Moms like you crave self-care because you know you deserve it. After all, you need the same love and support you give so freely to others! But most moms would say that self-care is equal to being selfish, and taking time to care for yourself makes you feel guilty because shouldn’t a mom be all about their family and not about herself?
The anxiety and guilt of being a good mother is especially true for moms suffering through postpartum depression. Different from the baby blues, postpartum depression makes it hard for a mom to bond with their child because of their shifting moods and lack of energy, joy or interest in taking care of their baby.
Self-care isn’t selfish, or doesn’t make someone a bad mom. It’s a necessity! The more you take care of your needs, the more you have the strength, energy, and love to keep going with everything motherhood throws at you. And, admit it, motherhood can get quite overwhelming at times—or maybe even all the time!
For self-care, it’s about the little things—no expensive spa days, and no time-consuming binge-watching, either. And when you keep your self-care routines simple and easy, the more you’ll get to do it, until it becomes a habit.
Where do you begin? Here are a few ideas:
Get enough sleep.
If 8 hours of sleep seem to be a thing of the past now that you’re a mom, especially if you’re a mom of a newborn who doesn’t care about your schedule, here are reasons why sleeping is essential self-care. When you get enough sleep, you’re more energized, think straight, stay calm, make better choices--you’re just a better person!
For moms with newborns, don’t fret. The key is to take care of your baby’s needs, whatever time of the day, and sneak in as much sleep. Choose to let go of chores and other duties that you can do another time so you can get rest. No one will die if you don’t pack away those piles of clothes inside the closet, or you can skip cleaning the home for a day if it means you can sleep that extra hour.
Eat food that loves you back.
You know what food hits you so badly that you go into a food coma, right? Or the food that makes your tummy feel so heavy or makes you sleepy or dizzy? Those are food that you might love, but they don’t love you back!
Eating food that nourishes, energizes, and helps you are those that love you back. Think foods that contribute to stronger bones, more energy, and a healthy body and mind, so that you have the fuel to take care of your child and family, today and in the future . And remember, everything in moderation!
Elevate your hygiene habits.
Wearing Korean face masks, taking a bubble bath, or getting your nails done are the usual pictures you have in mind when someone says self-care. But it doesn’t need to always be like that.
Mindfully choosing what you use every day can turn the usual routines into self-care habits. Spritz on a bit of perfume and put on lipstick even if you’re just at home, just because you feel like it. You might not have the time to sneak off to a spa or get a massage, but when you choose hygiene essentials of the highest quality, each moment can make you feel like you’re treating yourself! Think bath and body products with relaxing scents, and Sanicare products around the home because it’s the care you deserve!
Use social media mindfully.
Social media is the highlight reel of everyone—their milestones, their travels, and the best of their lives. It can make anyone feel bad about themselves!
Put down the phone and stop doomscrolling. Why are you really on social media, and how is it affecting your mental health? If the first thing you think of after snapping a cute pic of your baby is because you’re doing it for the ‘gram, then it’s time to assess. Don’t feel pressured to do whatever you think you should be doing because you see all your friends or the people on your feed doing it. Rather than being a passive consumer of social media, use it to document your life, something you can look back at in the future, or a way to be more helpful to others with fun life hacks, tips to new moms, or new food or places you’d recommend. That way, it’s not just bragging or posting out of peer pressure—you’re doing it for yourself and to help those around you, too.
Stay in the Present.
Moms always have a million and one things racing through their heads--what to cook for dinner, why your child’s pedia seemed worried during the last visit, if your kid’s hitting the milestones for their age—the works. There will never be things to run out of to worry about when you’re a mom!
With the responsibilities that moms like you must deal with every day, adding to that regrets of the past and worries of the future won’t make today any better. When you choose to tackle what’s right in front of you, giving it your full attention and care, not only will you get things done quicker and better, but you’ll also appreciate the moment more.
Ask for help.
Asking for help isn’t weak, or doesn’t make you a bad mom. It actually shows that you’re strong enough to acknowledge that you can’t do everything all at once. Break the stereotypical supermom mentality, and reach out for help. Whether it may be accepting help to clean up around your home, or seeking a professional if you suspect that you’re suffering from postpartum depression, help is always there for those who ask.
When someone becomes a mother, they often feel the pressure to be completely selfless, to give their all for the sake of their family, or else they’re not being a good mom. But when this happens, your family has a robot, an empty shell of a mom—and that won’t do anyone any good. Turn inward and love yourself enough to take care of what you need.
Sanicare supports moms throughout their whole motherhood journey! Learn more about Sanicare and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20376617