For these women who choose to be mothers, it’s the most beautiful job in the world.
But it’s also full of challenges, fatigue, sleepless nights and care for everyone but themselves.
It’s perfectly normal to feel the tears welling up in our eyes when we think we’re not doing our duty properly, or the helplessness when it seems we simply can’t do it any more.
That’s why, at least occasionally, we have to put ourselves first, no matter how selfish it seems to us or no matter how hard others try to let us know it’s selfish.
It’s not.
Only if a mother takes care of herself can she take care of others.
By taking care of herself, a mother becomes more self-aware and satisfied, and this reflects on the whole family.
Dear moms, do it for yourselves.
You deserve it.
And honestly, as a mother of three, I guarantee that I set aside time for my mental and physical health.
Otherwise, it’s all the same…
1. Organize medical check-ups for yourself
Vaccinations, childhood viruses, frequent illnesses related to kindergarten adaptation, chickenpox…
And when was the last time you took care of yourself and your health?
Ten minutes a day is all it takes to organize an annual check-up, which can be done over the phone with a gynecologist or dentist.
2. Watch a movie or an episode of your favorite TV show yourself
With the new role of mother, many things take a back seat.
Watching a good movie, listening to the latest album by your favorite artist or following the new hit series on Netflix are no longer among your priorities.
But it’s all good for you. Plus, it gives you something to talk about when you’re spending time with other adults.
Besides, you can never have enough laughs with Friends, can you?
3. Set aside 30 minutes for something you love to do
Painting, writing, practicing yoga, listening to music, reading…
All these seemingly small things can make a significant difference in a mother’s life.
When we do something we really enjoy, the secretion of happiness hormones increases and this is reflected in relationships with family members.
4. Perfume your home
Notes scented with candles or diffusers can contribute not only to a better atmosphere at home, but also to our mood.
And if we opt for those that target aromatherapy and reduce symptoms such as headaches, we’ve achieved double success.
5. Plan your next trip
Vacations with children can be very exhausting, but some of the fondest memories are still made on family trips.
However, to get away from our everyday lives, all it takes is a trip to the next town.
A short weekend away can be just what you need to recharge your batteries and feel better.
6. Ask for help with childcare
It’s not just the mother who has to look after the child.
The father also needs to be involved in the care.
He’s not there to “help and intervene”, but to look after his child.
If for any reason this isn’t an option, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Whether you opt for a grandparent, a friend or an occasional nanny, you need those few child-free hours.
7. Plan a fun family activity
Playing in a tent built in the living room, going to the movies, strolling through the autumn forest landscape – all these very simple activities will bring a dose of something different into the day and give an extra dose of energy.
8. Let the kids help with household chores
As the children get older, it’s time to get involved in household chores.
Of course, the division of labor should be age-appropriate.
For example, your child may start by putting away toys and his own bed, then at school age, he may help set the table, wipe the dishes after washing, etc.
9. Read at least a few pages a day
Reading a good book in a new phase of life that involves motherhood seems like a mission impossible.
But even five pages that take less than 10 minutes to read will activate the brain and remind us why we love books.
10. Bring a new plant into your home
Plants bring freshness into our homes, produce oxygen and, fortunately, there are those for which a minimum of maintenance is sufficient, such as succulents.
So there’s no reason why every mother shouldn’t bring some green into her home and rejoice.
11. Print and frame a photo from your cell phone
While we used to wait patiently for our 24 or 36 photos to develop and could barely wait to frame them, today the story is completely different.
We mostly keep our memories on our cell phones, but looking at our beloved printed and framed photo can improve our mood in an instant.
12. Enjoy the smell of morning coffee
There’s nothing better than enjoying the smell of that first morning coffee and those few minutes while everyone else is still asleep.
13. Unsubscribe from e-mails you don’t want to receive
Why should our mailboxes be cluttered with things that don’t interest us at all?
Delete anything you don’t need, because it wastes your time.
14. Stop following social networking accounts that negatively affect your mood
The same goes for anyone whose presence on social networks negatively affects your mood.
Click “stop following” and get rid of the negativity.
15. Listen to a motivational podcast
While tidying up or cooking lunch, we can learn from podcasts, but also motivate ourselves to change.
Whatever topic interests you, there are plenty to choose from.
16. Spend an evening without your cell phone
The world won’t come to an end if we spend an evening without cell phones and devote ourselves to ourselves and our loved ones.
17. Try meditating for five minutes
Many swear by meditation as the path to inner peace, and with the help of numerous free apps, it’s easier today than ever.
Sit back and listen to the gentle voice.
18. Know what you’re worth
Each of us is worth more than we think.
We’re brave, fearless, we overcome life’s challenges and obstacles, and we need to be aware of that.
19. Close your eyes, relax your shoulders, stretch your neck
Prolonged sitting in front of the computer or the constant chasing of children takes its toll on our posture and our health.
Stretch from time to time.
20. Focus on your mental health
If we take care of our physical health, if we go to the dentist when we have a toothache, why shouldn’t we be aware of when we need to focus on our mental health?
Whether with the help of an expert or by reading literature on your own, this is something every mother needs to keep an eye on.
21. Get out in nature
Even if it’s in a nearby park, staying in nature has been proven to have a positive effect on our mood.
What’s more, autumn is the most beautiful time for such a thing.
22. Run for 10 minutes
Running is an activity that makes us feel better, sleep better, reduce high blood pressure and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
And all we need are good sneakers.
Even if you only run for five minutes a day, you can extend your life by three years.
23. Eat a meal in a seated position
Eating over the sink, eating bread crusts left by the kids or swallowing the occasional baby porridge is familiar to every mom.
But at least once a week, get together at the table, chew every mouthful and activate your taste buds.
24. Listen to your favorite teenage song
Whether it’s dance, pop, rock or other music, the notes we loved in our youth evoked positive emotions in us.
Turn on that song and dance.
25. Ask your partner or a friend for a 5-minute massage
The benefits of massage are many, and even five minutes can take the tension out of our shoulders.
So a partner or friend can help. And then you can return the favor.
26. Set yourself a small goal
If we dream about something and never think about the steps needed to achieve it, it’s all just a dream.
So spend at least a few minutes a day planning how you’ll get there.
27. Do something you’ve been putting off for a long time
An e-mail we’ll never be able to send, going to the garage, buying sweets for a child’s birthday, taking the dog to the vet – pick a priority and finish it.
You’ll feel great later.
28. Plan an evening out with friends
While your husband, grandparents or nanny are looking after the kids, treat yourself to at least one hour out with friends.
It doesn’t have to be crazy fun – the local café will do.
29. Go to bed on time
While washing clothes and scrubbing the whole bathroom sounds like an ideal activity once the kids are in bed, it’s just as important for mom to get some rest.
30. Just say “No
None of us has to satisfy everyone’s wishes, not even those of children and spouses.
If you don’t feel right about something, say “no” and move on.