10 Fantastic Mom Self Care Ideas

You’ve brought that beautiful baby home from the hospital and suddenly, everything is different. You’re up all night, you have milk, spit up, and mystery substances all over you. You’re constantly feeding, changing diapers, navigating the mountain of laundry, and trying to sneak a nap in between it all. You’re overwhelmed and your hormones aren’t doing you any favors.

Being a mom is a hard job. The hours are long and the work is hard. Throw postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety into the equation and things suddenly get harder. Dr. Ann Dunnewold and Dr. Diane Sanford have called motherhood “the most demanding job ever”. You have to put the needs of the baby before everyone and everything. After putting the baby first and trying to do everything else, you may find yourself feeling like you’re running on empty with nothing left to give. Just like an empty pitcher can’t give you water, you too need a chance to be refilled.

It may seem impossible to squeeze in any “me time” for mom, but self-care doesn’t need to be something huge.  It’s not just about taking a bath or a long walk on the beach.  Here are ten fantastic self-care ideas that are easy to sneak in even the craziest of schedules.

#1 Rest

Newborns supposedly sleep between 16 and 20 hours a day. That may sound like a lot of time, but it’s not 16-20 concurrent hours. Newborns eat every few hours around the clock. You may be used to sleeping in 6 to 8-hour chunks so the constant sleep interruptions make you feel exhausted beyond all reason. It’s ok to take a nap. It’s tempting to do other things during baby’s nap, but you’ll be better off in the long run if you rest.

Naptime may be difficult to navigate if you have older children that don’t nap anymore. Call up a friend and ask them to have a playday with your older ones so you can get those much needed Zzz’s.

#2 Healthy Food

If you are breastfeeding, you’re burning an extra 500 calories  a day. It can be tempting to indulge more than normal, but watch out. Eating foods that are low in nutritional value can make you feel worse. Eating healthy helps your baby develop a taste for healthy foods, and it will also help your body feel better and more energized.

#3 Movement       

After the initial recovery from childbirth, it’s important to get up and get moving.  Talk with your doctor about how much time you need to recover. Finding a balance of rest & exercise can be super helpful.  I hate the word “exercise” because that often feels impossible for new moms.  Going to the gym or doing a workout video is great, but if that’s overwhelming to you there’s a lot of things you can do to move your body.  Take a slow walk while pushing the stroller or have a 10 minute dance party to your favorite songs-just get up and move! Exercise boosts endorphin levels, helps you feel more energized, clear headed, and improves your mood. While it is discouraged to exercise before your doctor has cleared you, as soon as you are clear, getting in at least 20 to 30 minutes a day can recharge your batteries and help you take on motherhood like a lady boss.

#4 Nature

There’s something about being outside, breathing in fresh air, and absorbing sunlight that can recharge a person’s life. I know, it sounds like we are plants but being outside can really help clear your mind. Even just slipping outside to the front yard for a few minutes can change your entire day. Putting the baby in a stroller and going for a walk or taking the kids to the park can be both self-care for you and wear out those hyper maniacs before nap.

#5 Find an Outlet

Before your name changed to “Mom,” you were a person with interests and hobbies.  If those things disappeared after you had a baby, it’s time to bring it back! Having an outlet for creativity, activity, or just to remember who you are can keep your life balanced. If you used to be big into crafts, hit Pinterest for inspiration and create. If you like to cook, read, write, shop, whatever you enjoy, rediscover it. Talk to your partner about ways to get time each week for your outlet.   Depression can make it harder to enjoy the things that you used to enjoy.  If you are having a hard time finding enjoyment out of these things the way that you used to, talk to your doctor about it.

#6 Shower

Some people need coffee to function, others need a shower. After having all sorts of mystery baby goo over you, it’s hard to feel your best. Hopping in a nice hot shower not only washes away all the baby goo, it can make you feel like a new person. A clean person. Don’t make it a rush job. Maybe bring the swing into the bathroom and while your baby is rocked you can enjoy some much needed TLC.

#7 Music

Remember when you would hit the road, pop in your favorite CD, and sing at the top of your lungs? Or maybe you love some music you find really relaxing or inspiring. That doesn’t have to go away now that your children prefer listening to the Moana soundtrack over and over all day. Sometimes you get to listen to your music too-the kids might like it too! Don’t stop with music either, make it a dance party. Music can help improve your mood. Dance can boost your endorphins and recharge you to get back out there and take on all things mom--even if you dance like your grandpa :)

#8 Set Limits

If you’re struggling with PPA, there can be different things that trigger your stress and anxiety. The best way to take care of yourself is to set limits. Maybe talking to your mom triggers it, stick to texting her for a few days rather than the long phone calls.  Maybe you’ve taken on more than you can handle right now and you need to practice saying “no.” Maybe taking the baby to the grocery store is too stressful and you chose to order groceries online. Be gentle with yourself as you adjust to your new normal.

#9 Treat Yourself

Remember when you were dating  and you’d do little things for your spouse? Well it’s time to date yourself. Treat yourself to some ice cream, make yourself a mixed tape, buy yourself postpartum clothes. Whatever little thing that’ll make your smile and give you a boost to get through your day, do it! You’re worth it.

#10 Talk to Someone

It can be easy to keep all those feelings bottled up. Maybe you don’t want to burden anyone else with your problems, or you’re ashamed of how you’re feeling. Find someone to open up to, your best friend, your spouse, your mom. If that’s not enough, then seeing a therapist may be exactly what you need.

A therapist will listen and also help you find the perfect self-care activities that fit your life. Don’t wait until you’re at your wits end, call me today!