As a new Mom, all your focus is centered on your baby’s well-being. And that is natural for a new mother. But you forget that you need to care for yourself too. And even if you do realize it, it’s hard to implement in your new-mom life.
What Does Self-Care Mean?
We all have a presumably wrong idea of self-care. When someone talks about self-care we usually think about massages and medi-pedis in a spa or lounging in a chair relaxing and enjoying. Though these things can be part of a self-care routine, it’s not all self-care entails.
Self-care is about taking care of your physical as well as emotional needs. It’s about focusing on your whole well-being.
The Must-have Self-Care Goals and How to Achieve Them
- Getting Adequate Sleep
This is the hardest thing to do for a new Mom. And sleep is the most important factor when it comes to a healthy physical and mental state. I know you can’t get 6-8 hours’ sleep when you have a new-born baby at home. But getting 3-4 hours uninterrupted sleep can do wonders too.
So try to do it when there is someone else who can look after your baby like your mother-in-law or husband. You can use a breast pump to express milk and have your husband or mother to feed your baby. Or they can just bring the baby to you for feeding and let you sleep otherwise. Whatever means is possible to catch up on your sleep, do try it.
- Eat Healthily
I get it, you barely have time to cook, let alone worry about healthy foods. If you have someone at home who can cook or at least help you cook then it’s doable. But if you don’t, then make a list of quick and healthy snacks you can grab that you can cook and store or refrigerate.
Remember to keep yourself hydrated. If you are a breastfeeding Mom, it’s doubly important. So fill up a bottle and keep it at your bedside or a place where you spend most of your time with your baby. If it’s in front of your eyes most of the time, you will see it and remember to drink.
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- Quiet Time
Having some quiet time is necessary for your peace of mind. And it’s so hard to get with a baby at home. But there are some ways to give the necessary rest to your mind. Put your phone down for at least one of your baby’s feeding, just concentrate on feeding your baby, hum a song, close your eyes, and let your mind rest.
Another thing you can do for some quiet time is; when your baby naps, just sit and relax, don’t do any chores or anything else. I know it’s hard when you have so many things to do but try it as often as possible when your baby naps. It can be therapeutic.
- Exercise
I am not talking about going to the gym or having a workout routine. Sleep-deprived Mommies don’t have time to shower let alone go to Gym. But exercise helps you release stress and can freshen up your mind. You can give your body a workout by going for a walk, even if you have to take your baby with you. When you do your chores, you can put on some music, and set a time to move for 15 minutes as quickly as you can, and it will become a workout.
- Socialize
Being a new mom can be very lonely sometimes. And every now and then you need adult interactions and discussions that are not always about your baby, you need a break. Talking to your friends and family can help with that, especially those friends who don’t have babies yet, otherwise you would end up talking about babies whether you want or not.
You don’t need to socialize by going to their home or inviting them, though it would be good for you once in a while to get out. Otherwise, video-calls/group calls are a great way to socialize these days.
Babies need their mommy to be healthy and happy. And mommies can do that by taking care of themselves mentally and physically. So take care of yourself ladies. After all, the secret to a happy baby is a happy Momma!
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