Mom, You’re Not Alone: 8 Self-Care Practices to Consider for Your Mental Health
Being a mom is a tough job. No matter how much you love your children, there are probably days they drive you crazy. Take heart: Most moms have felt that way from time to time. Take a few moments on those days to step back and take stock of your feelings. On those days, you need to take care of your mental health.
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1. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Find time for exercise because it helps keep your body healthy and lets you burn off stress. Don’t let a busy life let you neglect brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist. A recent poll revealed that over 40% of people wished they better cared for their oral health. When your physical health improves, so will your frame of mind.
2. Keep an Attitude of Gratitude
Think back to your last Thanksgiving meal. Did you go around the table and have everyone in the family say what they are grateful for? I’ll bet that felt great for you, and everyone else. Writing a daily gratitude list will help cultivate positivity inside your mind.
3. Your Nights Influence Your Days
Taking care of yourself and your kids can be difficult enough when you’re well-rested. If you don’t get enough sleep, your life may be more challenging than it needs to be. Try to arrange your schedule to get six to eight hours of sleep each night. The difference this will make to your nights will improve the quality of your days.
4. Try a Relaxing Activity
The best antidote to stress is relaxation. Sometimes, you need to give yourself a mental health break and seek out things to help you unravel the vestiges of stress. Take a scented bubble bath or sit under a tree with a good book, some iced tea, and your favorite tunes. Learn yoga or meditation and find your afternoon Zen.
5. Make Healthy Meals and Stay Hydrated
Nobody says you can’t ever have donuts and ice cream but having them every day won’t do your body much good. Begin planning healthier meals for yourself and the kids, which include lean proteins, whole grains, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink six to eight 10-ounce glasses of water every day. This practice will help you to take care of your body, and a healthier body will help you have a healthier mind.
6. Stay Connected to Your Friends
You probably have some great friends, and staying in touch with them can bring you joy. Being a mom doesn’t mean being chained to your home. Go dancing or to the movies with your girlfriends. If you’re too busy to get out, invite a friend to your home for tea or coffee. Spend some time with your friends for everyone’s sake.
7. Give Yourself a Gift
Do you wish you could get rewarded for your hard work? Why not reward yourself with something fun and inexpensive to brighten your day? Treating yourself to some flowers brings color and cheer into your life. According to a survey by About Flowers, about 23% of Americans buy themselves flowers for no specific reason. You can, too!
8. Know When It’s Time to Get Help
It’s normal for everyone to have days of sadness, but if your sad feelings begin to overshadow the good feelings in your life, it may be time to find a professional mental health counselor. Over 260 million people have been diagnosed with depression. If you believe you are depressed or overly anxious, take care of yourself by getting help.
Moms are human, and most need to take better care of themselves. By following some of the above tips, you’ll not only help yourself become a better person. A happier person is usually a happier Mom!
