“Me Time” Matters: Self-Care for Moms
We see your strength, Mama. Navigating the ups and downs of motherhood with herculean mental and physical power, often neglecting your own needs, while attempting to juggle work, a miles-long checklist, and everything else life throws your way. But maybe it’s time to put yourself first—time to start seeking help for your physical and mental well-being. Making time for you may feel selfish but giving yourself the gift of self-care will make you stronger, happier, and a better mom and partner. Here are some tips to ensure you’re filling yourself up with the same love and attention you give so willingly to others.
Feel-Good Endorphins
Moving your body can do wonders for your mind—especially if you’re moving with other moms. Check out the local fitness group Fit4Mom (fit4mom.com), which offers workouts for every stage of motherhood and level of fitness, including “Stroller Strides” and a prenatal “Fit4Baby” program; or The Mom Walk Collective (themomwalkcollective.com), which encourages moms to walk while sipping coffee and building community at their bimonthly events hosted locally in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln.
Reset With Rest
It’s no secret that your sleep changes after becoming a parent. Navigating the newborn stage, early mornings, and unpredictable nights can all bring a host of sleep difficulties. Rebecca Barlow, a certified nurse midwife at Marshall Medical Center, reminds us that “sleep deprivation is not only a miserable state but can also be a catalyst for postpartum depression and anxiety and the difference between normal postpartum blues and a mental health condition requiring further treatment.” Make sure to prioritize sleep, even if it’s just taking a short rest during your child’s naptime. Your body will thank you.
It's Ok To Seek Professional Help
How do you know when baby blues are getting serious? According to Therese Sorrentino, LMFT (theresesorrentinomft.com), “Postpartum depression is common, and many new mothers experience it due to the change in hormones and lack of sleep. In addition to losing rest, it's a big adjustment to navigate this new and overwhelming responsibility. Sometimes mothers can have obsessive thoughts that they might hurt their baby or extreme fear of being separated from their child. When you have that kind of fear and anxiety, it’s time to call a therapist. Trying therapy first is the most conservative approach, as it can help you understand what’s going on and give you tools to cope. If depression or sadness persists, it’s best to see your medical doctor to determine if medication is recommended.”
Prioritize Health & Well-Being
In between school and daycare drop-offs and pickups, extracurriculars, and making appointments for your kiddos, it’s easy to neglect your own health and well-being. But putting off self-care while you care for others leads to burnout. Be sure to book appointments for yourself, too (mammogram, physical, dental cleaning, eye exam, etc.)—no matter how full your calendar may be. And don’t forget to pamper yourself every so often with a massage, facial, haircut, pedicure, or solo shopping trip to purchase a new (for you!) outfit; after all, looking good makes you feel good!
Remember Who You Are
What were your passions and interests before you took on the role as a mom? Rediscover them in a way that fits your lifestyle. Betty Murray, DO, internal medicine physician with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, suggests “taking an hour, one or two nights a week, to do something you enjoyed in the past but haven't been able to do recently. After spending time on yourself, you’ll likely be more relaxed and [able to] put your full focus onto your family's needs, [making for a] stronger, happier [household].”
We’re All In This Together
It’s comforting when you can rely on a community of people who have been through what you’re experiencing. Having a judgment-free mom tribe takes away the isolation moms can sometimes experience and makes motherhood feel more manageable. Dedicate some time to reconnecting with your girlfriends—whether it’s happy hour, brunch, a park hang, or going to see a play—and catch up for a therapeutic moment of rejuvenating adult interaction.
Carve Out Some Quiet Time
Find a realistic amount of time that you can commit to daily, just for you, and make it non-negotiable. “Self-care is often overcomplicated, but [even waking] up 20-30 minutes prior to your family [can be beneficial],” says Ashlee Janzen, LMFT (ashleejanzenlmft.com). Whether you wake up and stretch, read, meditate, or simply sit on the couch alone with a hot drink, let this time serve as your valuable reset button.
Moving your body can do wonders for your mind—especially if you’re moving with other moms. Check out the local fitness group Fit4Mom (fit4mom.com), which offers workouts for every stage of motherhood and level of fitness, including “Stroller Strides” and a prenatal “Fit4Baby” program; or The Mom Walk Collective (themomwalkcollective.com), which encourages moms to walk while sipping coffee and building community at their bimonthly events hosted locally in Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln.
Reset With Rest
It’s no secret that your sleep changes after becoming a parent. Navigating the newborn stage, early mornings, and unpredictable nights can all bring a host of sleep difficulties. Rebecca Barlow, a certified nurse midwife at Marshall Medical Center, reminds us that “sleep deprivation is not only a miserable state but can also be a catalyst for postpartum depression and anxiety and the difference between normal postpartum blues and a mental health condition requiring further treatment.” Make sure to prioritize sleep, even if it’s just taking a short rest during your child’s naptime. Your body will thank you.
It's Ok To Seek Professional Help
How do you know when baby blues are getting serious? According to Therese Sorrentino, LMFT (theresesorrentinomft.com), “Postpartum depression is common, and many new mothers experience it due to the change in hormones and lack of sleep. In addition to losing rest, it's a big adjustment to navigate this new and overwhelming responsibility. Sometimes mothers can have obsessive thoughts that they might hurt their baby or extreme fear of being separated from their child. When you have that kind of fear and anxiety, it’s time to call a therapist. Trying therapy first is the most conservative approach, as it can help you understand what’s going on and give you tools to cope. If depression or sadness persists, it’s best to see your medical doctor to determine if medication is recommended.”
Prioritize Health & Well-Being
In between school and daycare drop-offs and pickups, extracurriculars, and making appointments for your kiddos, it’s easy to neglect your own health and well-being. But putting off self-care while you care for others leads to burnout. Be sure to book appointments for yourself, too (mammogram, physical, dental cleaning, eye exam, etc.)—no matter how full your calendar may be. And don’t forget to pamper yourself every so often with a massage, facial, haircut, pedicure, or solo shopping trip to purchase a new (for you!) outfit; after all, looking good makes you feel good!
Remember Who You Are
What were your passions and interests before you took on the role as a mom? Rediscover them in a way that fits your lifestyle. Betty Murray, DO, internal medicine physician with Dignity Health Mercy Medical Group, suggests “taking an hour, one or two nights a week, to do something you enjoyed in the past but haven't been able to do recently. After spending time on yourself, you’ll likely be more relaxed and [able to] put your full focus onto your family's needs, [making for a] stronger, happier [household].”
We’re All In This Together
It’s comforting when you can rely on a community of people who have been through what you’re experiencing. Having a judgment-free mom tribe takes away the isolation moms can sometimes experience and makes motherhood feel more manageable. Dedicate some time to reconnecting with your girlfriends—whether it’s happy hour, brunch, a park hang, or going to see a play—and catch up for a therapeutic moment of rejuvenating adult interaction.
Carve Out Some Quiet Time
Find a realistic amount of time that you can commit to daily, just for you, and make it non-negotiable. “Self-care is often overcomplicated, but [even waking] up 20-30 minutes prior to your family [can be beneficial],” says Ashlee Janzen, LMFT (ashleejanzenlmft.com). Whether you wake up and stretch, read, meditate, or simply sit on the couch alone with a hot drink, let this time serve as your valuable reset button.
by Melissa Strand