Five important mental health tips for busy moms
Being a mom is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences, however, it can also be extremely challenging and sometimes, downright exhausting.
Trying to balance family, a career, daily responsibilities, as well as a social life can be taxing, taking a toll on your mental health and wellbeing.
That’s why it’s so important to prioritize your wellbeing, not just for yourself, but for your family as well. When you take care of your wellbeing, you can show up for your kids as the best version of yourself and be the best mom you can be. Here are five important mental health tips for busy moms.
1) Set realistic expectations
Sometimes as busy moms, we want to have everything under control, but this often means taking on more than we can chew, which can lead to more chaos and stress in our lives. It’s important to be realistic about what you can actually accomplish on your own, and what you might need to get help with.
If you have a dedicated partner in your life, share tasks and goals with them. When it comes to your daily life, learn to say no and set boundaries when you need to. Your priorities as a mom are paramount and you should not feel bad about it. When you can effectively set goals that are reasonable, it can help prevent you from becoming completely overwhelmed.
2) Take breaks
There may be days when you have such a long to-do list that it seems you don’t even have a minute to breathe. However, regardless of how busy you are, it’s extremely important to take breaks throughout the day and check in with yourself, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, make yourself some coffee or tea, and just take a breath.
These breaks will help you recharge and regain your focus to take on the rest of the day. You’ll be surprised how many days you might usually go without stopping for the sake of relaxing!
3) Connect with your circle
Having a healthy support system of people that you can turn to can be incredibly beneficial. Whether it’s friends, family, or even a mom group, having people in your corner who understand what you’re going through, who you can lean on in times of need, can give you reassurance when things get hard and help you feel less alone.
Community is an important tool in not only raising children but also staying healthy and strong as a parent.
4) Practice mindfulness
As a busy mom with daily responsibilities and routines, you may find yourself constantly running on autopilot which can lead you into a downward spiral of the mundane, letting your days quickly plunge into a fog. This can ultimately affect your overall wellbeing in the long run and limit opportunities for growth and learning.
To shake things up and stay in the present it’s important to practice mindfulness throughout your day. Even if you only have a few minutes, take some deep breaths, meditate, go for a walk, or do anything else that allows you to connect with the moment and become aware of your surroundings.
5) Prioritize self–care
Being a mom is hard work, so it’s vital to show yourself some love. While it may be hard to put yourself first sometimes, it’s essential. Self-care looks different for everyone, whether it’s a relaxing bubble bath, treating yourself to a pedicure, going to that yoga class you enjoy, or having a lunch date with a friend, try to do something each day that makes you feel good.
As moms, we often feel that focusing on ourselves, at times, is selfish and irresponsible. Doing so is also not an established social norm, but keep in mind that this doesn’t apply as much to men, who are expected to take time for themselves. When necessary, reach out for help when it comes to taking care of the kids, and make time for some self care.
By prioritizing your wellbeing, you’ll become more resilient to take on challenges and be a better mom, partner, and friend.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
No one expects you to do it all. If you feel overwhelmed, it’s perfectly okay to ask for help. Reach out to your partner or a trusted friend or family member when things get challenging. You may be surprised how willing people are to extend a helping hand, all you have to do is ask.
However, sometimes taking on so much can really affect our mental health, and there may be times when it’s beneficial to seek help from a mental health professional.
While there are many different kinds of therapies for anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns, those looking for a more holistic approach may want to try an alternative treatment. Bespoke Treatment offers individualized treatment plans that are highly effective at treating common mental health conditions without the use of medication.
