Being a young mom is tough. You’re juggling a million different things and trying to do it all perfectly. It’s no wonder you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed out! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are 15 great self-care tips that will resonate with busy young moms. They may seem simple, but are you actually doing them? Make this your checklist survival guide on your way to a happier and healthier life.
1. Get enough sleep:
This one is easier said than done, but it’s important to try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night. When you’re well-rested, you’ll have more energy to tackle the day ahead. Being a mom is one of the most rewarding, but also one of the most challenging, jobs out there.
Not only do you have to juggle the needs of your children, but you also have to find time for work, housework, and taking care of yourself. It’s no wonder that so many moms end up feeling exhausted all the time. However, getting enough sleep is crucial for busy moms.
Additionally, research has shown that getting enough sleep can help improve your mood and cognitive function. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, make sure to get some rest. Your body will thank you for it. Check out this brief article from the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School titled Why Do We Sleep, Anyway? for more on the importance of sleep in your daily life.
2 . Eat healthy:
Eating nutritious food will help your body feel better and give you the energy you need to power through your day. As a busy mom, you have a lot on your plate. Between work, taking care of the kids, and keeping the household running, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself.
However, eating healthy is one of the best things you can do for yourself – and your family. When you nourish your body with healthy foods, you’ll have more energy to chase after those little ones.
You’ll also be setting a good example for your kids and teaching them about the importance of eating nutritious meals. And eating healthy doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. There are plenty of quick and easy recipes that use simple, wholesome ingredients. So if you’re looking for ways to take care of yourself, eating healthy is a great place to start.
3. Exercise:
Taking some time out for a quick workout will help you blow off steam and relieve stress. Being a mom is one of the most rewarding, but also challenging, roles a woman can have.
In addition to caring for their children, many moms also work full-time and manage the household. As a result, it can be difficult to find time to exercise. However, there are a few good reasons why exercise is good for moms on the go.
First, exercise can help to improve energy levels. After a long day, it can be tough to muster up the energy to play with your kids or get through your evening routine. However, a quick workout can give you the boost you need to power through your day.
Exercise can also help to improve mood and reduce stress levels. Balancing work and family commitments can be stressful, but exercise can help you to relax and clear your mind.
Finally, exercise is a great way for moms to stay in shape and stay healthy. With all that they have on their plate, moms need to make sure that they are taking care of themselves too. Regular exercise can help them to do just that. So if you’re a mom on the go, don’t forget to fit in a workout when you can – your body will thank you for it!
Check out this article from NIH MedLine Plus Magazine, Just 30 minutes of daily exercise can help correct a day of sitting about the benefits of just 30 minutes of exercise a day. You don’t have to spend a lot of time in the gym!
4. Take breaks:
When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of taking care of your children, managing the household, paying bills, and maybe even working outside the home, take a few deep breaths and step away from whatever is causing you stress. Go for a walk, call a friend, or just take a few minutes to yourself.
Being a mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It’s no wonder that so many moms feel like they’re constantly running on empty. By taking a few minutes to yourself, you can recharge your batteries and come back to your tasks with renewed energy and focus.
In addition, taking breaks can help reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on your overall health. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to step away from your responsibilities for a little while. Your family will understand, and you’ll be better able to handle everything that comes your way.
5. Set aside time for you:
Make sure to schedule some “me time” into your day. Whether it’s reading your favorite book, taking a yoga class, or getting a massage, taking time out for yourself will help you recharge and feel refreshed.
“Me time” is often associated with self-indulgence, but it can actually be a great way for moms to balance their lives. “Me time” gives moms a chance to focus on themselves, without the demands of family life. This can help them to relax and recharge so that they can be better equipped to handle the challenges of motherhood.
“Me time” can also help moms to connect with their own passions and interests, which can often be neglected in the midst of parenting. As a result, setting aside time for herself is a crucial part of helping moms to enjoy their precious children and family. Isn’t that the goal?
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your friends or family for help. They’ll be more than happy to lend a hand. Why does that often feel so difficult to do? Where did moms get the idea that they had to handle everything by themselves?
Help can come from a spouse, a family member, or an amazing trusted friend. Sure, we all have hectic lives, but there is often more joy in handling tasks together. You’ll never know unless you ask.
7. Say no:
You don’t have to say “yes” to everything. If you’re feeling stretched thin, it’s okay to say “no” to things that you don’t have the time or energy for. Actually, it is not only okay but necessary. When you say “yes” to too many things you don’t want to do or don’t have time for, resentment builds and you begin to feel more out of control than ever.
Saying “no” doesn’t mean that you’re a bad mom; it just means that you’re human. There are only so many hours in the day, and sometimes you have to prioritize your own needs in order to be able to take care of your family. If you’re constantly putting yourself last on your own list, it’s going to catch up with you eventually. So next time someone asks you to do something that you just don’t have time for, don’t be afraid to say “no.” Your family will understand, and they’ll appreciate that you’re taking care of yourself too.
8. Let go of perfection:
No one is perfect, so stop trying to be! Accepting that you’re not perfect will help reduce your stress levels and make life a lot more enjoyable.
This is a vital self-care tip for busy moms on the go. Let me say it right now. You will never, EVER, be perfect. Repeat this out loud and let it sink in. “I will never, EVER, be perfect.” There, that wasn’t so bad, was it? Actually, it is liberating to admit to yourself that you’re not perfect. There are many books written about this very thing. You are not alone! Releasing the need to try to be perfect may just be one of the best things you can do for yourself.
9. Simplify your life:
You don’t need to do everything and be everywhere. simplify your life by eliminating anything that’s causing you unnecessary stress. In the words of the amazing Marie Kondo:
“When you come across something that you cannot part with, think carefully about its true purpose in your life. You’ll be surprised at how many of the things you possess have already fulfilled their role. By acknowledging their contribution and letting them go with gratitude, you will be able to truly put the things you own, and your life, in order. In the end, all that will remain are the things that you really treasure. To truly cherish the things that are important to you, you must first discard those that have outlived their purpose.”
― Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing
10. Be present:
When you’re with your kids, try to be present and focus on them. Turn off your phone, put away distractions, and just enjoy the moment.
“If you make friends with the present moment, and always say ‘yes’ to whatever is, life becomes friendly towards you. Life always shows you the face that you show it. It’s always a mirror.”
― Eckhart Tolle
11. Take a break from social media:
Social media can be a great way to stay connected with friends, but it can also be a major source of stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from social media and spend some time offline. While this one seems difficult, it is truly life-changing.
For some moms, staying connected to people through social media may seem absolutely essential, but you can still give it a try to see what happens. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised at the time you save.
The following article, Social media use can be positive for mental health and well-being by the Harvard School of Public Health weighs the pros and cons of social media use and gives some guidelines on the best uses of social media platforms.
12. Laugh:
We all know that laughter is the best medicine, but what we might not realize is just how true this saying is. Laughter has been shown to be an effective stress reducer, and it can also help to boost our mood and immunity.
When we laugh, our bodies release endorphins, which have a calming effect. laughter also helps to increase oxygen flow to our muscles and organs, which can help to improve our overall health. In addition, laughter is contagious, so when we laugh in the presence of others, they are likely to laugh as well. This can create a positive feedback loop that can help to reduce stress levels for everyone involved.
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, try to watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or spend time with friends who make you laugh. Write a list of other ways that make you laugh and feel lighter. Refer to it when you feel that overwhelm coming on.
So next time you’re feeling frazzled, take a moment to laugh it off – your body will thank you for it.
13. Be grateful:
Another great Self-Care Tips For Busy Moms on the Go is to practice gratitude for all the wondering things in your life. Focusing on positive things will help you feel happier and less stressed. Each day, take a few minutes to write down things you’re grateful for. You’ll get a chance to journal gratitude when you download our Daily Meditation Journal also featured in Tip #15 of this article.
It has been said that gratitude is the forgotten ingredient when it comes to happiness. All too often, people focus on what they don’t have and fail to appreciate the good in their lives. However, recent studies have shown that practicing daily gratitude can have a profound impact on overall well-being. People who express gratitude on a regular basis report feeling more positive emotions, sleeping better, and having stronger relationships. In fact, gratitude has even been linked with improved physical health. So next time you’re feeling down, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for. You may be surprised at how much of a difference it makes in your life.
An article featured in Greater Good Magazine by Summer Allen, Ph.D., titled Is Gratitude Good for Your Health?, begins with the following: “The jury’s still out, but preliminary research suggests that grateful people may have better sleep, healthier hearts, and fewer aches and pains.” Daily gratitude shows a multitude of possibilities to give this self-care tip a try.
14. Get outside:
We all know that life can be hectic. With work, family, and social obligations, it can be tough to find time to relax. However, it’s important to make time for yourself, and one of the best ways to do that is to get outside.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a hugely positive impact on mental health. Being in nature can lower levels of stress and anxiety, and it can also help to improve mood and energy levels.
In addition, spending time outside can help to boost concentration and creativity. So if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take some time to get out into the fresh air. It will do wonders for your mind and body.
So take a walk in the park, go for a hike, or just sit outside and enjoy the fresh air.
15. Meditate:
When you’re feeling stressed, one of the best things you can do is simply stop and take some deep breaths. Focus on your breath and try to clear your mind. These self-care tips will help you decompress, relax, and recharge so you can be the best mom you can be.
Start by downloading this Daily Meditation Journal and keep track of the progress you are making. Learning to breathe and stay calm, centered, and focused is the surest way to decompress and shut off the mind chatter. You’ll be a better parent for it and you’ll be a better “YOU”.
Take care of yourself first and foremost, and the rest will fall into place. We hope you’ve found these tips helpful. It can be tough trying to juggle everything as a mom, but by taking some time for yourself, you can recharge and come back stronger than ever. What self-care strategies have worked well for you? Please leave a comment below and let us know. We’d love to hear from you!
