• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • RSS
  • YoutubeYoutube
  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
Dr Sarah Allen LogoDr Sarah Allen Logo 847 791-7722 Telephone and online sessions available
  • Home
  • About Sarah
  • Media Interviews
  • Anxiety & Depression
    • Anxiety Treatment
    • FREE Anxiety Book
    • Depression Treatment
    • Free Depression Book
    • Simple Steps To Improve Your Mood Workshop
  • Pregnancy Postpartum
    • Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders
    • Free Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Mood Issues
    • New Mom Workshop
    • Women’s Counseling
  • Eating & Weight Issues
  • Couples & Families
    • Relationship Coaching
    • Family Therapy
    • Parenting Coaching
  • Fees & FAQs
    • Initial Assessment Forms
    • Fees & Insurance Info
    • Telephone & Video Counseling
    • Appointment
      Rescheduling Policy
  • Blog
    • All Blogs
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Relationship Coaching
    • Eating & Weight Issues
    • Family Counseling
    • Parenting
    • Pregnancy and Postpartum
    • Teens
    • Women’s Issues
  • Contact & Directions
  • Contact
  • Directions

33 Things A Stressed Mom Can Do To Look After Herself

by Dr. Sarah Allen
separator

I think as mothers, we expect ourselves to be putting others’ needs first. That’s what mothers do, right? Yes, that’s what a lot of us do 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.

Why is it important to look after yourself? Well, who gives their best to anything when they are tired, overwhelmed and cranky?

When I meet new moms and say this to them  I am often met with “how am I supposed to fit that 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.

Tips for Stressed Moms

Below is a list of 33 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.
  3. Go for a shorWoman relaxingt walk.
  4. Avoid strict or rigid schedules.
  5. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  6. Avoid overdoing anything.
  7. Get out of the house.
  8. Set small goals for yourself.
  9. 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.
  10. Eat healthily every 3 -4 hours to keep your blood sugar levels(and therefore mood) even.
  11. Screen phone calls.
  12. Set limits with your guests.Share how you feel with friends
  13. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  14. Delegate household duties.
  15. Let others know what they can do to help.
  16. Let your partner/family/friends know how you are feeling.
  17. Be very specific about what you need from your partner.
  18. Avoid people who make you feel bad and seek out those who make you feel good.
  19. Set boundaries with people you can’t avoid.
  20. Lose any expectations you have of yourself & others that can’t possibly be fulfilled.
  21. Trust your instincts. You are doing many things right!
  22. Expect some good days and some bad days.
  23. Prioritize what needs to be done Say thankyou to those you loveand what can wait.
  24. Thank your partner/family/friends for helping you.
  25. Don’t compare yourself to others.
  26. Do not blame yourself.
  27. Do the best you can. If it doesn’t feel like enough, it’s enough for now.
  28. Encourage your partner to also seek support from friends and outside activities.
  29. 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.
  30. Confide in someone you trust.
  31. Remind yourself that all adjustment takes time.
  32. Don’t feel guilty, it wastes energy.

Lastly, remember take the time to nurture  yourself so you have the physical & emotional strength to take care of your family.

II have worked with hundreds of moms in the last 20 years and know it is not always easy to put yourself first. I have two free booklets that are full of information which will be useful to you.

A Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression has more information about symptoms, risk factors, how to look after yourself and treatment options.

THE GUIDE TO PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM STRESS, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION ebook

To get your FREE copy of the booklet click the link below

Guide To Pregnancy & Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression

 

 

 

Simple Steps To Overcoming Anxiety & Worrying can be downloaded below and is full of practical tips and exercises to get anxiety more under control.

SIMPLE STEPS TO OVERCOME ANXIETY & WORRYING ebook

To get your FREE copy of the booklet click the link below

Get Simple Steps To Overcome Anxiety & Worrying

 

 

I see clients in my Northbrook office or for your convenience, via telephone or internet sessions

If you have any questions after reading this article or want to know more about anxiety treatment

please contact me at 847 791-7722 or

email me below

    Dr. Allen's professional license only allows her to work with clients who live in IL & FL and unfortunately does not allow her to give personalized advice via email to people who are not her clients.

    Images by WoodleyWonderworks, Grant MacDonald & Tambako The Jaguar

    Filed Under: Anxiety, Pregnancy and Postpartum, Uncategorized, Women's Issues

    Anxiety

  • Download This Free Booklet

    SIMPLE STEPS TO OVERCOME ANXIETY & WORRYING EBOOK

  • Please Enter Your Email To Download This Booklet

    You've just been sent an email that contains a confirmation link. Check your SPAM/JUNK folder if you don't see it within a couple of minutes. In order to activate to receive your free booklet, click on the CONFIRM link and you will be sent a second email with the booklet. It may also be in your SPAM folder.

  • Testimonials

    When I need to refer any of my patients for talk therapy I immediately think of Dr. Allen as she is wonderful at helping people with severe and complex issues really get to the root of their problems. She is very caring and knowledgeable and I have found her extensive experience really helps people to change their lives for the better.

    Dr. Teresa PoprawskiPsychiatrist, First Chicago Neuroscience Clinic

    Last year I was so crippled by anxiety and panic attacks and I didn’t believe that anything or anyone would be able to help me. Since seeing you my life has changed forever and I am finally turning into the person that I always wanted to be…and the person I never thought I could be. You will be the person I call if I start to feel that way again.

    Wendy T.

    I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t a worrier and when my doctor suggested therapy instead of an antidepressant I didn’t think it could really help. I was totally wrong. I don’t spend so much time worrying about the “what ifs” now and concentrate on working on things that are in my control to change in the “here and now” rather than in the past or future. I spend much less time in my head worrying about everything and now have useful strategies to deal with many situations at home and at work. Life is much less stressful and I find myself teaching people I manage at work the strategies Dr. Allen taught me.

    Mark B.

    When I started seeing Dr. Allen for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me.

    Margaret R.

    When I started seeing you for therapy I felt so overwhelmed and trapped in daily battles with my three children. Thank you so much for all your help. It has really helped me gain a better perspective. I am now a role model for my children and help them worry less about things by teaching them the tools you taught me.

    Margaret R.
  • Recent Posts

    • 6 Ways To Reduce Stress and Stop Worrying!
    • Oprah Magazine Interview About Stress Management
    • Remote Therapy Appointments Available
    • 5 Best Anxiety Treatment Blog Posts
    • 7 Simple Grounding Techniques For Calming Down Quickly
    • Woman’s World Magazine America’s Ultimate Experts Article
    • Is Overthinking Making You Anxious?
    • Beach Waves Mini Meditation Helps Reduce Stress
    • Need A Simple Way To Keep Calm?
    • Sleep – Why It’s Important & How To Get It!
  • Footer

    As featured in...

    sponsors
    Contact SarahDr. Sarah Allen
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • RSS
    • YoutubeYoutube
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram

    COPYRIGHT © 2018 DR. SARAH ALLEN INC. 3400 DUNDEE ROAD, SUITE 245, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062 . TEL: (847) 791-7722 . FAX: (847) 562-9352 | FEES & INSURANCE | FORMS

    SERVING NORTHBROOK & CHICAGO NORTHSHORE COMMUNITIES INCL. ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, BUFFALO GROVE, DEERFIELD, DES PLAINES, EVANSTON, GLENCOE, GLENVIEW, HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE FOREST, LINCOLNSHIRE, MORTON GROVE, NORTHFIELD, RIVERWOODS, SKOKIE, VERNON HILLS, WHEELING, WILMETTE AND WINNETKA.