Self-Care Tips for Moms That Are More Than Take a Shower

Parents are often overwhelmed because they have little to no time to themselves, focusing on their children. Although for a young mother, it can seem impossible, it’s crucial to remember to take care of herself. When possible, making time for self-care can make you feel more like yourself and help you adjust to your role as a new mother. 

Of course, some parents don’t have easy access to child care, and it’s challenging to carve out the required time for self-care. But if you can find help and time, even for half an hour daily, do not feel guilty for taking it and focusing on your self-care because it’s not a selfish thing to do. 

When you can prioritize time for yourself, fill it with activities that recharge you (not only for taking a shower) to help you unwind. Of course, taking a shower is challenging when caring for a newborn, and you feel it like an accomplishment to relax for 10 minutes while hot water pours on you, but basic hygiene isn’t the only option for self-care. 

Here are some activities that can make you relax and unwind as a mom:

Listen to relaxing music

Spotify and YouTube have thousands of relaxing music tracks you can listen to for free. You can listen to playlists from 30 minutes to hours that can help you meditate, unwind, or even fall asleep. If you only have a couple of minutes to yourself in the morning before the children awake or at night after putting them to sleep, pick music that inspires you and close your eyes while listening to the tunes. Studies show that music greatly impacts moods and can even alleviate physical pain. 

This self-care method is very effective if you feel stressed. Close the door, put your earbuds on, and breathe deep while you listen to relaxing music. In a couple of minutes, you’ll emerge feeling happier and calmer. 

Exercise or take a walk

Exercising can help you unwind and relax. However, if your body isn’t ready to get back to the gym, engage in a gentler form of exercise like yoga or Pilates. Slow, deliberate movements are easy to follow and enable you to stay in shape and recharge your body and mind without exhausting yourself. 

Try a short walk around the park if you’re an active individual who doesn’t like stretching on a mat. Ask your friends to join you to spend some quality time together and catch up. 

Watch an episode of your favourite TV series

Only because your children love watching cartoons or children’s programs doesn’t mean you have to watch the same TV shows. Don’t forget or neglect your passions and preferences because you’re a mother now. Watching the TV series you love will make you feel better and even get your laugh on (if you prefer sitcoms and funny movies). Remember, happy parents mean that kids are more likely to be happy. It’s not selfish to turn the TV on your favourite channel from time to time or watch an episode from a TV series on Netflix when the children take an afternoon nap. 

Ask your partner for a massage

Carrying your children around all day and running after them can wreak havoc on your back and neck and leave you sore for days. When you have some free time with your partner, ask them for a message. Or even better, ask the grandparents to care for the children while you two go for a professional massage at the local spa. A physiotherapist can correct the postural issues and knots that can cause severe injuries if left untreated in the long run. 

If you prefer a home massage from your partner, invest in nourishing skincare products that refresh and moisturize your skin, and you hit two self-care goals in one. 

Pamper yourself with new clothes, skincare, or jewelry

Whether it’s a new pair of shoes, bamboo pajamas and loungewear, or a necklace, buying something for yourself can help you relax and feel happier. Only because your priorities switched, doesn’t mean you should no longer buy things for yourself. You deserve to wear comfortable clothes at home and when going out, and treat yourself with a new piece of jewelry and high-quality skincare from time to time. 

Many of your old clothes won’t fit after giving birth and can make you feel bad about your body. But instead of being harsh to yourself, change your wardrobe and buy clothes that allow you to feel comfortable and look good.      

Read

Everyone is connected to their phones these days, but social media and the internet can make new moms feel bad about their bodies or habits. Instead of letting online content influence your mood, dive into the pages of a good book to relax and unwind your thoughts. Reading a couple of pages after a busy day lets you power down. If you lack motivation, consider joining a virtual book club with other mothers so you can change opinions and support one another. 

Call your friends

Do your children use to take an hour naptime? Schedule a phone call with your friends. Make yourself a cup of tea or hot chocolate, go to the bedroom and FaceTime your group of friends. Chances are they also need some time away from their busy schedules and families and are looking forward to this date. It’s remarkable how much happier and relaxed you feel after catching up with your loved ones and filling them on your day. 

Schedule weekly or monthly face-to-face meetings with your friends so you can spend some time together and get away from the house. Even if you develop some self-care routines at home, you also need to get out sometimes, and seeing your friends and eating together can make you feel better. 

Also, remember to prioritize spending time alone with your partner because it can also recharge yourself and strengthen your relationship.