Ways for moms to practice self-love
Being intentional about how to practice self-love by taking care of yourself is not selfish; it’s just you being kind to yourself. You don’t always have to do anything special to take good care of yourself. The basic ways of taking care of ourselves are to get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and spend time doing things we enjoy.
As moms, we have the responsibility of taking care of our family, home, and everything else life throws our way. With all this, it’s hard to find time to take care of ourselves, let alone time to practice self-love. But it’s so important! I know how busy mom life can get, but I have been prioritizing self-care and I’m sharing a few tips on how to practice self-love for yourself amidst the chaos of everyday life.
How to practice self-love as a mom
- Make Time for Yourself Each Day.
Put a 15-or 30-minute break in your daily calendar just for you. Self-care has to be deliberate because it’s easy to say you’ll get round to it—and never do. So, carve out a specific time each day to do something that makes you happy. Use this time to run a hot bath, read your favorite book, or take a walk around the block. Whether you choose lunchtime or late evening, make sure that what you decide to do is something that relaxes you.
- Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself!
We all have our good and bad days. There’s no need to add extra stress by being tough on yourself too. Accept that you’re human and that mistakes happen, then forgive yourself and move on.
- Cultivate Self-Compassion
When you’re feeling low or struggling with something, be kind to yourself instead of beating yourself up. In moments of distress, talk soothingly to yourself, and offer encouragement rather than criticism. This type of mindset will not only help you feel better emotionally but also help improve your relationships with others.
- Practice Saying ‘No’ and Stick to It
When it comes to your children, would you ever want them to become overworked and overcommitted? Then you shouldn’t put yourself through the same stress. Think about your limitations and meet them with compassion. Keep in mind that every “no” you say (even to a good cause like a volunteer position) is a “yes” to something else that will benefit you and your family.
- Care For Your Body
Do your body well and eat right and drink lots of water. It’s easy to overlook this when we have a hundred other things on our minds. Plan and prepare ahead for healthy meals to grab on the go. This for me is a work in progress, but I’ve noticed anytime I eat healthier, I feel more energized.
- Get Some Exercise
Exercising has numerous health benefits, including helping us relieve stress, maintain weight, and get a good night’s rest. A simple 20-minute walk, jogging, or yoga, will help you feel great. Again, make time for this in your week.
- Get Enough Rest.
Sleep is essential to human survival, and giving yourself time to rest is a form of self-care. You should strive to ensure that you have enough rest to wake up fresh for any activity you are about to undertake. Resting makes it easier for the body to repair itself, and get re-energized and refreshed. It is a way of improving your mental health and reducing stress. Make sure that you rest enough each day.
- Practice Affirmations
I bet you’re fantastic at encouraging people, especially our children. They know why we adore them because of their generosity, originality, and sense of humor. However, what about us ourselves? How many people regularly tell themselves nice things? It may seem odd and weird at first, but you can be sure it does help! Choose some affirmations and focus on them. Note them down and give yourself recitation exercises.
You may post them on your bedroom mirror and repeat them to yourself every morning. It’s easy to let a lousy attitude ruin your day (or at least an hour or two) if you keep telling yourself that you’re not doing a good enough job. When you feel like you need a boost, say, “I can do this,’ ‘I have all it takes to succeed,” and more.
- Reflect On and Discuss Your Emotions.
Do you have a sense of helplessness? Overwhelmed? Unloved? It’s easy for mothers to put their mental health on the back burner when they’re focused on the emotional needs of their children and other family members. The therapeutic power of awareness and communication cannot be overstated. Permit yourself to open up to another person. You aren’t without flaws; showing your feelings can be the key to moving past them.
- Be Lovable
Do not turn down love simply because you feel like you don’t deserve it. Take care of yourself; do not berate yourself for needing a helping hand. It’s important to take in love the same way you’d want it to be given to you. Try to be kind and appreciative, and give yourself permission to be loved. You will be able to love others more freely when you feel valued. Let your children wrap their arms around you and tell you that you are the best mother in the world because you deserve it. Despite being down on yourself, you are adored. Give yourself the affection you need so that you can develop and share that affection with others.
- Pamper yourself.
Take out time to do for yourself the things that make you happy. Practicing this will help greatly with our physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being.
- Try a new hobby or develop one you love
Nothing beats going for the things that bring you joy.
- Go to therapy
Self-love helps maintain our mental health. Do not shy away from talking to a professional when feeling overwhelmed. Therapy helps us figure out things that we need to work on while also helping us feel better about ourselves and giving us the confidence to do things we may not otherwise consider.
practice self-love every day.
If you’re a mom without a village to help with the kiddos, check out Moms With No Village. Practicing self-love is essential for busy mothers. Your schedule might be very tight, but you must find time to rest and practice self-love. This is very important for your mental health and also for your physical health. Follow the tips and see your sense of love grow for yourself.
