Easy Self Care Tips For Moms To Feel Less Stressed!

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33 Things A Stressed Mom Can Do

I think as mothers, we frequently put others’ needs before our own, but after having three children I realize I am a better mom when I make a little time for myself and connect to things that make me relaxed and happy. It is not being selfish. It is being kind to yourself.

When I meet new moms and say this to them  I am often met with “how am I supposed to fit self care in?”. If you don’t plan it and make it a priority, it won’t happen. Stop believing you have to do everything and take a little time where and whenever you can. When you are less depleted you can get more done in the end.

Juggling the responsibilities of caring for children, managing a household, and perhaps working outside the home can leave you feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Stress not only affects your mental health but can also impact your physical well-being, making it essential to find ways to care for yourself.

In this article I explore 20 effective self-care tips and 30 quick tips to help stressed moms feel less stressed and overwhelmed. These tips cover daily habits to reduce stress, quick and easy self-care activities, and long-term strategies for sustained well-being. I am hopeful that Implementing these techniques can help you manage stress more effectively and feel calmer.

The Importance of Self-Care for Moms

Self-care is crucial for everyone, but it is especially important for moms. When you neglect your own well-being, it not only affects your health but can also impact your ability to care for your family. Taking time for yourself is essential to recharge and manage stress effectively.

Self-care helps to:

1. Reduce Stress: Engaging in activities that you enjoy or that relax you can help reduce stress levels. Lowering stress improves both mental and physical health.

2. Boost Mood: When you make time for self-care, you are more likely to feel happy and energetic. This positive mood can make daily challenges feel more manageable.

3. Improve Relationships: When you take care of yourself, you have more patience and emotional energy to devote to your family and friends. This can lead to more harmonious relationships.

4. Prevent Burnout: Constantly putting others first can lead to exhaustion and burnout. Regular self-care acts as a buffer against these feelings, keeping you more balanced and capable of handling your responsibilities.

Daily Habits to Reduce Stress

Implementing daily routines can significantly reduce stress and promote a sense of order and control. Here are some daily habits that can make a big difference:

1. Morning Stretching: Start your day with some gentle stretching exercises. This helps to wake up your muscles, increase blood flow, and prepare your mind for the day ahead.

2. Healthy Breakfast: Eating a nutritious breakfast provides the energy you need to tackle morning tasks. Include foods rich in protein and vitamins to keep you full and focused.

3. Scheduled Breaks: Throughout the day, take short breaks to rest and reset. Even five minutes of stepping away from chores or work can help recharge your mental batteries.

4. Prioritize Tasks: Make a to-do list and prioritize essential tasks. Tackling the most important items first can provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.

5. Consistent Bedtime: Establish a regular bedtime routine. Adequate sleep is crucial for reducing stress and improving overall health. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your body and mind ample time to recover.

Quick and Easy Self-Care Activities

Keep in mind that taking care of yourself doesn’t have to take a lot of time. There are many quick and easy self-care activities that you can fit into your busy schedule. These activities provide immediate relief and can help you feel rejuvenated, even on the most hectic days.

1. Deep Breathing: Spend a few minutes practicing deep breathing exercises. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. This simple activity can calm your mind and reduce stress.

2. Listen to Music: Put on your favorite song or a soothing playlist. Music can lift your spirits and provide a much-needed mental break. Dancing or simply listening can have a therapeutic effect.

3. Take a Quick Walk: A short walk outside can do wonders for your mood. Fresh air and a change of scenery help clear your mind and invigorate your body.

4. Read a Book or Article: Take a few minutes to read something you enjoy. Whether it’s a chapter of a book or a quick online article, reading can be a great escape from daily stress.

5. Pamper Yourself: Treat yourself to a quick pampering session. It could be as simple as applying a face mask, soaking your feet, or enjoying a warm beverage. These small acts of self-kindness can make a big difference.

6. Stretch: Take a moment to stretch your body. Simple stretches can relieve muscle tension and increase blood flow, helping you feel more relaxed and energized.

Long-Term Strategies for Health and Well-Being

While daily routines and quick self-care activities are beneficial, adopting long-term strategies can lead to sustained health and well-being. These strategies require a bit more time and commitment but offer significant rewards in the long run.

1. Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain mental and physical health. Exercise reduces stress, boosts mood, and improves energy levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

2. Healthy Eating: A balanced diet is crucial for overall well-being. Focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, which can negatively affect your mood and energy.

3. Adequate Sleep: Good sleep hygiene is vital for long-term health. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a restful environment. Avoid screens before bed and practice relaxation techniques to improve the quality of your sleep.

4. Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation or yoga into your routine. These practices help reduce stress, increase focus, and promote emotional health.

5. Support Network: Build and maintain a strong support network. Surround yourself with friends and family who uplift and support you. Don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.

6. Professional Help: Sometimes, seeking the guidance of a professional therapist is necessary. Therapy can provide you with tools and techniques to manage stress, improve relationships, and enhance your overall well-being.

I hope that the takeaway from reading this article is that caring for yourself is essential to being the mom you want to be. Implementing both short-term activities and long-term strategies ensures that you maintain your mental and physical health. I know it is not always easy to put yourself first but self-care is not selfish; it’s a vital aspect of motherhood that benefits not only you but also your family.

Remember, you deserve to feel good and be at your best. I understand the unique challenges that moms face and am here to support your journey toward better mental health with my women’s counseling services. The 20 steps are a good start but if you continue to feel stressed, anxious or irritable, please reach out to me for an appointment. I am here to help.

More Quick Tips for Stressed Moms

Below is a quick list of 30 things a stressed mom can do and say to look after herself. Keep in mind that you may not feel able to do many of the things listed here all at once. The most important thing is to do what you are able, no more, no less. Take small steps, try not to be too hard on yourself and take one day at a time.

  1. Do not expect too much from yourself right now.
  2. Take short breaks from the baby/children.
  3. Go for a short walk.
  4. Avoid strict or rigid schedules.
  5. Avoid overdoing anything.
  6. Get out of the house.
  7. Set small goals for yourself.
  8. Rest when your baby naps or if your child is older, take time for yourself when they are at preschool/school. Don’t just do errands.
  9. Eat healthily every 3 -4 hours to keep your blood sugar levels(and therefore mood) even.
  10. Screen phone calls.
  11. Set limits with your guests.
  12. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  13. Delegate household duties.
  14. Let others know what they can do to help.
  15. Let your partner/family/friends know how you are feeling.
  16. Be very specific about what you need from your partner.
  17. Avoid people who make you feel bad and seek out those who make you feel good.
  18. Set boundaries with people you can’t avoid.
  19. Lose any expectations you have of yourself & others that can’t possibly be fulfilled.
  20. Trust your instincts. You are doing many things right!
  21. Expect some good days and some bad days.
  22. Prioritize what needs to be done and what can wait.
  23. Don’t compare yourself to others.
  24. Do not blame yourself.
  25. Do the best you can. If it doesn’t feel like enough, it’s enough for now.
  26. Encourage your partner to also seek support from friends and outside activities.
  27. Give yourself permission to have negative feelings but also catch yourself doing something well or experiencing something positive rather than only dwelling on the negatives.
  28. Confide in someone you trust.
  29. Remind yourself that all adjustment takes time.
  30. Don’t feel guilty, it wastes energy.

I hope that the takeaway from reading this article is that caring for yourself is essential to being the mom you want to be. Implementing both short-term activities and long-term strategies ensures that you maintain your mental and physical health. I know it is not always easy to put yourself first but self-care is not selfish; it’s a vital aspect of motherhood that benefits not only you but also your family.

Remember, you deserve to feel good and be at your best. I understand the unique challenges that moms face and am here to support your journey toward better mental health with my women’s counseling services. The 20 steps are a good start but if you continue to feel stressed, anxious or irritable, please reach out to me for an appointment. I am here to help.

Dr. Sarah Allen

Parenting is tough and I am here to help you to be the parent you want to be. If you have any questions, or would like to set up an appointment to work with me, please contact me at 847 791-7722 or on the form below.

If you would like to read more about me and my areas of specialty,  please visit Dr. Sarah Allen Bio. Dr. Allen’s professional license only allows her to work with clients who live in IL & FL & the UK and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients. 

Dr. Allen sees clients in person in her Northbrook, IL office or remotely via video or phone.

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