Mums generally have a lot on their plates. Juggling the demands of work, family and all the tasks that come with being a mum can be pretty challenging. However, it is possible to get enough sleep, eat well and look after your mental health. I’ve put together some tips for mums that will help you to take care of yourself. These tips are designed to help achieve a healthy balance between life and motherhood.

Find time for yourself

One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is making time for yourself. Try to set aside some time each day to do something for yourself like reading, watching your favourite TV show, or even taking a long bath. Even if it’s only 15 minutes a day, it’s important to have some “me” time to enjoy yourself and be happy.

Create a self-care routine

A self-care routine helps you maintain your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. In addition to setting aside time each day to do something for yourself, you should also incorporate a self-care routine. It could be a monthly pamper session or massage, it could even be to head to the beauty salon to get your nails done. You might even consider having laser hair removal in London. Did you know that the average person will spend 39 hours a year shaving? Having laser hair treatment would actually save you time in the long run as over 90% of people who have laser treatments are hair-free after 7-10 treatments.

Take care of yourself by practising self-compassion. Self-compassion is the idea of treating yourself with the same kindness and care that you would give to a friend or loved one. It is important to acknowledge that we can’t do everything. We need to be kind and accept ourselves as we are.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is an often-overlooked part of self-care. Mums need to make time for sleep as well as all the other aspects of self-care, but sometimes it can be difficult to get enough sleep when you add kids into the mix.

Some tips to help you sleep well:

• Plan ahead and book a lie-in morning or afternoon for yourself
• Switch off screens one hour before bed and avoid caffeine after lunchtime
• Make sure the bedroom is comfortable and well-lit
• Practice relaxation techniques before bed
• Take a bath with lavender oil before bed each night
• Create a sleep routine to help you associate sleep with your bedroom

Eat well

It can be easy to skip meals when you’re juggling everything in your day-to-day life, but it’s important to make sure you’re eating well in order to keep up your mental and physical wellbeing. Eating well means eating foods that are rich in nutrients and fibre, like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, nuts and seeds. Eating well also means not skipping meals or snacking on ‘junk’ foods because they are easy to grab on the go.

Here are some quick tips for eating well on the go:

• Pack healthy snacks to take to work
• Make sure you have a good breakfast before your day starts
• Eat a healthy lunch, even if you have a few minutes
• Cook at home but be more organised about food storage

Exercise

If you’re feeling like you need to take a break from motherhood, consider the benefits of exercise. Not only does exercise help you to maintain a healthy weight, but it can also release endorphins that will make you feel better mentally and physically. Try a short, 20-minute cardio workout a couple of times a week. You can also do a 20-minute strength workout at home. Try to mix up your workouts so you’re not doing the same thing every day.

Meditation

Meditation is the practice of sitting still and focusing on your breathing. It’s a great way to relieve stress, boost creativity and find focus. It’s also a free and easy way to take care of yourself.

Yoga

Yoga is a great way for you to relax and to get the blood flowing again. Yoga classes are designed for all levels. You have the opportunity to learn more about yoga, deepen your practice and get the support you need. Yoga will help you to stay calm, energised, flexible and balanced. The benefits of yoga are not only physical. Yoga will help you to get into a peaceful headspace that will help you keep your cool, whatever life throws at you.

Breathing exercises

Breathing exercises are a great way to relieve the stresses of motherhood. It’s a simple technique that can have a huge impact on your wellness.

Studies have shown that breathing exercises reduce stress and anxiety levels by as much as 65 percent.

Recognise signs of depression and anxiety, don’t dismiss them

Mums are often made to feel guilty for prioritising their own needs. But if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of your family either. If you find that you’re always tired, struggling with your mood or feeling down, it may be time to seek some help.

Research suggests that one in five women will experience postnatal depression and anxiety after childbirth. Depression and anxiety can affect anyone and mums are at a higher risk of developing these conditions so it’s important to recognise the signs of depression and anxiety and not dismiss them as just part of being a mum.

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