When I started writing this post, I had a dear friend in mind; a new mother. But, as I brand stormed ideas and went back over past blog posts on self-care tips, I said to myself, these tips aren’t just for new mothers, but all mothers.
Why? Because I’m sure that all mothers can relate to trying to make more time for self-care due to the continuing pandemic. Not only this, but children of all ages are flocked at home all day, as compared to pre-pandemic life.
With all of this in mind, it’s so important to keep up a great self-care regime. Therefore, to help you establish the right routine for you, have a look at these ideas below.
#1 Apps To Support Self-Care
For starters, I can’t express how important it is to have the right self-care resources to give you guidance. For example, I’m currently using a free trial of Noom for weight-loss that I mentioned earlier, but the app also offers additional guidance and resources from a Noom coach. Plus, I use a lot of YouTube meditation and inspirational videos.
Right now, that’s what’s working for me. Something else may work for you. The key is to find what works for you. There are so many self-care apps on the market to choose from, but I think these two will give you all the self-care tips you need.
Buddhify
The Buddhify app was designed to help people gain more clarity, reduce stress, and live healthier. The application includes 200+ meditations, plus mindfulness exercises to improve your positive outlook.
Grateful
According to science, expressing more gratitude improves our mental health and makes us feel happier. The Grateful application can help users to express gratitude, and start a positive journal.
For other useful tools, try Shine, Calm, and Ten Percent Happier. With the right resources behind you, it’s far easier to establish a great self-care regime.
#2 Methods To Improve Sleep
As a new mother (or any mother), you’re likely feeling a little sleep deprived with the children not having a set schedule as they once did and up all through the night.
However, to help you get things back on track, consider the following methods to improve your sleep:
Sleep when the baby or children go to sleep.
If your little one is keeping you up at night, but they sleep just fine in the day, try to sleep when the baby sleeps. Doing so will ensure you don’t miss out on the sleep that you need.
Try herbal remedies.
If you’re struggling to sleep in general, there are many herbal supplements that you can try including valerian, passionflower or chamomile – just to name a few.
Try a sleep app.
Try applications like ‘Slumber’ to help you drift off and get a better night’s rest. There are also sleep meditations on YouTube that are perfect for helping you drift off to sleep.
#3 A Little Downtime
This one really is for the new mamas!
When you’re a new mother, it feels like things are just non-stop! Whether it’s nursing your little one, getting them off to sleep, or shopping for extra baby change mats.
To keep up your self-care, it’s important to have a little bit of downtime. Call in some and take some time here and there for yourself. Whether you take an online yoga class, watch a movie, or virtually coffee chat with a friend, it’s important to retain a bit of “me time”.
#4 Get Out In Nature
Getting out in the natural world is the best way to raise endorphin levels and improve your mental health. Explore your surroundings responsibly, whether it’s the beach, park or forest.
Plan hikes or take a casual stroll, whatever you’re in the mood for. Just don’t forget to turn off your phone and allow the natural world to work its magic.
#5 Immune-Boosting Habits
Being a mama can be exhausting, which is why it’s important to strengthen your immune system; especially now more than ever.
Focus on immune-boosting foods in your diet including fish, spinach, red peppers, citrus fruits, and yogurt. It can also be helpful to keep a food diary to keep yourself on a healthy track.
In a previous post, I shared the Unstoppable food journal that I was using during the summer months. Feel free to check that out.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Whether you are a new mama, or been a mom for a while. These are self-care tips that we can all benefit from. The most important thing to remember, however is that once you’ve started to establish your self-care routine, it will become easier to stick to it.
