Hey Mama, How’s it going? Like, really? You don’t have to tell us, we know, mom fatigue is real.

It’s that feeling of not just tiredness but full-blown exhaustion. Being pulled in every direction by everyone. Accompanied by thoughts of “Am I doing this right” or “If I take time away for me, things will go wrong”... Well, we’re here to tell you, for your own well-being, taking time for yourself it is something you have to prioritize! And that means practicing self-care.

Self-care for moms is necessary when you’re raising kids and leading a family. Because we know, all though we forget sometimes, that showing up as our best self for everyone else means showing as our best for ourselves first.

So, we’re here to give you the self-care tips to get you back to feeling like the super mom we know you are!

1. Find time for your friends

 

According to a study conducted by Oxford University, friendship and connection increase serotonin and oxytocin, especially in women. Serotonin and oxytocin are known as happy hormones, being linked to things like mood, strong parent-child bonds, bonding in relationships, and more. This points to the undeniable fact that good friendships can enhance your overall health and happiness.

Great friendships also help you prevent mom fatigue, giving you an outlet to receive love, encouragement, and a support from a squad of women with who you can share experiences and have cheer each other on as you navigate all the ups and downs of motherhood!

So, tired moms, use this as your sign to call up your girlfriends and plan your next brunch or dinner date!

2. Rediscover Old Hobbies

Most moms will likely tell you motherhood is one of the most rewarding they’ve experienced. But the reward doesn’t come with many sacrifices. Often the first things to be sacrificed (besides your body for 9 months!) are the hobbies before children.

And even when you’re kids are of the age where you don’t have to tend to them around the clock we make excuses like, “I don't have time to do XYZ..” or “I’m just too exhausted”. But, making excuses is only preventing you from reclaiming your full joy. Getting back into old hobbies can re-invigorate you and help restore that lost sense of identity.

Because before you were a mom or wife, you had hobbies, interests, and passions that took the back seat. And it’s time to get back to them!

3. Try Therapy

No matter, if you are a new parent or one with years on the job, becoming a mom comes with many changes. This can leave you feeling lonely, exhausted, anxious, and depressed. Plus, add in body changes, sleep depreciation and you may find your mental health declining if you are not proactive in maintaining it. And research supports it. A recent study found that 1 in 7 women may experience postpartum depression in the year after giving birth. Speaking to a therapist can help you navigate the challenges of motherhood and prevent mom fatigue. So consider finding a therapist, an act of self-care for moms that will help you in all aspects of life, not only motherhood.

4. Get Crafty

We all have a creative side. Whether writing, drawing, executing business ideas, etc. Even if you don’t consider yourself an “artsy” creative, crafting is a self-care idea for moms that can encourage moms to step out of their comfort zone, or in it! But It’s a likely win either way.

Research has shown that crafting, regardless of the medium you use, can bolster mood, improve self-confidence, and reduce stress overall. In addition, crafting is a mindful activity that requires being present in the moment. It offers a peaceful and therapeutic time for self-reflection. You can try everything from painting and sewing to refurbishing furniture and candle making.

Whatever you choose, crafting is a form of self-care I'm sure plenty of tired moms can get behind.

5. Take a Vacation

When was the last time you took a trip?

And no, we don’t mean the family vacation to Disneyland. A trip planned and attended by just You! A momcation.

This is a self-care idea for moms that we know can feel totally unrealistic. But, the truth is it’s the one that, if executed, could benefit on your mental health and well being for the better, and in the biggest way. Monet Hambrick, a mommy blogger, says she takes a solo trip at least once a year. She says, “ it allows me to be the best version of myself requiring me to do things just for me”.

Even if the momcation is a local getaway, taking time to cater to only yourself for a week or weekend is a self-care activity that every mom should think about planning. A vacation planned by you, enjoyed by you! (No dads allowed either!).

6. Write in a Journal

Journaling is a self-care activity moms can easily start incorporating into their everyday lives. Journaling can help you to express and understand your emotions, help you define your goals, and simply gain some needed clarity by organizing your thoughts. All you need is a notebook, pen, and a few minutes to put pen to paper.

So after you’ve done school drop-offs or put the little one down for a nap, take a moment for yourself. Have yourself a cup of tea, find a comfy spot, and start writing.

7. Take Time to Meditate

Being a mom is a full-time job. Add in laundry, cooking, diaper blowouts, plus a career, and your one crayon drawing on the wall away from losing it. As a mom, chaos comes along with the job title. It can send your mind into overdrive, creating self-doubt and lots of stress. But, this is where meditation can help. It’s self-care for moms that helps to calm and quiet the mind. Meditation has been proven to help in many areas including decreasing stress, helping you feel more alert, and improving memory. The benefits of meditation are best felt when you practice daily. So try incorporating this self-care tip into your routine to overcome mom fatigue amongst many other things.

Related: 5 Relaxing Scents That Help You Unwind After A Stressful Day

8. Get Active

 

Getting active may be the last thing on your mind as a  tired mom. But hear us out! According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), physical activity improves sleep quality, helps judgment skills, plus reduces your risk of depression and anxiety. It's a form of self-care that may require a bit more effort from your side, however,, the results of taking part in regular physical activities have huge potential benefits.

And the options are plentiful.

From cycling, weightlifting, hiking, dancing or less intense activities like gardening and walking, you won’t regret pushing yourself to put get more active.

In Conclusion

We know the pressure moms are under to be superwoman, but showing up for yourself is just as important as showing up for your family. Prioritizing your well-being; mentally, physically, and emotionally is the best gift you can give to yourself and those around you. And you deserve it!

You deserve to feel and look your best and we hope that you’ll incorporate at least one of these tips will help get you prioritizing your self-care and wellbeing! Because we all know that moms make the world go around!