The Importance of Self Care For Moms
Want to set the tone for a great New Year? Make it a goal to care for yourself better, mama! In this blog I discuss the importance of self care for moms and how to easily add it into your daily life.
If you’re wondering what the importance of self care is when you’re a mom, you’ve come to the right place! As moms, we wear many, many hats. We are caregiver, teacher, chef, housekeeper, chauffeur, nurse, and so much more. With so many roles to juggle, it’s easy to put ourselves last on the list. It’s also easy to put ourselves last because of the lies we’ve been told about self care! More on that later though, so keep reading!
As we step into a new year, I think it’s the perfect time to prioritize something crucial to your well-being. *Drum roll please!*
SELF CARE.
Self care isn’t selfish, it’s 100% necessary for a moms well-being. When you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to care for your family, achieve your goals, and enjoy your motherhood journey. Let this year be the one where you set the tone for thriving, not just surviving. In this blog, let’s explore what self care truly means, why it matters, and how to make it a priority in your busy life this year!
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What Is Self Care?
What exactly is self care, because this is a hot topic in the social media world and there’s a lot of strong opinions on it. When many people think of self care, their minds typically go to spa days, massages, or getting their nails done. They are usually expensive treatments that many moms might not be able to afford or have the time and resources to do it. And while those activities can be very lovely, self care is so, SO much more. At its core, self care is simply about taking care of yourself (it’s literally in the name!) It’s taking intentional steps to support your physical, emotional, and mental health and it’s not always glamorous. Sometimes it looks like drinking enough water, going to bed early, or saying “no” to something that drains you.
Self care involves listening to your body and mind and addressing their needs. It’s about creating space for activities that recharge and refuel you, whether that’s exercising, journaling, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in peace. Self care is deeply personal and can look different for every mom. The key is to make it a regular practice, not an occasional indulgence. Don’t let anyone tell you what is and isn’t self care, because it’s whatever makes you feel better!
The Importance of Self Care For Moms
The importance of self care for moms cannot be overstated. Simply put, when moms take the time to care for themselves, they enhance their ability to handle the challenges of daily life with grace and resilience. And we know how difficulte kids can be sometimes! Self care allows moms to recharge their energy, maintain their mental health, and even prevent burnout. By prioritizing their own well-being, moms set a powerful example for their children about the value of self-respect and healthy habits. Ultimately, a well cared for mom is a more present, patient, and joyful parent, which benefits the entire family.
What Happens When You Don’t Practice Self Care?
Now you know the importance of self care for moms, so what happens when you don’t make it a priority? Neglecting yourself and your self care can lead to a cascade of negative effects that again, impact not only you but also your entire family! Below are a few things you might notice happen when you don’t prioritize yourself.
1. Mom Burnout
Mom burnout is real and it will happen when you’re constantly giving without refilling your cup. I know it sounds cliche, but you can’t pour into others if you are feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. Which is why self care isn’t selfish. Your children deserve a happy mom who is ready to go each morning!
2. Increased Stress
Ever notice it’s 1:00 PM and you’re snappy and stressed out about nothing? Probably because you haven’t eaten anything and only drank a couple cups of coffee? When you don’t take care of your basic needs and without outlets to manage stress, it can build up and manifest as anxiety, irritability, or even health issues like headaches or high blood pressure.
3. Decreased Patience
Lack of basic self care can lead to a patience level of zero. When you’re running on empty, small inconveniences can feel like monumental challenges, affecting how you interact with your kids and partner. Which in turn, leaves you feeling upset and guilty about your low patience level and snappiness.
4. Loss of Identity
You’ve probably heard so many moms say they have “lost themselves in motherhood.” Well it makes sense when you stop caring for yourself why you would. When you stop making time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, it’s easy to lose sight of who you are outside of motherhood.
Self Care Tips for Moms
By prioritizing self care, you not only avoid the pitfalls I mentioned above, but you can also create a healthier, happier environment for everyone around you! Now that you know why you definitely don’t want to neglect your self care, even your basic needs, let’s dive into some practical ways you can incorporate self care into your daily life. I’m making these tips insanely easy, because I know you’re a busy mom! And as I said earlier, self care can be super simple when you allow it to be just taking care of you.
1. Physical Health
- Prioritize your sleep by creating a calming bedtime routine
- Move your body daily, whether through a workout, yoga, or a brisk walk
- Fuel your body with nutritious meals
- Drink enough water everyday
- Take a shower each morning and get yourself ready for the day
2. Mental Health
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to center yourself
- Journal your thoughts and feelings to process emotions
- Read a book or listen to a podcast
- Practice/start a hobby you love
- Create routines and simplify them where possible to reduce stress
3. Emotional Health
- Spend time with friends who uplift and support you
- Set boundaries and say no to things that overwhelm you
- Schedule time for activities that bring you joy
- Organize your schedule to include breaks for yourself
- Delegate tasks to your partner or older children
How to Make Self Care Happen
Now you might be thinking, how do I actually make this all happen as a busy mom? Well, making self care a priority might feel challenging at first, but with a little planning and some good routines, it’s entirely possible. The ultimate goal is to make it a normal part of your day so you don’t even have to think about it. Here are steps to ensure it becomes part of your daily routine.
- Schedule It: Treat self-care like any other important appointment. Block out time on your calendar and stick to it.
- Start Small: Begin with manageable changes, like taking 10 minutes to yourself each day. Gradually build on those habits.
- Communicate Your Needs: Let your husband, family, or friends know that you want to prioritizing self care. They can help support your efforts.
- Find What Works for You: Experiment with different activities until you find what truly recharges you.
- Be Consistent: Self care isn’t a one-time fix. You need to make it a regular, ongoing practice if you want it to work.
- Let Go of Guilt: Remind yourself that taking care of you benefits everyone around you. A happy, healthy mom creates a happy, healthy home.
Final Thoughts
Motherhood is a beautiful, fulfilling journey, but it’s also one of the most demanding and sometimes very draining roles you’ll ever take on. But you don’t need to live in survival mode every minute. And you most certainly don’t deserve to be living each day barely getting by because you’re stressed up to your eyeballs and completely burnt out. By prioritizing self care, you’re not only investing in yourself but you’re also setting an example for your children about the importance of well-being! That’s a win-win. As you step into this new year, commit to making self care a non-negotiable part of your life. You deserve to feel your best, and your family deserves the best version of you. Let this year be the year where you thrive, not just for your loved ones but for yourself, too!
Use the image below to save this blog to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to these tips later!
If you feel like you need a little more support, check out my Motherhood Burnout Guide! Click the image below to learn more.
Related Blogs:
- The Power of Setting Healthy Boundaries As A Stay At Home Mom
- How To Say No When You’re A People Pleasing Mom
- Stay At Home Mom Goals For 2025 To Help You Thrive
- 50 Positive Affirmations for Moms Who Feel Burnt Out
- Empowering Stay At Home Moms To Thrive In Their Motherhood Journey
- Vitaclean Honest Review: At Home Self Care for SAHMs
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