Happy Mother’s Month, Mom! This month is dedicated to celebrating every phenomenal woman and should serve as a reminder that you deserve to take some time out for yourself. As a busy mom, it’s easy to fall into the trap of neglecting self-care. When you think about your priorities, making time for self-care probably falls near the bottom of your list – below work, kids, home, and family.

 

You should, however, bear in mind that if you don’t take time for yourself, you could be doing more harm than good. Stress, exhaustion, burnout, and even illness can take a greater toll when you don’t take time out to unwind. So whether you carve out a few minutes for yourself or a whole day, here are some ideas to get you started

 

Schedule the Time

 

Instead of convincing yourself that you’ll somehow squeeze self-care into your busy daily routine as the day goes by, it’s best to schedule a time. That way, you won’t forget or—even worse—neglect self-care altogether. Pick a time that will enable you to practise the self-care technique of your choice – even if it’s just a ten-minute walk.

 

Take Advantage of Early Mornings

 

Waking up earlier in the morning can give you more time to dedicate yourself to self-care. You don’t have to get up two hours earlier to do this. A fifteen-minute headstart can give you the opportunity to have a nice cup of coffee and go through your schedule for the day – before the chaos begins.

 

 

At-home Pamper Day

 

Going to an actual beauty spa could understandably be a bit of a stretch, so why not bring the spa home? Having an at-home pamper day will make it easier for you to watch the kids while also taking care of yourself. Whether it’s putting on your favourite face mask, soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar, or doing an artsy manicure, pampering yourself is a good way to destress and maintain self-care.

 

Journaling

 

It has been said—countless times—in multiple self-help books that journaling is the key to better mental and emotional health. Journaling not only helps you express your feelings; it also allows you to do something solely for yourself, which is essentially self-care. You can journal affirmations – or anything else – you would like to get out of your system.

 

Sneak Some Exercises Into Your Daily Routine

 

For most busy moms, going daily to the gym is not feasible. Therefore, coming up with alternative ways to exercise is a better option. You can get physical through dance exercises on YouTube or doing a few at-home workouts. Going to the gym a few times every week is a good idea (that’s if you’re able to). If you’re into any sports, whether swimming or running, you could use those as your preferred modes of exercise. Exercising releases endorphins, the hormones that help with improving your mood and state of mind.

 

 

Prioritise Sleep

 

Sleep is a luxury you can afford. With our busy schedules, it’s easy to get sucked into unhealthy sleeping habits and deprive our bodies of rest. It’s vital to remember that rejuvenating our bodies is of paramount importance as ticking off everything on our daily to-do lists. Getting enough sleep is a good way to show yourself some much-needed love and care.

 

Stay Connected to Yourself

 

You’re way more than a mom. Your role as a parent is probably your biggest priority, but it is important to acknowledge and nurture the other parts of yourself. Set aside some time to do things that make you happy. Whether it’s reading a magazine, watching your favourite show on Netflix, or even sleeping in, don’t make the mistake of neglecting your personhood while trying to fulfil all your other responsibilities.

 

Self-care is not selfishness. It is beneficial not only for your well-being but also for your little ones. As a mother, you constantly shower your children with love and patience. If you don’t take the time to love and pamper yourself, your cup may soon run empty. And as the saying goes: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.