If you don’t have time for your self-care routine, then the rush time has captured your soul. Sometimes, we can’t even buy groceries. Time flies by so fast and every moment counts. Especially when you’re having a toddler. Many women experience postpartum depression. The feeling calms down after a couple of months (unless it’s serious), but soon- the toddler time. And toddlers are never leaving you alone. Since I was the one in the middle of nowhere once and I’m over it now, I have a few things to share.
Self-care is loving yourself
Sadly, but I often see people who are tired of everything. Some of them didn’t sleep well last night, some are confused and thinking about exams, and some got bills to pay. At the end of the day, when home, they are distracted and they just sit on the couch doing nothing. And we all know that organization holds the key. When you organize your time, you do not just remind yourself of things that are good for you, but you find the time for doing them. And self-care is whatever you want that routine to be.
You want to be healthier this year, you want to exercise more… You really want to have time to put makeup on every day, and you want to finish your book/watch the show you like/hang out with friends… And if you think you can’t do that anymore because you are a SAHM, you’re wrong. Your child will be happier if you are happier too.
Seize the day (and night)
I’m sorry, but I must write: WAKE UP EARLIER. If you wake up before your child, you’ll learn how beautiful the day is. You can get ready, exercise, prepare breakfast, drink coffee/tea while enjoying your time… And you’ll be ready in less than an hour (while it takes longer with a child you’ll have to follow everywhere).
Also, what goes along with waking up earlier is: GO TO BED ON TIME. Simply, so that you can get your extra morning time. Extra morning time is important for busy moms because they can wake up slowly and without pressure.
EVERY HOUR COUNTS. My child’s sleep routine is sometimes a mess (because he wants everything, and we struggle with that a lot). Anyway, we always try to put him to bed at 8 pm. So, he wakes up at 6/6.30/7am. And then goes for his daily nap at 10 am, which often lasts for about 2 hours. And those are my hours. I use them to either work or relax. Since I am finally able to do what I love, my work is my self-care as well. I also tidy up his toys, drink green tea and read, write, cook something really nutritious, listen to music, play piano, etc. It’s so important that you are aware of every hour alone!
HOBBY. If you are passionate about something, you will want to do it every day. And that is cool because passion keeps us alive.
TODO LISTS, HABIT TRACKERS, GOALS… These are all popular nowadays, which is great! This technology is really making us stupid a bit, and we need to use notebooks again. Notebooks are emotional, creative, and alive. Habit trackers (healthy habits, mental habits, emotional trackers) are great when you struggle with having a routine. To do lists are the best way possible when you have so much on your mind. Write your words in notebooks, and take it with you everywhere.
SELF CARE TOGETHER. Go on a family walk, visit parents, play music/listen to music, cook, dance, walk a dog, go on a picnic… This time of year is so family inspired. Finish the Christmas tree together, bake sugar cakes or cinnamon rolls, watch Christmas movies and drink hot chocolate… When you give yourself some time alone and when you sleep and eat well, you will always be a good mom ready to rule the world. So, be silly with your loved ones and teach your child how to enjoy life.
CLEAN HOUSE EVERY DAY. This may be strange, but women are somehow depressed if the house is dirty and this takes their productivity away. I have this problem (and I don’t clean every day yet), but I found out it is what needs to be done!
GO OUT WITHOUT YOUR FAMILY. If your husband is reasonable (like mine is), go out with your friends and stress out. You are a mom, and you’re always on the go. You make almost every meal, you clean, you give bath/change clothes and diapers, you study. And you are the one who should always stay calm (because, mostly, moms spend the most time with their children). So go out with your friends, and have fun.
Sarah says
Very good post! Moms overlook the fact that if they are tired and exhausted they have an unhappy household, that’s not fair to anyone involved.
Mommy & Mia Homeschool Chronicles says
I agree self care is very important, we can’t take care of others if we don’t care for ourselves.
Lavanda Michelle says
I agree self-care is extremely important, How can we take care of others if we don’t care for ourselves. Saturdays have been my self-care day for 2 years. I used to give myself 3 hours a week, now I get a whole day.
Emily e Morton says
Self care is so important and I swear some days I barely have time to breath. I have two under two and the insanity really gets to me occasionally.
Rakhi Parsai says
I am a pre-schooler mum but having passed through the phase of being a toddler mom I can so relate to this post. Its imperative that we take out time for self-care.
Alexis Rene says
SO important!! The busier we get, the harder this gets. We have to make time to intentional care for ourselves! New moms need to remember that they cant just “Go with the flow” as they used it. Sometimes you just have to stop and really be mindful about what you do so that you can take care of yourself too.
Ada says
These are great tips! Self care is vital for moms.
Sarah says
Great points! My main goal for next year is to improve my sleep habits. I know that it will help me in a lot of areas.
Brandi says
Not a toddler mom but you offered great advice for any mom. Thanks for sharing!
Floby Villaralvo says
Quite a challenge for the mother in me! -Floby, Everyday New
- Dawn (Dose of Play) says
Even though I had been a self-care champion for years, I was surprised how difficult it was initially for me after my first child. After some time, I realized that taking that me-time for exercise (or whatever) was a happier and healthy mom for my child(ren). Go get that self-care mamas!
Amanda says
I’m a toddler mom so I needed to see this! Thanks for the great reminders.
Jasmine Hewitt says
self-care is vitally important, and at times, almost impossible with a toddler! but, i did say almost… this is a great post!
corinne & kirsty says
I am not a mum and most of my friends aren’t but I am sure we need this as much as mums. Self care is vital for balance and is on my resolutions’ list!
Blair villanueva says
Self care is very important whether you are single or have babies. If we forgot to take care of ourselves, then how can we expect to excel on taking care of others.