Finding time to take care of yourself is a must in motherhood. At times as mothers we tend to get so invested in trying to be the best mother; we tend to forget about ourselves. My life is constantly busy, messy, and hectic at times; I’m constantly focusing on others needs before mine. Working a full time job, while also trying to spend time with my little one and still try to be a good partner; can be so stressful and chaotic at times. I’ve noticed that, I find myself more moody then usual when I don’t make time for myself. I consider self-care as a necessity to my mental, and physical health; and in no way shape or form is it selfish.
Self-Care Makes You A Better Partner, Mother, and Individual
When you are constantly giving yourself to your child, partner, or work; you start to forget about giving yourself a little TLC. This causes you to become stressed, and irritable; and will make you have less patience when dealing with different situations. There may be times, when you snap at your partner, or your children because you just feel drained and burned out with everything. But with taking time for yourself, your family needs to understand that this is a necessity. You’ll laugh and smile more instead of being hostile and snappy. Honestly self-care can make you a better version of yourself. Eventually you will see that HAPPINESS is VITAL for your life, and in all will have you and your family fulfilled. Also, this will show your children, and family that taking time for yourself, helps you grow and become a better person. YOU are your children’s role model, and our children look to us and how we treat ourselves. Just remember when mommy is good, so will your family be.
Live your Life
When you become a mother, there will be times where you become so focused on your children and partner; that you forget about you. In this instance, it starts to become a moment of losing yourself. To be honest, I’m still trying to get a hang on trying to still do what I want in life. Also while doing this, you and your partner should have an understanding of something you want to accomplish. Me for instance, I want to be able to blog more, and grow my presence on social media. In order for me to do that I have to take the necessary steps to get there and work towards it. Just because you become a mother, doesn’t mean that you forget about your dreams. Sometimes you dreams will keep you going and you striving to make a better life for yourself and family. There may be a hobby that you loved to do before you became a mom, and you haven’t done it in months due to the focus of motherhood. Take that time and dive back into that hobby, and do what makes you happy. I know that this process will take some time, but try to make a list and start from there.
Making Time for Yourself is not Selfish
Just as we nurture our children, you still have to nurture yourself. Just about everyday, you are spending time preparing meals all day, cleaning; and it can be so exhausting. When that time comes for you to start again, mentally and physically you’re just drained. For me, I know that there are times when I feel completely guilty for wanting time to myself. Other times, I’m having anxiety about not having my son with me. And honestly, I’m still trying to prepare myself for when I allow someone to watch him for the night or weekend. In the end though, I know that this time apart will be better not only for myself, but for my son and my relationship with my partner. At times, as mothers when we want to take this time for our-self we start to think that we are selfish for feeling this way. I’m here to tell you that making that time to nurture yourself is in no way shape or form selfish. If we don’t take care of ourselves, the feeling of resentment, isolation, and insufficient will arise. When I engage in self-care, I feel more present, and focused; and I honestly believe it should be in all moms daily agenda. If you don’t make the time and space for self-care; it isn’t going to happen.
I hope this was helpful to any new moms, or moms who are still trying to get the hang of everything. I know for me, I’m still learning everyday. Let me know any other thoughts down below.