Motherhood is one of life’s most beautiful journeys, but let’s face it, it can also be one of the most challenging. Between changing diapers, making meals, running to soccer practice, and juggling a career, moms can easily forget to take care of their own mental health. Maintaining mental wellness is essential not just for the mother, but for the whole family. So how does a busy mom safeguard her mental health? This article will explore 10 practical tips to ensure you stay mentally healthy amidst the busyness of motherhood.
1. Embrace Self-Care
Self-care is far from being a frivolous buzzword. Rather, it is a key factor in maintaining and elevating mental health. As mothers, the reflex to place others’ needs before our own is strong. However, it’s critical to remember the old adage: you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Engaging in self-care rituals like a leisurely bath, a captivating book, a rejuvenating workout, or even a guilty pleasure TV binge is not indulgence, but a necessity for replenishing your energy reserves. Remember, nurturing yourself is not an act of selfishness, but self-awareness.
2. Enlist Help and Delegate
Delegation is an indispensable skill for every mom. Despite our supermom aspirations, doing everything single-handedly is neither feasible nor healthy. Allow your partner, older children, and even friends to assist with household chores or childcare.
Additionally, don’t shy away from professional support, whether that’s therapists, counselors, or reliable babysitters. This aid can offer a welcome reprieve, and it’s crucial to remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength.
3. Cultivate Your Social Network
Motherhood often brings about a significant shift in social dynamics. Maintaining connections with friends and family, participating in a mom’s group, or interacting with other moms online can yield a powerful support network.
Research underscores the link between robust social support and improved mental health, including a decreased risk of mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. So, even amidst the chaos, resist the temptation to retreat into isolation.
4. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a potent ally for mental health. It encourages an awareness and acceptance of the present moment, a balm for a busy mind. Amid the hustle and bustle, set aside a few moments to concentrate on your breathing, soak in your surroundings, or simply relish a soothing cup of tea.
Numerous studies attest to the stress-relieving and mental health-enhancing benefits of mindfulness. Whether through meditation, yoga, or intentional breathing, the key is to inhabit the present moment.
5. Prioritize Sleep
The role of sleep in safeguarding mental health is crucial. Insufficient sleep can manifest in irritability, mood fluctuations, and more severe mental health issues over time.
Despite the challenges, aim to establish a regular sleep routine and cultivate a serene sleep environment. A restful night can fortify your patience, sharpen your focus, and alleviate stress.
6. Foster Healthy Eating Habits
Your brain requires top-tier fuel for optimal function. A balanced diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can significantly enhance your mental health. Staying hydrated is also paramount for maintaining mental acuity and steady energy levels.
Steer clear of the deceptive allure of processed foods. While they might save time in the short term, they can wreak havoc on your mood and energy. Meal prepping healthy options can ensure you’re nourishing your body and mind, even on the busiest days.
7. Incorporate Regular Exercise
Exercise is a proven stress-reliever and mood booster, courtesy of the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. Even a brisk 20-minute walk, a yoga session, or a dance class can markedly improve your mental health. If possible, make exercise a family affair. It’s a fun and beneficial way to nurture mental health collectively.
8. Nurture a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset can wield transformative power. It doesn’t mean turning a blind eye to life’s challenges, but rather tackling them from a positive and proactive standpoint.
Recognize and counteract negative thought patterns with positive ones. Adopt practices such as gratitude, affirmations, or cognitive behavioral strategies to foster a healthy mental outlook.
9. Curate Your Social Media Experience
Social media is a double-edged sword, offering connection and shared experiences but also fostering unrealistic expectations and negative sentiments. It’s not merely about restricting your time online, but also mindfully curating your digital consumption.
Unfollow accounts that foster stress or inadequacy, and instead engage with those that inspire and uplift. Interact with positive content to guide social media algorithms toward presenting more of the same. Remember, social media is a tool at your disposal; use it to cultivate positivity and wellbeing.
10. Seek Professional Help When Necessary
Despite all preventative measures, there may be times when professional help is warranted. Therapy is not a sign of failure, but a proactive step towards preserving mental health. Mental health professionals can offer strategies and treatments that might be outside your awareness or comfort zone.
Dear mothers, we recognize your hustle. We see the countless directions you’re being pulled in and how time often feels like sand slipping through your fingers. But your mental health matters. Through the implementation of these 10 strategies, you can nourish your mental wellbeing and continue to be the phenomenal mom you are. Remember, this journey is not one you have to undertake alone. Resources and supportive networks exist to assist you.
And, if you find yourself in need of a more profound reset, consider a retreat in the serene surroundings of our Mommi Retreats in Los Cabos. Unwind, recharge, and bask in tranquility, reminding yourself of the importance of your wellbeing. After all, taking care of yourself is the first step towards taking care of your family. Your family, and above all, you, will be grateful for it.