Yoga is an important part of my self-care. It helps my body, my mind, and soul… and so it’s a way to meet many of my needs at once. So that was my focus.
But, I realize there are many types of self-care.
There’s way too much talk about massages, bubble baths, and mani-pedis… and not nearly enough emphasis on the following underrated types of self-care for moms.
Preventive Health Care
Sometimes self-care feels like a day at the spa. But in my experience, many of the most beneficial forms of self-care aren’t really that fun. You might even be afraid of them. Like how I dread getting a cavity filled next week (ugh!).
But if you would never in a million years dream of skipping your child’s visit to the well, why on earth would you skip yours?
(I say this without judgment. I used the excuse of childcare being too hard to skip the dentist for 3 whole years after my daughter was born. Spoiler: This resulted in a mouth full of cavities that I had to have filled and many regrets.)
Not that you need it, but you have my official permission as a card-carrying yoga teacher/wellness blogger to skip yoga class (or any other kind of “self-care” you’re feeling overwhelmed by) to prioritize:
- Your annual exam
- Appointment with a dentist
- Mammograms
- Appointment with dermatologists
- Chiropractor/Acupuncturist/Physiotherapist Appointment
Mental Health Care
Mental health is an essential part of your overall health. It is at least as important as physical health.
I am so glad that awareness of maternal mental health disorders has increased in recent years. But this isn’t just about postpartum depression and anxiety.
As parents, it’s so easy to succumb to feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and like we’ll never be able to live up to the perfect vision we have in our minds of what doing it “right” should be like. This can be burdensome.
Especially over time.
I won’t pretend to be an expert here. (I’ve had plenty of my own struggles, though!) Sometimes to keep your mental health in check, you just need a break or a weekly coffee date with a really good friend.
Sometimes you need therapy, support groups, and medication.
They are all a vital part of your care. And you deserve to feel peaceful and comfortable—whatever it takes.
My favorite local resource for mental health for mothers is Postpartum Support Charleston. Click above now for a list of care providers, support groups and more.
Healthy sleep habits
It’s the end of the day. The kids are finally sleeping well. The house is quiet. You are exhausted.
You can either: Brush your teeth and go to sleep or you can stay awake and enjoy some time to enjoy your favorite Netflix show in peace.
If you’re like me, you often choose to stay up really late and end up watching your show or reading a book.
You say you’re only going to do it for a few minutes, then a few more… and before you know it, you’re waking up on the couch at 2 a.m. with all the lights on and your contacts stuck in your eyes.
We all do it.
But if you want to feel better, you need to get enough sleep.
(You know it’s true. This is why you schedule your entire life around your child’s bedtime. Right? Because you see how your little one falls apart when he doesn’t get the sleep he needs.)
Consider this a friendly reminder to put down the remote control and go to sleep—especially during times of high stress.
You don’t have to give up your TV shows, of course. I let myself stay up late and freak out on the weekends when I know I can sleep in a little later in the morning. Find what works for you.
Also check out 7 Yoga Poses That Will Help You Sleep.
A hobby just for you.
We all lose a bit of our former selves when we have children. It’s just part of the gig. I don’t think it’s such a problem. We are always growing and changing. And parenting is a HUGE lifestyle change.
I know there is only so much time in a day.
And you devote most of it to raising your little man.
But too often we give up our own hobbies and interests a little too easily.
Pick one thing. Give yourself just 10-20 minutes a day to step away from your busy day and lose yourself in a hobby that makes you feel happy – just to enjoy it.
There are many free yoga videos that are 20 minutes or less YouTube channel.
Sexual Health
Yes. I am going there.
Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to give up the pleasures of life.
I know it can be really hard to bond with your partner when you’re exhausted from chasing kids all day. Sometimes you are like two ships passing in the night, passing children as you go from one thing to another.
Sexual health is part of your overall health. And we all need a little adult play from time to time – with a partner or alone at bedtime. Try a vibrator* from an online store like LoveHoney (I love that they have discreet packaging and lots of quiet options so no one has to find out!). *Sponsored link
Orgasm is a quick (and really overlooked) way to get the feel-good endorphins flowing, lift your spirits, and remind yourself that there’s more to you than diapers and bubbles.
