This one’s for all the mums out there! Listen up busy mums, because I’m here to tell you that self-care is not a luxury. No, no, no! Self-care is a necessity — it’s an essential part of your well-being and a way to help you beat burnout.
Yes, being a mum can feel overwhelming. You’ve got the kids to take care of, the house to maintain and then a husband to care for–not to mention having some quality time for yourself. Oof! Finding time for yourself seems almost impossible with these responsibilities on your shoulders.
But here’s the thing: self-care doesn’t have to take hours out of your day or cost an arm and a leg. You can choose simple routines that don’t require more than a few minutes per day OR cost you an arm and leg. So let me give you some ideas on how you can fit self-care into your already hectic schedule!
Taking Time Out – Making ‘Me Time’ a Priority
Let’s face it, being a busy mum means you’re constantly on the go–and taking time out for yourself is often the last thing on your to-do list. But if you don’t take time to look after yourself, soon enough you’ll be feeling the burnout. And who has time for that?
So, here’s where self-care comes in! You can’t pour from an empty cup, and sometimes life as a busy mum requires a cup refill. From quiet moments of practice mindfulness to enjoying a hot soak in the bath with nothing but bubbles for company–it doesn’t matter what it is. All that matters is that you make “me time” a priority and give yourself a chance to reset, relax and restore.
Just think of self-care as putting oxygen mask on yourself first in an airplane emergency. It may seem counterintuitive at first; but when you start looking after your own wellbeing, everyone else around you will benefit too. So make sure you give yourself permission to take that break – and breathe!
Building a Better Bedtime – Tips for Stress-Free Sleep
Ah, bedtime. Your moment to relax, refuel and get ready for the day ahead. But when the little ones are running riot and the work just never stops, finding the time and energy to wind down can be a challenge.
Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to beat the burnout and create a space that’s perfect for a peaceful night’s rest. Instead of trawling your bedroom for distracting bits and bobs–leave that for tomorrow. Try these tips tonight:
- Get your to-do list together early. That way you can spend your evening focusing on relaxation, rather than on raced-off reminders of everything you didn’t manage to accomplish during the day.
- Put away any tech devices an hour before bedtime – no more late night Instagram scrolling!
- Freshen up your bedroom with comfy pillows, candles and soothing scents — it’s time you spoil yourself a little.
- Turn off all glaring lights so you can properly de-stress
- Take some time out with a hot cup of tea or decaf coffee — it’s not just toddlers who need their nightcaps!
With these simple tricks, you’ll be nodding off in no time – without any help from counting sheep!
How to Beat the Burnout – Practical Ways to Unwind
Let’s face it, being a mum is a tough job. There are days when you can barely take two steps without being asked to do something else. Don’t worry though! I’ve got some simple self-care routines for you that won’t take up too much of your already limited time.
Set a Routine
It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to beat the burnout is to get yourself into a routine. It doesn’t have to be complicated—just plan out your day and make sure you’ve got plenty of time for yourself during it. Some things you could try:
- Take a few moments for yourself each day – for example, a cup of tea and a chapter in your favourite book.
- Take regular breaks throughout the day – maybe take five minutes to get outside or call a friend or family member.
- Make time for exercise or meditation – even if it’s just 10-15 minutes each day, it can make all the difference.
These are only small steps but they can really help you de-stress and unwind after hectic days—and maybe even give you the motivation to keep going when those dark clouds threaten to roll in!
Mental Health Matters for Mums – Looking After Your Mind
Let’s face it, busy mums sometimes forget to look after their mental health. But that’s something you needn’t put off any longer! It doesn’t have to be complicated, either—just a few simple routines can make all the difference.
So what should you include in your self-care routine? Here are some ideas:
- Finding time for yourself: Make sure to take some time out of the day to do something that you enjoy – reading a book or listening to music, for example.
- Being mindful: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help to clear your mind and refocus your thoughts.
- Connecting with friends: Talking to friends can provide emotional support and lift your mood.
These small steps will soon add up and leave you feeling refreshed and recharged – ready for whatever might come your way!
Finding Joy in Everyday Activities – Creating Balance in Life
We know that being a busy mum is no joke—but finding joy in everyday activities is key to creating balance in life! It’s not about taking away from your time with the kids, it’s about creating a positive energy and feeling refreshed when you come back to them. Here are a few ideas:
- Take time for yourself – Schedule time just for you every day, whether its just 10 minutes or an entire hour. This can mean anything from going for a walk or reading . Anything that brings you joy and adds novelty to your days will help stave off burnout.
- Bond with the family – If you of course need to spend more time with your kids, think of ways that you can bond with them without compromising on self-care. Get involved in their hobbies and make it fun! Go out and explore nature together or even discover new recipes in the kitchen—the possibilities are endless!
- Try something new – Sometimes all it takes to bring back your spark is trying something new! This can be a new hobby, learning something new outside of work, or even planning an exciting trip away. Whatever works best for you is ideal!
Nourish Your Body With Healthy Foods – Eating Right for Lasting Energy
Mums, it’s time to get serious about your nutrition. You’ve got mountains of to-dos and little people who need you, so fuelling up with healthy foods is essential for lasting energy throughout the day. Eating something green every now and then isn’t just good for the soul—it’s good for the body too!
But what if you could all have a healthy meal plan that also works for your budget? All you need to do is get creative in the kitchen! Here are some ideas to get you going:
- Prepare meals in bulk and freeze them, so you can easily defrost them when needed
- Learn how to make use of leftovers, by turning them into delicious new dishes featuring all the nutrients your body needs
- Invest in a slow cooker or pressure cooker—those babies can whip up dishes without all the hassle
- Make sure there are plenty of fruits and veggies around the house—they’re not only filled with antioxidants but they’re also really affordable
- For quick snacks in between meals, reach for natural yogurts or smoothies with frozen fruit as a delicious treat
- Try out vegetarian recipes with pulses, like lentils or quinoa that are just as nourishing as their meat counterparts
With a little bit of planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can turn nutritious meals into tasty options that everyone will enjoy (even your little people!). It’s time to start fuelling up on the right kind of fuel that’ll give you long-lasting energy throughout your day!
