Originally posted on August 29, 2022 @ 6:00 pm

The journey of motherhood requires commitment, dedication and sacrifice. The daily demands both emotionally and physically can be stressful and psychologically disturbing hence the need for moms to have a self-care checklist to help relieve the pressure. There are lots of self-care ideas for moms to facilitate better mental health; this article focuses on things I’ve tried that worked for me.

Self-Care ideas for Moms

let’s dive into each of these self-care idea

Know Your Limits

I often advise new moms to know when they are overstretching themselves. listen to your body and put a stop to any activity that puts your body at risk. Life is more important than depression, ill health or worse death.

Allow Yourself To Live

Mothers often try their very best to sacrifice for their children; this sometimes means that they may neglect their health or body. Dear mom, allow yourself to live, dress well and treat your body well to help you live longer.

Take Time Off

There is no reason to feel guilty for taking time off from activities and caring for your baby. When I just had my daughter and my mom was around to help care for the baby; I sometimes went to sleep while she cares for the baby. All I do is express some breast milk for the baby before I sleep.

If you have older children, calmly think about how to engage them and create time out for yourself. You can also involve your partner to create a great me time for yourself.

Accept Help

If you have people who are willing to help, please accept help prayerfully. I used the word prayerfully because not everyone should be given access to your home, children, or marriage.  Don’t allow yourself to be overburdened by all the responsibilities on your shoulder.

Understand That Children Are Children

Mothers often have so many expectations from their children that may prevent them from seeing the children for who they are. These sometimes cause depression and anxiety. If you are a new mom you must understand that babies are just babies. They cannot communicate and their behavioural patterns cannot be predicted. Take each day as it comes and never allow yourself to become overburdened by unrealistic expectations.

Make Realistic Plans

Planning is essential for mothers. You can relieve yourself of avoidable stress by planning. You can plan groceries, meals for the week, and laundry to suit your schedule and save you time.

Connect With Other Mothers

Dear mom, connect with other moms. Connecting with other moms, especially those who have older children help to receive insight. Ask questions and seek opinions on how to go about some difficult times. I know some women can give unsolicited advice sometimes but see it as a way to learn, unlearn and relearn.

Eat Healthily And Avoid Dehydration

A healthy body is important for every mom. Make a conscious effort to eat healthy meals at regular intervals. Drink enough water regularly to enhance your body.

Use Money To Buy Comfort

In this part of the world where I live women are expected to conform to some standards. We must realise that technology has come to stay and it eases some pressure. Save and buy gadgets that can make life easier for you and avail your time to focus your energy on other important activities. You can employ someone to clean your house weekly or as demanded. These help to reduce stress.

Reduce Screen Time

It is important to cut down screen time from your schedule as a new mum to make room for other important roles and duties. Reduce how much time you spend watching television, social media, or games.

Get As Much Sleep As You Can

Sleep is important for the body. Sleeping properly helps to revitalise the body and the skin benefits a lot from sleeping. I know it can be difficult to sleep when you have a baby who depends on you for everything but you have to try as much as you can to get enough sleep.

Music

Music is a great therapy for almost everyone. It calms the nerves and relieves pressure. If you are a music lover, listen to a song that inspires you. Allow yourself to be immersed in the lyrics of the song and I assure you; it works like magic.

Meditation

Meditation is a way of forgetting current realities while channelling our thoughts into something positive. Take time off negative thoughts and focus on the positives around you. Allow the Holy Spirit into your thoughts and let him guide you into making decisions that are beneficial for you. Regular quiet time helps a lot.

Designate Duties

A lot of times new moms find it difficult to allow people to take charge of their home or environment for them. You must learn to designate duties as much as you can, especially when you have people who are willing to help around.

Reaffirm Love For Yourself

Whenever you feel exhausted, understand you are giving your best. You are not a bad mom because you couldn’t do the dishes before you sleep. You aren’t a bad mom because you couldn’t do things beyond your control. Whenever you feel like you don’t deserve accolades; praise yourself for the efforts you have made.

Let me add that it is important for you to also appreciate your body. Love your body and never allow yourself to feel negative about the changes in your body after you have given life to a precious one. Reaffirming positive words about your body regularly is an important self-care idea.

 A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavour by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.

–Washington Irving

When I had my first daughter I was clueless and didn’t have an idea of what motherhood entails. It was a difficult time for me and I sometimes lashed out at my husband, mom or even the baby. I was stressed and I sometimes didn’t know what to do. With patience, my mom helped me through and I had some older women around meat work who helped me survive that face of my life. I sincerely hope this article will also help you navigate this face and come out stronger.