyday lives. By taking care of yourself, you will be able to be more effective with ‘life pressures’ and whatever is thrown at you.

Self-care is absolutely essential for your overall health. It’s important you try to find some time to recharge and celebrate who you are as an individual.

You are the core of your world. If you aren’t well looked after, just like a car or an appliance you will eventually break down. Self-care is important and should be considered as an investment to your long-term health.

So, what exactly is self-care?

Does it sound like a foreign concept or is this something that you do on a regular basis?

Self-care is any intentional activity that will nourish and replenish the mind, body and soul. It’s the courage to say, ‘I matter, my needs and well-being matters.’

Why self-care is NOT selfish

Many people believe that self-care is selfish and a waste of your time. But that isn’t at all true. Getting back to the ‘oxygen analogy’ – if there was an emergency on the plane and you helped everyone else with their oxygen mask first before you fitted your own, by the time you get to fit your own, it might be too late.

The benefits of self-care

Self-care is an important aspect of stress management as it prevents burnout, reduces stress, helps you to re-focus, perform better, be more effective and have more energy. So take the time you need for you so you can be that happy mama, wife, partner, friend, daughter, niece or aunty for everyone’s sake. If you feel like Cruella Deville, then follow our self-care tips below so you can start to feel like the best version of yourself again.

Simple ways you can demonstrate self-care in your daily life:

Taking care of yourself is important to ‘recharge your batteries’, even if it’s only for five minutes each day. Below is a list of ideas for you:

Journal and write down your thoughts and feelings
Unplug from all social media
Take a nap
Meditate for 10 minutes
Breathe deeply
Paint
Read a book
Watch a funny movie
Reflect
Surround yourself with beauty
Write poetry
Create a vision board
Sit and do absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes
Listen to your favourite song
Nourish your body with beautiful real, wholesome foods
Have a long Epsom salt bath with essential oils and coconut oil
Do one thing, just because it makes you happy
Help someone else
Stretch for 10 minutes
Go for a walk in nature and soak up some Vitamin D
Enjoy a cup of tea outside in silence before your children wake
Cook your favourite meal and enjoy it with your family
Sleep in and don’t set your alarm
Watch an inspiring TEDx video
Listen to an uplifting or educational podcast
Paint your nails (with non-toxic nail polish)
Repeat positive affirmations to yourself
Take a day off work
Give yourself a hair or face mask
Take an online class you have always wanted to take
Light your favourite candle
Have a conversation with an old friend
Write down 5-10 things you’re grateful for
Put a vaporiser on with your favourite essential oil
Take a hot shower
Buy a houseplant(s)
Do your favourite exercise
Start a new hobby
Go to bed early
Watch the sunrise or sunset
Read the newspaper
Do a crossword puzzle
Have a cup of your favourite herbal organic tea.

Self-care isn’t a onetime thing or something to tick off your daily to-do-list. It’s the constant repetition of many tiny habits which together help to soothe you, calm you and allow you to be at your optimum, emotionally, physically and mentally. If you start to implement some of these into your routine, you will begin to feel more connected to yourself and to those around you. You’ll have good days and bad ones, but hopefully some of these tips will help you keep going.