Being a mom is one of the toughest, most rewarding jobs out there. But it’s also easy to get so caught up in taking care of everyone else that you forget to take care of yourself. That’s why it’s important to make time for self-care, even when you’re short on time. Here are five easy ways to do just that.
Get enough sleep: This one might seem impossible, but it’s important to try to get at least seven hours of sleep each night. A lack of sleep can make you irritable, moody, and more likely to make mistakes. If your little ones are keeping you up at night, try implementing a bedtime routine or sleep training method to help them (and you!) get the sleep you need.
Eat healthy: When you’re busy, it’s easy to default to unhealthy convenience foods. But fueling your body with nutritious food will give you the energy you need to power through your day. If cooking meals from scratch is too time-consuming, meal prep or using a meal delivery service can help you get healthy meals on the table with minimal effort.
Exercise: Exercise isn’t just good for your physical health–it’s also great for your mental health. Even if you can only squeeze in a few minutes here and there, any bit of activity is better than none at all. And there are plenty of exercises you can do without even leaving your house or leaving your kids unsupervised (think: lunges while blow drying your hair or squats while brushing your teeth).
Take breaks: As much as you might want to power through and get everything on your to-do list done, it’s important to take breaks throughout the day. Step away from your work and take a few deep breaths, go for a walk around the block, or call a friend just to chat. A few minutes of “me” time can help reduce stress and improve your focus when you return to work.
Make time for hobbies: Doing things you enjoy is not only fun–it’s also good for your mental health. When you have some free time, use it to do something that brings you joy, whether that’s reading, crafting, gardening, biking, or anything else that floats your boat. You’ll come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
As a busy mom, it’s important to make time for self-care–even if it feels like there’s never enough time in the day. By getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising regularly (even if it’s just in small bursts), taking breaks throughout the day, and making time for hobbies, you can stay sane and avoid burnout as you juggle parenting with everything else in life.
