How To Get Started With Self-Care When You're a Busy Mum

How To Get Started With Self-Care When You’re a Busy Mum

When I became a mum for the first time, I remember everyone telling me to take care of myself. It had been a rough birth, ending in an emergency c-section, we were renovating our house and of course I was learning how to look after a new baby. I considered showering and getting dressed a small win. Looking back, I didn’t really understand what self-care meant.

Now, I have two kids under 4 and I run my own business. Self-care should be even less achievable but actually, it’s become part of my daily routine. My frustration reached a point where I was erupting in bursts of rage at my husband and I was no fun to be around. I knew I had to make a change in my life. 

As mums, we are not always good at putting ourselves first, or taking time out from the endless to-do list. But you need it. By looking after yourself, you’ll be able to look after your family without feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. 

You’re probably thinking, “Are you kidding? I’m a busy mum, rushed off my feet most days, I haven’t got time to think about this.”

So how do you get started? 

Ask for help! Reach out to your partner, your mum or a good friend. Even 15 minutes for someone to hold down the fort while you immerse yourself in a good book or meditate could make all the difference.

Carve out time each week and stick to it, whether it’s after the kids have gone to bed or at the weekend. Make it non-negotiable. 

It might seem like there is always something more important that you should be doing. But, ignore than inner voice telling you to put a load of washing on or clean the fridge out and put yourself first.

It’s more important than ever to prioritise time for you when you feel run down, overwhelmed, anxious or there’s just lots going on. It might seem like the worst time to practice self-care, but actually this is the best time. 

Sometimes just 5 minutes can make a difference to your day, your health and how you feel around your family. 

Written by Sara at Seventeen Minutes.