4 Self-Care Tips for Busy Moms

Many parents are guilty of putting their health on the backburner when raising children. According to recent surveys by Working Mother and Healthy Woman, 78% of moms stated they often fail to care for their own health as they are busy caring for their family.

While your kids will require much of your time and attention, you must set time aside to care for your own health and wellbeing. If you don’t, you could suffer from exhaustion, a low mood, or a mental health issue. Improve your physical and mental health by reading the following four self-care tips for busy moms.

Take Better Care of Your Health

Have you missed an annual medical or dental check-up? Maybe you’ve failed to book a much-needed appointment with an eye doctor. You wouldn’t allow your kids to skip their essential healthcare appointments, which is why you shouldn’t miss them either.

Take the time to attend different healthcare check-ups, exams, and tests, and follow up on a professional’s advice. For example, an eye doctor could recommend glasses or contact lenses after a vision screening. You should then take the time to find the right option for your daily needs and confidence, such as stylish frames or comfortable one day lenses.

Take Small Breaks Each Day

As you might have many tasks to complete and repeat each day, you might feel as if you don’t have time to sit and relax. It is, however, vital for your mental health to take a break when an opportunity arises. Try to take at least two 15-minute breaks per day to unwind.

Rather than washing dishes or reading work emails, give yourself a little time to read a magazine, watch a funny video, take a shower, or meditate. It will allow you to feel like a human and not a machine, which will improve your mood and outlook.

Improve Your Diet

It might feel easy to reach for a sugar-filled snack or fast food when caring for children, but it could impact on your mental and physical health. Nutritious meals will not only help you to maintain a healthy weight, but they can increase your energy levels and support good mental health. Plus, embracing a healthy diet could help you to lead by example, so your children will be less likely to develop a bad relationship with food.

Embrace a healthier diet by: 

• Eating five portions of fruit and vegetables per day
• Swapping soda for water
• Planning healthy, quick meals each week
• Going vegetarian one day per week

Make Time for Your Friends

A little adult conversation could work wonders for your mental health. It’s understandable that you might be eager to tick every task off your list, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your health or important relationships. Arrange to regularly meet with a friend or two for lunch at a new restaurant or go for a coffee to enjoy a change of environment. You could even invite a friend over for dinner or drinks when the kids are in bed. It will allow you to laugh, chat, and catch up on each other’s lives, which could decrease your stress levels and improve your support system.